True Mind+Body

To Our Community:
As the one year anniversary of the 4th of July parade shooting nears, don't be afraid to check in on friends and loved ones affected by the tragedy. This time of year may also bring up uncomfortable feelings for yourself as well, so please see below for additional resources

To help understand how to help a friend or family member affected by the tragedy go to:
https://www.bradyunited.org/fact-sheets/suicide-prevention-and-mental-health-resources-for-survivors-of-gun-violence

To contact the Highland Park Resilience department for counseling
https://www.cityhpil.com/resiliency/index.php

To participate in the commemorating events happening in highland park go to
https://cityhpil.com/july4/

True Mind+Body was featured in Times Magazine! Check it out!

Adding Exercise to Therapy May Make It More Effective Research suggests that exercise can enhance the benefits of mental-health treatments, including therapy and medication

Dearest Parents,
While we are coping with yesterday's unspeakable tragedy, many of us are left wondering how to help our children cope as well. Art can be such a great tool for processing trauma. True Mind + Body will be hosting a community event TODAY from 2:30-4:30 pm. We will have sidewalk chalk available for children and their caregivers to express themselves, feel a part of the community, and reflect in a developmentally appropriate way. Therapists will be on hand for assistance with the art making 🙂.
PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD! LET'S ALL COME TOGETHER!
2:30-4:30 True Mind + Body, PLLC
3000 Dundee Road, Suite 101
Northbrook, IL

SEEKING TWO AMAZING PSYCHOTHERAPISTS!
True Mind + Body is hiring for TWO positions!
* Full-Time (25 client minimum) or Part-Time (15 client minimum) Child + Adolescent Therapist
* Full-Time or Part-Time Eating Disorder + Child and Adolscent Specialist
Please pass along to any/all amazing candidates: Follow the link:
http://www.truemindbody.com/careers

4 things parents need to know about JUUL and ni****ne addiction JUUL e-cigarettes are popular among youth because of their sleek appearance and appealing flavor, but many are unaware that JUUL packs a powerful ni****ne punch.

Does your child have a difficult time with blood draws or immunizations? Is your child scheduled for a surgery, medical procedure or radiology appointment such as an MRI or CT scan? Our Child Life Specialist, Lisa Morgan Mulvaney, M.Ed, CCLS, can work one on one to prepare your child and reduce fears and anxiety.

True Mind + Body offers medical, social and emotional support services that complement and enhance the care provided by pediatricians, medical specialists, mental health professionals, dentists and social workers.

Lisa Morgan Mulvaney, M.Ed., is a Certified Child Life Specialist and provides services for True Mind + Body. Lisa has over 20 years of experience working with children and families in pediatric healthcare.

Child Life Specialists are trained professionals who help children cope with the stress and uncertainty of tests, procedures, illness, injury, disability, and hospitalization.

Lisa’s services promote and encourage effective coping through specialized types of play, preparation, medical education, and self-expression activities. These sessions can help children process, understand, and cope with either their own experiences or with a medical situation affecting a family member.

To learn more about Lisa's services:

http://www.truemindbody.com/medical-social-emotional-support-services/

Executive Functioning Tip #4: Homework Help

One of the biggest struggles for many of my clients has to do with homework - starting it, finishing it, turning it in on time, understanding it, and most importantly, learning from it. To reduce homework battles, clear routines should be established (such as when and where). As always, for more help with Executive Functioning, call Becky Novack at 847-400-0078!

-Find a location in your house where homework will be done. The best location depends on your child's needs and overall family culture. Some students need a watchful eye kept on them. Others will do their best work alone in their bedroom. It's important to be honest about what works and what doesn't. For example, as much as I'd like to, I know that I really don't get my best work done in a coffee shop. There are too many distractions for me and I end up people watching! Once you pick a location, stick with it.

-Set up a homework center. This is the BEST thing you can do to eliminate all of the time wasted on finding a pencil, paper, books/papers that get brought home, etc. The homework center should have a work space and most commonly used supplies - pencils, pens, paper, calculator, ruler, scissors, markers/crayons, tape, and outlets to keep a school laptop/iPad charged. There should also be a monthly calendar posted nearby so that your child can mark down tests/quizzes/important projects. If the homework center is also used for other things in the house (like the kitchen table), put all of the supplies in a bin so they can be moved out of the way easily. Pinterest has a ton of great ideas on how to set up a great homework station.

