North Shore Family Services

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"It Can't Be Time Already?" Does a faulty sense of time leave you running late, rushing around, and losing track of your schedule? Try these tips to beat the clock once and for all.

Family conflict is inevitable, but it's how we handle the aftermath that truly defines our relationships. Discover the importance of repair in resolving disputes and strengthening familial bonds.

Family Conflict Is Normal; It’s the Repair That Matters Here's how to navigate the inevitable tension and disconnection in family relationships.

Even though it is hard to come to terms with, as your child develops and grows into their adolescence years, it is important for them to gain independence in order to be prepared for their adulthood down the line. Since it can be difficult to know the best methods in preparing your teen for their adulthood, here are some techniques that can help you know where to start.

The Best - and Hardest - Thing We Can Do to Prepare Our Teens for Adulthood - Your Teen Mag What independent living skills for teens are necessary to make the transition to adulthood? How can parents help teens acquire them?

What is the difference between an IEP and 504? This blog will help you navigate the process for both. https://northshorefamilyservices.com/how-to-navigate-an-iep-and-504-meeting/

How to Navigate an IEP and 504 Meeting - North Shore Family Services The difference between IEP and 504: IEP, or Individual Education Program, is for children who receive special education services. A 504 plan gets its name

Struggling to find harmony between your career and personal life? Let's dive into the powerful concept of work-life balance and discover why it's an absolute game-changer in today's fast-paced world.

The folly of the work-life balance The work-life balance is about more than shutting off devices or abstaining from emails and meetings after 6 p.m.

During these unprecedented times, it is easy to fall victim to the negative events happening around us. People are getting ill, stores are closing, people are losing their jobs, and we have to stay home instead of visiting friends and family. These are tough times and there is a lot to complain about. However, there are many things to be grateful for, too. The benefits of gratitude can make these times a little more bearable. https://northshorefamilyservices.com/practicing-gratitude-during-difficult-times/

Practicing Gratitude During Difficult Times - North Shore Family Services During these unprecedented times, it is easy to fall victim to the negative events happening around us. People are getting ill, stores are closing, people are losing their jobs, and we have to stay home instead of visiting friends and family. These are tough times and there is a lot to complain abou...

Are you tired of the constant power struggles with your children? It's time to switch up your parenting style and become a proactive and motivating force! Check out these top tips for revamping your approach and creating a peaceful and happy family dynamic.

Is Your Current Parenting Style Letting You Down? Ways to Inspire Cooperation An educator, researcher, and adolescent motivational coach shares how to shift from controlling to cooperating with your teenager.

https://yourteenmag.com/family-life/lessons-from-mom

The Very Best Lessons I Learned From My Mom A mom of teenage boys shares 3 favorite lessons from her mom that have been invaluable.

Why creating a daily routine with your teenager will help strengthen your bond with one another

A 5 Minute Routine that My Teenagers and I Count On Having rituals and routines is important for teens, too—even if it's just a five minute walk to the bus stop. Here's why I'm taking 5 minutes with my teens.

https://yourteenmag.com/family-life/lessons-from-mom Mother really DOES know best!

The Very Best Lessons I Learned From My Mom A mom of teenage boys shares 3 favorite lessons from her mom that have been invaluable.

As your teen grows up and gains independence, naturally, they will be out of the house for longer periods of time. This leads to less time spent with your child which may produce the worry of not being able to connect with your child anymore. Here are some methods that will allow you to have a strong relationship with your teen, even when they are "on-the-go".

How to Connect with Your Teen Who Is Never Home As teens age, they're around less frequently. We asked experts how to deepen our connection as their independence grows.

Are you tired of takeout and fast food? Want to discover the hidden benefits of home-cooked meals that go beyond just feeding your kids? Unleashing the power of homemade deliciousness isn't just for children; it can transform the health, happiness, and even the relationships of adults too! Explore the incredible advantages of cooking at home for grown-ups in today's fast-paced world.

Family meals are good for the grown-ups, too, not just the kids All that planning, shopping, prepping, serving and cleaning can pay off with better physical and mental health for all members of the family.

No matter what age your child is, it is still important to be able to connect with them. Here are some ideas on some ways to connect with your teen, and how the small, but effective efforts, will still make a big difference.

They May Reject Us, But It is Still Possible to Connect With Our Teens - Your Teen Mag You used to be so close—then suddenly, you have a teenager. For parents wondering how to reconnect with teens, here's great advice.

By giving your children chores, it instills self-efficacy, teaches work ethic, responsibility, life skills, and contributes to self-esteem. The best news is there isn’t just one right age for chores in order to reap these benefits. Here is a guide for helping your children get started with doing chores. https://northshorefamilyservices.com/should-my-kids-do-chores-the-answer-is-yes/

Should My Kids Do Chores? The Answer is YES! - North Shore Family Services By having your kids do chores, it instills self-efficacy, teaches work ethic, responsibility, life skills, and contributes to self-esteem. The best news is there isn’t just one right age for chores in order to reap these benefits.

You have the right to say no. You have the right to prioritize your needs. You have the right to self-care. Healthy boundaries are not manipulative, mean, or controlling. They are honoring yourself, and supporting your needs, just as much as you support the ones you love. https://northshorefamilyservices.com/how-to-set-healthy-boundaries-for-yourself/

How to Set Healthy Boundaries for Yourself - North Shore Family Services Healthy boundaries are not manipulative, mean, or controlling. They are honoring yourself, and supporting your needs, just as much as you support the ones you love.

