By Bette J. Freedson, LCSW, LICSW Introduction A Sense of Belonging Conclusion Introduction Adolescents intuitively gravitate to cliques. Cliques are developmentally in sync with the tasks of adolescence. When these groups of tightly connected kids and young adults...
Kids & Families
Tips To Help Single Moms Live Well on a Budget
Tips for single moms to live well, manage stress, and give their children a sense of self-worth and stability.
“Me-Time” for Moms and Fun Time for Kids
By Bette J. Freedson, LCSW, LICSW Moms need time to replenish their energies and enthusiasm. Children benefit from learning to spend independent time. In training the kids to play alone, and give Mom time she needs for herself, keep these guidelines in mind: Age 1:...
Sexual Abuse Q&A
The most important thing I tell parents is: Believe your child! Red flags that I look for if I suspect abuse are: sudden changes in behavior such as nightmares or extreme fears without obvious explanations.
Five Most Common Parenting Mistakes and Their Fixes
By Bette J. Freedson, LCSW, LICSW Introduction The most important pothole mistake is expecting yourself to be perfect. You will fall into these from time to time. Every parent does. Not to worry. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and use the fixes most of the time....
Three Questions about Child and Adolescent Resilience
By Elizabeth K. Anthony, PhD, MSW, MA Introduction Dr. Elizabeth K. Anthony is an Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work at Arizona State University and holds an M.S.W. and Ph.D. in Social Work and an M.A. in Counseling. She has been working with...
11 Tips for Single Parents
By Bette J. Freedson, LCSW, LICSW Being a parent might be the most important job in the world; and being a single parent is even tougher! As a single mother who successfully raised two daughters, and as a social worker helping single moms and dads every day, I can...
Help for Spouses of Combat Veterans With PTSD
War is a bad thing and terrible things happen. That doesn’t make your vet bad. Listen if he talks about the war.
The Needs of Families of Fallen Iraq Veterans
By L.B (LeslieBeth) Wish, EdD, MSS Sally had been a soldier's wife for all twelve years of their marriage. She endured separations while her husband, Tom, was called to duty, and she toughed out raising twin boys alone. Sally said Tom loved her because, in his words,...
Adolescent Cancer Survivors and Substance Abuse Risk
By Barbara Jones, PhD, Jessica Parker-Raley, MA, and Elizabeth C. Pomeroy, PhD, LCSW Introduction Adolescent Cancer Survivors Face Physical and Psychological Challenges Adolescent Cancer Suvivors and Substance Use Research Findings Implications for Social...
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Recent Articles
Ask a Social Worker: My son is threatening suicide
At the beginning of the pandemic, my son, who dropped out of college, became really withdrawn. He is now threatening to commit suicide. We called a hotline and they suggested family therapy. But my partner, his father, doesn’t believe him. He thinks he’s manipulating...
Ask a Social Worker: My Boss is a Bully
I’m an IT professional who works mainly from home, especially during the pandemic. My boss has become very demanding. He sends emails early before work, saying he wants to make sure I login on time. He will email me throughout the weekend about assignments, even those...
Ask a Social Worker: How can I help my child overcome her fear of dogs?
My 14-year-old daughter is fearless and reckless. She charges down the soccer field like there is no tomorrow and plays basketball with her two older brothers, who are a head taller than she is. I admire that; I was shy at her age. But she is deathly afraid of dogs....