Tips for Families
These tips cover a variety of issues that help families to improve communications, increase cooperation and deepen relationships among family members. The information is educational and not intended to replace family therapy. To obtain additional information, click on the links at the end of each article.
A Six-Point Plan for Homework
The most common concern families have during the school year is the battle around homework. Generally speaking, what is an adequate amount of time spent on homework?
Anger Management for Children
While we have always had angry kids, the level of violence has increased part of which may be due to the media. Although some of the school shooters were probably very angry--in general, kids are no more angry than they have been in the past--parents now are more sensitive to it. Children just need to be taught how to control it.
Birth Order – 1sts and 2nds
Many people have called Heartland Family Service for information on Birth Order. Here we address first- and second-born children.More tips about: Birth Order, Parenting, Relationships
Birth Order – 3rds and 4ths
Many people have called Heartland Family Service for information on Birth Order. Here we address third- and fourth-born children.More tips about: Birth Order, Parenting, Relationships
Caregiver Stress
The aging of the baby boomers brings with it a growing number of elderly parents who need special care. At any time, a health problem might suddenly throw adult children into a situation they know nothing about.More tips about: Caregivers, Senior Citizens, Stress
Children and Divorce
Judges in the Omaha/Council Bluffs metro area have ordered that all divorcing parents of minor children must attend a parenting class about how divorce affects their children. Generally speaking, how do kids handle it when their parents divorce?
Compulsive Gambling
Compulsive gamblers usually don't think they have a problem, so their solution is to keep gambling until they get ahead. They "chase their losses" -- continue to bet on other events to win back what they have lost.More tips about: Addictions, Gambling
Dealing With Children’s Lies
It seems that no matter how parents teach their children the importance of honesty, their children lie anyway. How important are these lies?
Do’s & Don’ts of Discipline
All children need discipline. As parents, we need to set limits so our children are safe and happy. But even more important, it is our duty to teach our children the values and self-discipline that will help them become successful adults. Think of your child as a student, and you are the teacher. Good discipline means that parents expect and reward appropriate behavior, and calmly and matter-of-factly assign consequences for inappropriate behavior.More tips about: Children, Discipline, Parenting
Domestic Abuse
The sad fact is that domestic abuse is all around us, and even if we are not victims ourselves, a victim is assaulted every 15 seconds in America.More tips about: Domestic Abuse, Relationships
Enlisting Help for Household Chores
This tip is a sample of a "Chore List" for family chores. Just write in the chores to fit your home and family. Review the list occasionally -- make sure it keeps working for you. Keep it on a clipboard in a place that everyone knows where to find it.
Family-Strengthening Activities
This tip is a list of activities you can do with your family to strengthen your familial bonds.More tips about: Activities, Families, Family
Fatherhood
Today’s dads are more involved in their children’s lives than their own fathers. That’s good, because dads give their children qualities that are critically important to the child’s development.More tips about: Fatherhood, Parenting
Help Your Child Cope with Teasing
Teasing is common among children, especially between brothers and sisters. It can be OK only if it is used with care.
How to Choose a Counselor
Some information about when people see counselors, and what to look for in a good client/counselor match.More tips about: Professional Counseling
Leadership Skills
On Martin Luther King Day, most schools will be closed to honor Martin Luther King and his struggle for equality and civil rights. He is considered one of the greatest leaders of this century. How do great leaders emerge?More tips about: Leadership, Parenting
Love and Marriage
Some thoughts about what makes a good marriage.More tips about: Marriage, Relationships
March Madness Gambling
The college basketball playoffs culminate in March, and it is the one last opportunity that sports betters have to make that one big bundle of money. It’s a good time for employers and loved ones to see the signs of compulsive gambling, which can destroy families and damage businesses.More tips about: Addictions, Gambling
Methamphetamines
Some information about methamphetamines and the signals that a person may be using.More tips about: Addictions, Drugs, Meth, Methamphetamines
Mother/Daughter Relationships
Some thoughts on healthy mother-daughter relationships.More tips about: Motherhood, Parenting, Relationships
Mother/Son Relationships
Some thoughts on healthy mother-son relationships.More tips about: Motherhood, Parenting, Relationships
Moving With Children
Since it usually takes some time to decide whether or not you will move, should you involve the children in the decision?
Nannies
A nanny is a childcare specialist who cares for children in the family’s home. Nannies can be full-time or part-time, as well as live-in or live out. They typically assist the family with a number of household tasks such as transporting the children to and from school and activities, light house cleaning, and some meal preparation.More tips about: Child Care, Nannies
New School Jitters
Children all over the metro area are starting school. Some are bright and eager to begin and some children are nervous and scared to begin a new school. How can parents help children fight the "new school jitters"?