Through the midst of puberty and growing into themselves, it is not uncommon for teens to go through a "roller coaster" of emotions. As a parent, this can often be a hard battle to fight without proper techniques to manage not only the teenagers emotions, but yours as well. Here are some different approaches to help prevent the "roller coaster" from "spiraling".

Finding Calm in the Midst of the Roller Coaster of Teen Emotions - Your Teen Mag My teen zips from happiness to anger to worry and back again. And it’s so easy to react in kind. Can we both learn how to manage emotions?

Being an older sibling comes with invaluable responsibilities and an unspoken duty to lead by example. But what happens when your child’s values and actions clash with your own? As a parent, here’s how to navigate those moments of disagreement and teach important life lessons to both your eldest and youngest children.

My Daughter has been an Amazing Big Sister, But I'm Still the Mom - Your Teen Mag A teen who has helped raise her younger sister wants a say in parenting decisions. Mom's not so sure. Our expert weighs in.

Are you raising a teenager? Then you know that these years can be challenging, to say the least. As you navigate the ups and downs of adolescence with your child, it's important to remember one crucial thing: self care is not selfish, it's essential. And when it comes to mental health, it could make all the difference. Here's why teaching your teen about self care should be a top priority.

Self-Care for Teens: a Boon for Mental Health Adolescents who eat well, get enough sleep and stay physically active reap the benefits.

Taking positive parenting methods/ideas from your own parents can also beneficial in becoming the best parent possible for your child!

The Most Important Parenting Lessons I Learned from My Dad—Your Teen Mag Reflecting on the things her father taught her, this mom of teens hopes that she is passing along her father's wisdom and love.

Ready to take your parenting skills to the next level? Why not try incorporating music into your daily routine! Parenting musically is a fun and creative way to connect with your child while also promoting developmental skills. From sing-alongs to dance parties, the possibilities are endless. Learn more about how you can use music to enhance your parenting experience.

How using music to parent can liven up everyday tasks, build family bonds From livening up household chores to connecting kids with relatives who are far away, music can a play a vital role.

One of the most important traits we can teach our children is responsibility. It is a gift that not only helps them, but also you and the rest of society. https://northshorefamilyservices.com/5-tips-to-teaching-your-young-child-responsibility/

5 Tips to Teaching Your Young Child Responsibility - North Shore Family Services As parents we want to teach our child responsibility and the things in life that will make them good people. We want them to learn how to be a caring and thoughtful person, creative and innovative, a good listener.

Teletherapy has been the topic of conversation as a result of the recent pandemic. You may have many questions wondering "What is the benefit of teletherapy?" "How can this replace an in-person session?" Or better yet "How willing and engaged will my child be?" This blog will answer these questions. https://northshorefamilyservices.com/teletherapy-a-not-so-traditional-form-of-therapy

As Christmas quickly approaches, a way to explain Santa Claus without removing the magic and intent!
PARENTS: When you are asked about the truth about Santa Claus, here is a wonderful idea!

Son: Dad, I think I'm old enough now. Is there a Santa Claus?

Dad: OK, I agree that you are old enough. But before I tell you, I have a question for you.

You see, the “truth” is a dangerous gift. Once you know something, you can't unknow it.

Once you know the truth about Santa Claus, you will never again understand and relate to him as you do now.

So my question is: Are you sure you want to know?

Brief pause...

Son: Yes, I want to know!

Dad: Ok, I'll tell you: Yes there is a Santa Claus.

Son: Really?

Dad: Yes, really, but he's not an old man with a beard in a red suit. That's just what we tell kids. You see, kids are too young to understand the true nature of Santa Claus, so we explain it to them in a way that they can understand.

The truth about Santa Claus is that he's not a person at all; he's an idea.

Think of all those presents Santa gave you over the years.
We actually bought those for you.

We watched you open them.
And did it bother uz that you didn't thank us?

Of course not!
In fact, it gave us great pleasure.

You see, Santa Claus is THE IDEA OF GIVING FOR THE SAKE OF GIVING, without thought of thanks or acknowledgment.

When I saw that woman collapse on the subway last week and called for help, I knew that she'd never know that it was me who summoned the ambulance.

I was being Santa Claus when I did that.

Son: Oh.

Dad: So now that you know, you're part of it. You have to be Santa Claus too now. That means you can never tell a young kid the secret, and you have to help us select Santa presents for them, and most importantly, you have to look for opportunities to help people. Got it?

Help each other this Christmas and...be kind.

Are you a LCSW/LMFT/LCPC looking to work in a private practice where you can grow professionally and personally? We are seeking enthusiastic, creative, licensed clinical (or soon to be clinically licensed) therapists for our Northbrook, Skokie, Park Ridge, and Libertyville locations.

Our Founder Dori Mages recently had the privilege to be interviewed on “Another Day in Pandemic Paradise” with David Telisman. Give it a listen and let me know your thoughts on how you're making the best of things.

Our Founder, Dori Mages, Recently Interviewed on "Another Day in Pandemic Paradise" with David Telisman - North Shore Family Services “I’m feeling hopeful & grateful.” This was Dori’s theme in this short interview with David Telisman from DT Communications. Dori Mages is a clinical therapist, and owner of North Shore Family Services, which provides counseling services for parents, teens, kids, couples, and adults. To no...

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