Parenting advice is often given liberally and freely by well-meaning relatives, friends, and sometimes even strangers. When you are having an issue with your child (potty training, sleep, tantrums, or anything else) it is difficult to know who to listen to or where to start. In this post, first I
I don't know about you, but, over the years, I have learned a lot during Black History Month. I have discovered stories of amazing heroes and scientists who have changed the tragectory of American life, as well as shameful episodes of exploitation and abuse in our history that have been
Although we are still learning about all the negative health impacts on the body, it is important to remember that vaping is dangerous. And it is especially dangerous for our youth as their developing brains are much more susceptible to addiction. There is a lot of misinformation out there so
If you know me, you know I’m not a shopper. Shopping stresses me out. I wish I had a uniform to put on for work so that I didn’t have to think about it, because life is stressful enough without adding stress. What I need to do is eliminate the
I have been meeting with lots of parents recently to discuss their parenting challenges. The converstaion always comes aorund to some simple techniques they can use to help their children deal with frustration. When my child was 3, I made up and taught her these simple steps: 1 deep breath
Today's blog is written by Paige Orlandi-Holmes, a Licensed Therapist providing mental health counseling services at Counseling Professionals PLLC, a private practice with offices in Cary and North Raleigh. The Work/Life Team is so thankful when therapists from the community volunteer to share their expertise with our employees and
Each week in August, the Work/Life Team has invited educational experts to address concerns parents have in the process of choosing a school. For our second blogpost in this series, we have invited our experts to respond to the following questions: What questions should I be asking about the school?
My colleague, Lisa, and I were comparing notes the other day. Both of us starting working in our teens (14 and 15 respectively) during the academic year as well as the summers. I worked at Sears in the drapery and bedspread department. I’ll never forget my first boss—Mr. Arnold. He
Resilience is the capacity to respond positively to hardships that someone might come across, including living with a chronic illness. It is about adapting to the new normal, learning information, and focusing on strengths and values. Being flexible and adaptable, having good communication within the family and medical team, and
Talk to most parents about their role as parent, and you eventually hear the parent sigh and say, “I just want my kid to be happy,” or “A parent is only as happy as their least happy child.” There was a time in my life when I nodded in agreement,
Before the Thanksgiving holiday break, I shared a graphic with our parent listserv at SAS from 11th Principle: Consent!. This graphic urges parents not to force their kids to hug relatives (or anyone) as a way to teach body safety and the concept of consent. I received so many emails
I recently read an article by a parent coach I admire about phrases she has used frequently over the years with her daughter. Here’s a snippet: "My daughter mouthed the words as I began to say them, "Don’t decide how things are going to be later." She has heard this phrase
The Work/Life Center is here to provide support through life transitions. With college semesters in full swing, we're aware that some of you may be facing the transition of "empty nesting". "Empy nesting" occurs after kids leave the home. This transition can occur any time of the year and for
"When your child 'comes out' to you, thank them. Thank them for loving and trusting you enough to share this important part of themselves with you. They have given you a gift, an opportunity to interact with them in an open and honest way. It means they want your approval
There are two sides to feeding children: one is to ensure they are nourished so they can grow and thrive and the other is to instill in them a healthy, lasting relationship with food. Simple enough, right? Not exactly! In reality, these two goals are often at odds with each
As parents, sometimes we barely have time to eat, much less read books or listen to hour long seminars on parenting. In this 3 Minute Parenting Tip, you will learn about 3 important strategies to make your rewards or consequences work; no matter the age of your child.
When describing the SAS Work/Life Center, I like to say our job is to help you make your life as good as it possibly can be outside of work. So when things aren’t going so great i.e. stress, caregiving, kids won’t sleep, divorce, illness - we appreciate that you think
Driving to work today I was thinking about the "funk" that has descended upon me over the last few weeks. Shorter days and less light? Dry skin and a stuffy nose? Old and cranky? Maybe all of those are true, but as I reflect, I realize it happens every year
Welcome back from your Thanksgiving holiday break! I have to ask. Was your time with your returning college student as wonderful as you thought it would be? Chances are there were at least some brief moments of disappointment. You thought you’d have more time together…and, yet, your student spent more
Do you remember going to a sleepaway summer camp when you were a kid? I do! My first sleepaway camping experience was a Girl Scout camp when I was in fourth grade. My mom helped me pack my duffle bag. We selected a pair of shorts, t-shirt, underpants, and socks
I don't have a big vacation planned this summer. Don't feel sorry for me... I am going to Germany for a week in October and on Friday I leave for my second weekend at the beach. I have recently been reading about what makes a vacation "restorative". There is some cool
My colleague, Lisa, and I were comparing notes the other day. Both of us starting working in our teens (14 and 15 respectively) during the academic year as well as the summers. I worked at Sears in the drapery and bedspread department. I’ll never forget my first boss—Mr. Arnold. He
Time is marching on, despite my best efforts to slow it down. Larkin graduated from Enloe High School last week, and leaves for Virginia Tech in August. I am filled with joy and despair, often simultaneously, laughing through my tears, trying desperately to enjoy every minute with him and yet
Hi! My name is Allison, and I recently completed my undergraduate work at UNC-Wilmington. I am currently in grad school at NC State getting my Masters in Social Work (Go Pack!), and am an intern in the Work/Life Center here at SAS. I am assisting Work/Life with aspects of the 2017 College Series
As a single mom of 10 years, I have vacillated back and forth from “There is no evening that I wouldn’t rather take a bath than go on a date” to “ok, this might be fun.” Mostly, thinking about dating as a single parent just makes me tired. Whether you
Thanks to Sara Thatcher, LCSW, for today's Relationship Series guest blog. So you are married with a toddler…Who has time for a spouse? Becoming a parent completely changes the dynamic between spouses. Sleeping in and cuddling with your beloved on weekends is replaced by little voices requesting your undivided attention
In our Work/Life Relationship series we are trying to offer something for everyone. I thought a light-hearted blog of funny dating stories from LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning) teens would be a good addition. This year W/L will be doing more educational offerings around parenting LGBTQ kids and
“Omg, Mom, people are going to think you actually look like that!” My 16 y/o recently got a Facebook account (apparently passé for teens in US but not in Europe and as her circle expands…). So, now she has a front row seat to my (apparently embarrassing) selfies. It’s
Everyone all sugared up? I remember the annual scene of Halloween night as my sister and I shed our costumes, poured our loot onto the living room floor and began the negotiations. Fortunately, I was partial to the chewy fruity candies and and she was partial to chocolate. The only chocolate bar I was
I was with my two grown sons and their spouses this past month for a family wedding. I have to say that they have turned out well. They seem to have great relationships with their spouses and children; they are working productively in their fields of interest; they care about