Overcoming The Holiday “Blues”
The holidays are a great time of year for most people. But some begin to feel depressed. Isn’t this just a case of the "Holiday Blues?"More tips about: Depression, Holidays
Overcoming The Holiday “Greedies”
It is the parents' duty is to "civilize" children by teach them self-control. Controlling greed is part of self-control, and the holidays are a perfect time to do that.
Parent/Child Communication
Good parent/child communication is tough sometimes. But that is because people don't take communication seriously. Good communication skills are truly an art form. You have to approach the other person carefully with respect and a sense of fair play. Poor communication skills increase conflict. Practicing good communication skills is the same as keeping oil in your car engine -- it helps everything run smoothly and efficiently.More tips about: Children, Communication, Parenting
Parenting in a Blended Family
Every year, more than a thousand metro area parents divorce, leaving children in single-parent or blended families. But blended families have a whole different set of rules than a nuclear family. How should a new couple agree on a parenting style and discipline?More tips about: Blended Families, Divorce, Parenting
Positive Attitudes
Some children have such a negative attitude -- "...nobody likes me...nothing good ever happens to me...it will never work." How can a parent steer a child toward a more positive attitude?
Raising Drug-Free Kids
Heartland Family Service believes drug education should start with preschoolers. How do parents actually begin the process of drug education with children that young?
Raising Drug-Free Teens
As young people get older in high school, what do parents need to do to keep them from getting into drug or alcohol use?
Salute To Families Q&A
Salute to Families started in 1982, to demonstrate how many strong families we have in the metro area. We all hear so much in the media about the problems with families -- this event is designed to focus on all the great things about families.More tips about: Annual Events, Families, Family
School Bedtimes
School begins in a few weeks for metro-area students, and bedtime will be a growing concern for families. Let's start out with the importance of a good night's sleep.
Security Symbols
Why do some children have security symbols and some don't? How do you tell if it's an unhealthy habit?
Should Your Child be Home Alone?
At some time during their later elementary school years, most children move into a form of child care known as "self-care." This term describes situations where children are without adult supervision while their parents are engaged in work or other activities away from home. It is also frequently called "latchkey" care, referring to the custom of children carrying a house key on a ribbon around their necks.More tips about: Child Care
Stress And The Holidays
High expectations and firm deadlines can make the holiday season stressful time for anyone. Some people love the excitement; others would rather just go to sleep and wake up after the holidays. Most of us are somewhere in between.
Summer Safety
Sun, picnics, outdoor play...summer should be a time of fun for the entire family. You can keep it that way by planning ahead to ensure the safety of your loved ones.
Superbowl Gambling
The Superbowl is a classic sports event, and a lot of people hope their team will win. But for some gamblers, the Superbowl is more than a game – it’s an addiction. How can you tell whether a person has a problem with gambling, or whether it's just a social pastime?More tips about: Addictions, Gambling
Talking to Children During A National Crisis
At an early stage no one knows all the implications of what is happening. National crises are literally broadcast in progress. We are flooded with terrible images. It is impossible not to be anxious and worried, but calmness in adults is important to the kids who depend on them.More tips about: Children, Communication, Parenting
Teaching Leadership Skills
Children today are taught about many great and powerful leaders — Martin Luther King, Ghandi, Winston Churchill, Einstein, etc. What makes a good leader?More tips about: Leadership, Parenting
Teen Curfews
As teens get older, they want to stay out later at night. All discipline with a teenager is tricky, so let's start with some general tips on setting limits with teens. What should parents be keeping in mind?
Teen Maturity
All parents want to feel that when their child leaves home, he or she will be mature enough to succeed in life – to be able to handle whatever life hands out.
Teen Suicide
The Douglas County Health Department has released information that indicates up to three teens are hospitalized each month because of suicide attempts. Why do young people choose this desperate act?More tips about: Depression, Parenting, Suicide, Teens
Teens and Sex (Boys)
Teenagers today know so much more about sex than any other generation. Now they are sexually active with more partners at a younger age. Yet many parents are still uncomfortable about talking to their children about sex.More tips about: Communication, Parenting, Sex, Teens
Teens and Sex (Girls)
Teenagers today know so much more about sex than any other generation. Now they are sexually active with more partners at a younger age. Yet many parents are still uncomfortable about talking to their children about sex.More tips about: Communication, Parenting, Sex, Teens
Violent Teens
The frequency of student violence at school is increasing. The more often parents hear about it, the more concerned they become for the safety of their children. What might cause a young person to commit such a horrible crime?
What Can You Do if You Suspect an Addiction?
It’s hard to think that an addiction might affect you or someone you care about. But until you understand that addictions can happen to anyone – even in the best of families – you may miss the signs.More tips about: Addictions, Gambling
When to Seek Help for an Elderly Person
As our parents age, we begin to see changes which may cause us to be concerned. Often, we are not sure if the change is a part of the normal aging process or if intervention is needed.More tips about: Senior Citizens
