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November Is Adoption Awareness Month
November Is Adoption Awareness Month Find Out How Arkansas Families First Supports Adoption & Adoptive Families November is adoption awareness month. Here [...]
Domestic Violence: What You Need To Know
Understanding & Identifying Domestic Violence According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, domestic violence is a “pattern of behaviors used by one [...]
Attention Parents! Break Free From The Picky Eating Trap!
Breaking Free of the Picky Eating Trap Many families struggle with picky eating. They often find themselves stuck in the same repetitive [...]
Invaluable Tips To Reduce Children’s School-related Anxiety During the COVID Pandemic
Invaluable Tips for Helping Children with School-related Anxiety During the COVID Pandemic As we approach another school year and COVID numbers are on [...]
Preparing Your Preschooler for Success: Tips for Tantrums
If you are a parent of a toddler or preschooler, then it is very likely that you have experienced the behaviors commonly referred to as [...]
Back to School During Covid
Usually, at this time of year, we might begin thinking and preparing for our children to return to school. That is the same this year, [...]
Do you know how food impacts your mood?
A lot of people try to eat healthy, but what many might not realize is that food affects our mood. Lots of nutritious foods, like [...]
Eating Disorders: What You Need to Know
Many of us often feel concerned, and sometimes preoccupied, with our weight, eating, exercise patterns, and body image. We may go through phases when we [...]
Understand the Significance of Human Trafficking Awareness Month
When Americans hear the phrases “human trafficking” or “sex trafficking,” they often imagine this is only a concern in other countries. While international trafficking is [...]
Get in the Know: It’s Suicide Prevention Day
Hi friends and community! We hope you are having a wonderful start to your September. As you may know, Suicide Prevention Week is September 10th-16th, [...]
How to Make the Transition to Bedtime Smoother
Choosing the right bedtime can be tricky, it is true that every child is different and their sleep needs may vary. However, the one thing [...]
Divorce & Child Custody Disputes: What you Need to Know
In general, a psychological evaluation is a process that involves collecting data about an individual or individuals to answer a specific referral question. Examples of [...]
Parenting Skills-Part 4 Is it Time for a Time-Out?
Welcome back to the fourth and final installment of this series discussing parenting and children's behavior. The first installment discussed why it is helpful to [...]
Autism Screening: When is it Time for One?
When it’s time to refer for an autism screening? Autism awareness has increased substantially in recent years. Most parents, school officials, and other [...]
Prevent Injuries By Practicing Safety First
To help raise safety awareness, this article will discuss safety topics and concerns as they apply to children and adolescents. Awareness efforts often [...]
Cell Phone Contract
Cell Phone Contract A cell phone contract is a great way to help keep your child safe, teach proper use of [...]
What you need to know about PTSD
What you need to know about PTSD June is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) awareness month. To help raise awareness for PTSD, this [...]
Summer Routines With Robots
Summer Schedule Chart Summer can be loads of fun for kids, but parents often feel a sense of chaos. Adding some structure can [...]
What is Depression and What Does it Look Like?
What is Depression? And What Does it Look Like in Children? This article will briefly explore one of the more common mental health [...]
What you Need to Know About Children’s Mental Health
What You Need To Know About Children's Mental Health May is National Mental Health Month, which means that many relevant organizations focus [...]
Raising Kids In A Stress Filled World
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Parenting Skills- Part 3 Ways to Talk to Kids That Increase Compliance
Parenting Skills- Part 3 Ways to Talk to Kids That Increase Compliance Welcome back! I hope all readers of this series have [...]
Parenting Skills-Part 2 How to Reduce Unwanted Behaviors by Removing Attention
Parenting Skills-Part 2 How to Reduce Unwanted Behaviors by Removing Attention The first installment of this series discussed the benefits of flipping [...]
Parenting Skills- Part 1: How to Increase Good Behavior With Words Alone
Parents of young children get many demands for their attention. Life is busy for parents, trying to manage work responsibilities, home responsibilities, and caring for [...]