-Set a consistent homework time. As I mentioned in an earlier post, the best time for homework is dependent on the child. However, in general it's best to get it done as early as possible. I find this keeps the momentum from the school day going, and prevents children from getting too tired. It also allows for a built in cushion of time to handle challenging or confusing assignments.

If you have any other homework tips that work for you or your family, share them below!

Executive Functioning Tip #3: Back to School Life Hacks

Here are my top 5 life hacks and tips for starting the year off on the right foot. For more information on Executive Functioning Coaching at True Mind + Body, call Becky Novack at 847-400-0078!

1. Emergency Pack: Credit for this amazing idea goes to a fellow mom. Some mornings, no matter how hard you try, you will run late. Keep an extra bag in your car filled with emergency items: granola bars, hair ties, a few dollars for lunch/field trips, floss, extra water bottles, even deodorant (you never know!).

2. Create a routine you can stick to. Take an honest look at the way things ran last year in your house. Do you (and/or the kids) need an earlier bed time? A set time for homework? If your routine from the previous school year could use a tweak here or there, be honest, commit, and follow through.

3. Get as much done as possible over the weekend. Groceries, laundry, shopping, meal prep - there's no better feeling going into a Monday knowing that a majority of the heavy lifting is done. I can relate, because there are many times I've left laundry for a weeknight only to find myself knee deep in clothes or stopping for groceries at 9 pm after the work day .

4. Establish good communication with your child's teacher(s) from the start by sending an email sometime within the first few weeks of school. There's nothing wrong with getting your child's teacher's perspective on how the school year is going. This goes a long way for establishing a parent/teacher relationship, making sure you understand rules and procedures, and showing your child that you are invested and aware.

5. Take a break from the schedule on the weekends! Enjoy time together as a family and step away from the after school madness and rush. Nothing wrong with some rest and relaxation, as long as you get back in the saddle on Sunday.

Executive Functioning Tip #2: Apps!

In school, at home, and at work, we're called on to use our Executive Functioning skills. Making plans, keeping track of time, staying focused and on task, reflecting on work, planning projects - these are all things that require Executive Functioning skills. There are tons of apps out there that can help those who struggle with EF - many are even free! Here are some of my favorite apps that I find myself recommending to my clients again and again.

1. 30/30 by Binary Hammer

This is the ultimate app for time management - and it's free. You set up a list of tasks, and how long you need to complete each one. A timer counts down and tells you when it's time to move on to the next task. It's very visual - great for students who need the reminder that time is ticking. I also find that it encourages students to work faster, since they can actually see the time counting down. You can also include breaks in the list of tasks, a great way to motivate students to keep going.

(iPhone/iPad, Free)

2. Plan It, Do It, Check It Off by I Get It, LLC

This app uses real photos to represent what needs to get done. Great for early readers, or those who are better with visuals. You can even upload your own photos. This would be great for chores around the house, or keeping areas organized in a certain way. You can create step by step directions for longer tasks like cleaning up your room, finishing a project, or even packing lunch. You add a check mark to each picture when the task is complete.

(iPhone/iPad, $4.99)

3. Evernote

This is the go to app for notes, to do lists, planning, and everything organization related! This cloud based storage system allows users to sync all their content onto any device. You can create to do lists, take notes, scan pictures, and record voice reminders. Evernote is the best note taking app out there, especially great for older students.

(iPhone/iPad, free)

SEXTING + “ NUDES”: Did You Know?
We are hosting a workshop for 8th-10th grade boys, girls, and parents (all separated) on today's epidemic of t(w)eens requesting and sending inappropriate pictures.
RSVP Required: http://www.truemindbody.com/…/9/…/sexting-nudes-did-you-know
The Details:
September 10, 4:30-5:30pm
Led by: Licensed Clinical Social Workers + Clinical Psychologists Registration: $20/Family. Must RSVP in advance

True Mind+Body