That’s It…I Give Up!

No, that is not the answer (rarely is it the correct decision in life).  This is especially true with your kids.  In a quiet moment have you ever asked yourself why is it so easy to go from “zero to 60” when our kids make us angry?  There may be many contributing factors, not the least of which may well be because you allow it to happen.

In a real sense when we reach the point where we react emotionally we’re allowing the behavior of our kids to determine how we’ll behave rather than the other way around!  This is often because we believe that we need to get our kids under control, rather than taking a moment to stop and think and say, “Wait, let me get myself under control first before I respond.”

The primary reason I write this is to make those of you who are the “adults in the room” are just that.  The question is…are you able to cut back on the yelling, the scolding, and the over-medicating that leads to a stalemate?  Let’s talk about this.  My name is Dr. Steven Sussman a child psychologist located in Mountainside NJ.  Please call me at (908) 217-8106.       

I’m Not in a Good Mood.

We all have said or thought that from time to time.  In adults it could mean something entirely different than when an adolescent says it.  This is a category of possible mental health problems that includes all types of depression and bipolar disorder.  Mood disorders are sometimes called affective disorders.

Here are some of the more common that I have witnessed –

1.  Major, sustained depression

2.  Bipolar signs

3.  Something called disruptive mood dysregulation disorder

4.  Mood disorder due to the taking of medications

In this day and age the bar moves from time to time and we all need to be aware of that.  When dealing with mood disorders in adolescents one size DOES NOT fit all.  Let’s talk about your kid(s).  I am New Jersey child psychologist Dr. Steven Sussman.  My office is at 615 Sherwood Pkwy in Mountainside.  Please call me for an appointment at (908) 217-8106.

I’m Not in a Good Mood.

We all have said or thought that from time to time.  In adults it could mean something entirely different than when an adolescent says it.  This is a category of possible mental health problems that includes all types of depression and bipolar disorder.  Mood disorders are sometimes called affective disorders.

Here are some of the more common that I have witnessed…

1.  Major, sustained depression

2.  Bipolar signs

3.  Something called disruptive mood dysregulation disorder

4.  Mood disorder due to the taking of medications

In this day and age, the bar moves from time to time and we all need to be aware of that.  When dealing with mood disorders in adolescents one size DOES NOT fit all.  Let’s talk about your kid(s).  I am New Jersey child psychologist Dr. Steven Sussman.  My office is at 615 Sherwood Pkwy in Mountainside.  Please call me for an appointment at (908) 217-8106.

How Do You Get Your Teenagers to Go to Therapy?

I’ve got a better question…how do you get your teenagers to do ANYTHING?  Here are some typical complaints by parents.  “My son thinks I am the crazy one who needs to go to counseling instead.”  “My daughter does not want to sit in front of a stranger and tell them all about her personal problems.”

Here are some ways to encourage your teen –

1.  Introduce your teenager to a counselor BEFORE major problems arise.

2.  Promise that you will go into therapy with them.

3.  Empower your teen to take ownership of the sessions.

4.  Negotiate.  We will postpone therapy if I see a marked progress in your behavior.

If all else fails…take control!  That IS your job after all.  Call me for a consultation.  I am a New Jersey child psychologist who has dealt with the challenges of teenagers for decades.  I have even developed a special teen-friendly technique.  My name is Dr. Steven Sussman.  Call me today to meet in my Mountainside, New Jersey office at (908) 217-8106.    

The Dramatic Effects of Technology.

You can ignore it, deny it, or accept it for what it is, but technology has altered the human race.  It makes us think differently…even dream differently.  Our memory, our sleep patterns, and our attention spans are perceptibly changed.  You know what it does to adults, so what does it do to younger minds?

Here are some ways that technology has completely “re-wired” us –

1.  FOMO…fear of missing out

2.  PVS…phantom vibration syndrome.  You THINK that your cell phone is ringing

3.  Younger people are remembering less and less personal info. as it is “stored”

4.  Studies show that kids are more likely to react with unchecked hostility

5.  Falling asleep with the glow of laptops becomes more and more challenging

Inquiring minds want to know, and developing minds NEED to know!  Generation Z (people born in this century) will soon account for a third of the population.  Dr. Steven Sussman wants to help you navigate these swirling waters.  Dr. Sussman is a child psychologist who serves Mountainside, NJ and the area.  Please call him for an appointment at (908) 217-8106.

On the Spectrum.

These are three words that we never heard together just a generation ago.  Today being “on the spectrum” implies autistic spectrum disorder, but knowing where your child falls within that spectrum is vital.  The huge misconception is that all children who are diagnosed with ASD have virtually the same symptoms.

In fact, about the only similarities children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder have in common are symptoms which are a direct result of the neurological disorder itself.  You may be looking for a lack or absence of communication skills, stereotyped or repetitive behaviors and difficulty or lack of interpersonal or social skills.  Does any of that sound familiar?

As the concept of autistic spectrum disorder has changed and its treatment methods have evolved, Dr. Steven Sussman has evolved as well.  Over the decades he continues to understand more and more about ASD as studies become more advanced.  A noted New York and New Jersey child psychologist, Dr. Sussman wants to help your family.  If you have experienced the issues listed above call him today for a consultation at his Mountainside, NJ office.  That phone number is (908) 217-8106.

What the Adults are Saying.

Oh this younger generation, they are spoiled and entitled and hopelessly glued to mass media.  A gentleman named Bruce Gibney even wrote a book about them entitled, 'A Generation of Sociopaths: How the Baby Boomers Betrayed America'.  That’s right Baby Boomers!  This is what “The Greatest Generation” said about US.

Now, the other side.  Author Sally Kane wrote that Baby Boomers were competitive, goal-oriented, and career-focused—and also nonconformist and willing to question authority.  Compared to their parents’ generation, Boomers were more likely to protest policies and social practices they saw as unjust.

I bring this up for one specific reason.  Everything they said about us (and other generations) are the same basic challenges that we face today.  Substitute the television for the Smart Phone and just listen to the criticism.  I am New Jersey child psychologist, Dr. Steven Sussman.  For decades I have heard it all.  The problems are not new…just the solutions.  Call me at (908) 217-8106.