How to Have Attunement in Your Parenting
Recently I read a wise quote online, “Your child is not giving you a hard time, your child is having a hard time.” The [...]
Teen Dating Violence: Get in the Know
Teen dating violence is more common than you may think. In this article Ms. Christie lays out the facts and warning signs, to empower you, [...]
Keep your Child on Track with Visuals
Does your child have difficulty following directions? Do they seem to forget daily routines, chores, or expectations? Do they appear to just not pay attention [...]
What You Need to Know About Purposeful Parenting
Parenting is a never ending adventure that goes through numerous twist and turns; just when you think you have it down pat some monkey wrench [...]
Helping Children Cope with the Aftermath of School Shootings
Helping Children Manage Stress in the Aftermath of School Shootings Sadly, we've had another tragic shooting involving a school. Although we are quite a distance [...]
Helping Your Anxious Child Overcome Sleep Problems
As a therapist working with children and teens, I have often seen young people paralyzed by fears, worries, and anxieties. They often experience insomnia as [...]
Back to School Stress: Tear Free Strategies
Having back to school stress is a common struggle for children, but there are some things you can do to ease the pain. Here are some [...]
Let Ice Cream Work Its Magic!
Let Ice Cream Work Its Magic By Jerilyn Swalve-Wasson July is National Ice Cream month. Can you think of a better dessert for Arkansas in July [...]
Making the Most of Summer: Part 2 – Cultivating Positive Relationships
Cultivating Positive Relationships Oftentimes as parents, we accept the notion that siblings can not and will not get along, especially in the summer. While some [...]
Making the Most of Summer: Part 1 – Parenting Strategies
Making the Most of Summer Part 1 - Strategies for Parents! Children cherish the summer time. They wait all year for the season when they [...]
What You Need to Know About the Story of Autism
Written by Adam H. Benton, PhD, a licensed psychologist and co-founder of Arkansas Families First, LLC.
Understanding Autism: How to be a Person Who “Gets It”
When it comes to understanding autism, we all want to think of ourselves as someone who “gets it,” and those affected by autism deserve teachers, [...]
How to Ensure Your Child’s Access to an Appropriate Education – Infographic
Ensuring Your Child's Access to Education About the Author How to Ensure Your Child's Access to an Appropriate Education was written [...]
Do you know autism? – Autism Awareness Video
April Autism Awareness Month - Do you know autism? April is autism awareness month. Help us spread the word, so that everyone [...]
Book Review: Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism
Uniquely Human by Barry Prizant If you're looking for a great book to further your understanding of Autism, look no further than Uniquely Human: [...]
The Truth About ADHD – Infographic
The Truth About ADHD was written by Adam H. Benton, Ph.D.
Talking to Children About Sexual Abuse
Talking to Children About Sexual Abuse By Adam Benton, PhD Sexual abuse is something that every parent fears for their children, yet most struggles to [...]
Managing Children’s Behavior in Public: 5 Strategies that work!
Managing children’s behavior in public is a timeless struggle for parents. Having a child throw a major temper tantrum or act out in a public [...]
Parent Tips for Preventing Child Sexual Abuse – AAP
Parent Tips for Preventing Child Sexual Abuse From the American Academy of Pediatrics A Dreamstime.com Photo Sexual abuse is a difficult subject for [...]
Social Media, Internet and Youth: Tips for Parents
Social Media, Internet and Youth: Tips for Parents As mental health professionals, we’ve come to view social media use as a modern developmental task in [...]
National Safety Month – Guest Contributor Gerald New
National Safety Month Guest Contributor: Gerald New Husband, Father, & Textbook Seller © Johnkasawa | Dreamstime.com - Bicycle Mountain Bike Safety Helmet Photo [...]
Is Your Cell Phone Coming Between You and Your Children?
Is Your Cell Phone Coming Between You and Your Children? by Adam Benton, Ph.D. and Mary Ekdahl, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologists at Arkansas Families First, LLC. [...]
Autism Spectrum Disorder 101
Autism Spectrum Disorder 101 What it Autism Spectrum Disorder? Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain [...]
