Here Kid, Memorize this and Go Home.

Have you ever felt that way about your child’s school?  Schools in the New York City area and throughout the country are established to turn out students and send them back into the real world.  As a child psychologist I often hear about “the shutdown learner”.  A child simply shuts down rather than doing classwork or homework.

When I hear about these traits, I look for some of the signs such as –

1.  Unusual obsession with the computer

2.  Instructions are meant to be disobeyed or completely ignored

3.  Can’t understand the written material presented

4.  Plenty of negative self-talk

5.  Simply giving up academically

Please do me and, more importantly, yourself a favor.  Go to my website sussmankids.com and visit the ODD tab.  Here, you will find an article on “shutdown disorder”.  It may be one of the most helpful reads you have ever had.  After that, please give a call at (908) 217-8106 and we will talk about it at my Mountainside NJ or Staten Island NY office.

Our Family Needs Help, but I Can’t Afford It.

Oh, how terribly painful this is.  Quality medical care, proper representation in court, and even help from a child psychologist all could fall into that category.  Sometimes, insurance is what it is all about.  Should health insurance cover the cost of family therapy?  Dr. Steven Sussman says an emphatic YES!

When you start adding up the cost of occupational therapy and all of the ancillary help that you can give your child there is only so much that a parent can do.  Dr. Sussman chooses to do what many other child psychologists won’t do.  He happily accepts most union and insurance plans that are out there today.

Why not call one of his offices and see if you can qualify for help with your kid’s much-needed therapy?  Check out his website at sussmankids.com and see the wide array of insurances that he accepts.  Then call his number which works at either of his offices located in Mountainside, NJ or on Staten Island.  That number is (908) 217-8106.

The Best Things to do in NYC this Weekend

The best things to do in NYC this weekend

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There are a ton of great things to do in NYC this weekend!  Get out and enjoy the city! 

Your Kids and Their Cell Phones.

When today’s adults were growing up mom and dad’s biggest concern may have been doling out television time.  Today, there are a myriad of electronic distractions that can challenge your kid.  Cell phones and their usage rank right at the top.  One of the big questions today is…at what age should parents buy their child (children) a cell phone?

The short answer is…it is up to you mom and dad!  Sure, age is a factor, but your child’s maturity level should be the primary consideration.  When you hand your kid his or her first cell phone you are giving them a powerful communication device.  Now they can create texts, photos, and videos to be widely distribute.

This can be a very slippery slope and the decision must be carefully weighed including the issue of security and safety.  How to manage cell phone usage in your adolescents is today’s “television time”.  Let Dr. Steven Sussman help you with this issue and many others.  He is a child psychologist with offices in Mountainside NJ and Staten Island.  Please call him for an appointment at either office at (908) 217-8106.

Today’s Kids and Screen Time.

It is a discussion that has gone on for more than 60 years and several generations.  What is the effect of television on adolescents?  Television (and screen time in general) plays a major role in the lives of our children.  It can entertain and inform, of course.  It can also influence our kids in many undesirable ways.

On screen characters are often exaggerated stereotypes that distorts the every day lives of the common person.  Women, the elderly, and kids in general do not appear as often as they do in real life.  The more hours that our youngsters spend looking at a screen the less time they will spend on homework, exercise, family interaction, and social development.

The discussion is as old as the “boob tube” itself.  How do you handle the delicate balance of real life and sitting in front of a screen for hours every day?  New York/New Jersey child psychologist has some very specific thoughts about this topic and others.  Why not arrange a consultation at his Staten Island or Mountainside NJ office by calling (908) 217- 8106.

TIMES SQUARE NEW YEARS EVE FOR ALL AGES

TIMES SQUARE NEW YEARS EVE FOR ALL AGES

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Looking for a fun New Years Eve party for kids and adults alike?  Browse the list of family friendly events for NYE and make your plans today!

 

What is Normal?

Wow, there’s the $64 question!  They just seem to keep moving that bar, don’t they?  Certain issues with your child’s development remain static.  Have they been struggling with issues of friendship?  Are they anxious most of the time?  Do they often lose their temper?  Are they having trouble adjusting to a changing family situation?

Here are some questions to ask a child psychologist –

1.  How would you typically deal with the problem I just described to you?

2.  Are the parents involved in the therapy?

3.  What would you say to my child to put them at ease?

4.  When should I expect improvement?

5.  Where do we begin?

Dr. Steven Sussman a noted child psychologist in New York and New Jersey checks all of the boxes.  You should have a great sense of comfort and confidence when you leave his office.  To arrange a consultation with Dr. Sussman in his Mountainside NJ or Staten Island office just call (908) 217-8106.  Finally…answers to your tough questions!