Child-Parent Psychotherapy Introduction
What is Child-Parent Psychotherapy? "Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) is an intervention for children from birth through age 5 who have experienced at least one traumatic [...]
Helping Your Child Overcome Teasing and Bullying
Helping Your Child Overcome Teasing and Bullying If your child is unfortunate enough to face chronic teasing or bullying there are some strategies taught [...]
Few Americans Aware of Their Rights for Mental Health Coverage
Few Americans Aware of Their Rights for Mental Health Coverage APA survey reveals only 4 percent of Americans know about mental health parity law WASHINGTON [...]
Social Skills Programs
Social and Interpersonal Skills ProgramsArkansas Families First offers two social skills programs for youth ranging from 7 to 18 years-of-age. The programs frequently includes youth [...]
Resources for Families in the Aftermath of Tornadoes
Resources for Families Facing the Trauma of Tornadoes and their Aftermath From the National Child Traumatic Stress Network In light of the numerous tornadoes that [...]
The Power of Words
A Dreamstime.com Photo The Power of Words As parents, we sometimes forget how powerful our words to our children really [...]
It’s The Holiday Season: So, Where’s The Magic?
It's the Holiday Season: So, Where’s The Magic? A dreamstime.com photo The holiday season can bring up many emotions. For parents, Christmas can [...]
Parenting a “Troubled Child” – Some Unspeakable Honesties
Parenting "Troubled Children": Some "Unspeakable" Honesties ADHD, OCD, ODD, Sensory Issues, Anxiety, Autism Spectrum Disorders…whatever diagnosis it’s called in your child’s case, [...]
How is ADHD Tested in Children?
How is ADHD tested? Dreamstime.com There are essentially three ways to get your child assessed for ADHD. They'll be outline here in [...]
What is ADHD?
Attention Deficit Disorder Pic from Dreamstime.com ADHD or ADD "is the most common neurobehavioral disorder of childhood, effecting 5-8% of children. It [...]
Kids and Gender Stereotypes
The term 'stereotypes' is generally perceived in a negative light, and for good reason. If found in the wrong hands, they can not only be [...]
Helping Children Prevent Teasing and Bullying
ID 23675295 © Fasphotographic | Dreamstime.com Bullying is a serious problem for many children. Nearly one in three students experience bullying and some [...]
The Great Santa Claus Debate
The Great Santa Claus Debate. As we hit the new year at full steam ahead, I find myself with a few minutes to actually reflect [...]
East vs West: Reflections on Parenting with a Partner from Another Cultural Background
East vs West: Reflections on Parenting with a Partner from Another Cultural Background As new parents, my husband and I have been learning the [...]
Arkansas Families First: Mission statement
Arkansas Families First is devoted to unlocking the full potential of children and families. Our mission is to utilize the latest research and the most [...]
The Giant Experiment of Parenting
Dreamstime.com Recently, my 6 year old son had a fairly minor accident (relatively speaking of course) on our treadmill in which he cut [...]
Routine
Dreamstime.com Routine. A word that can be used in several different contexts. On the surface, it seems like such a bland and boring [...]
Safety
Dreamstime.com Labor Day marks a very special time of the year for our household for several reasons. For most, it's the unofficial end [...]
We Don’t Throw Food
We Don’t Throw Food Simon and I spent an hour today learning not to throw our food. Of course I already know how to not [...]
Favoritism
As a father of both a boy and a girl, I am cognisant to the fact that I must do my best to not show [...]
Putting Pressure on Kids in Sports is a Slippery Slope
Putting pressure on kids in sports is a slippery slope. In this Olympic season, it is very easy to watch and think about how much [...]
Career Moms Returning to Work After Childbirth
For career moms, returning to work after childbirth can be a difficult time. My mom used to joke that "If Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody [...]
What are the Treatments for ADHD?
What are the Treatments for ADHD in Children and Teens? ADHD in Children and Teens The effectiveness of treatment for ADHD in [...]
In a post-Sandusky America, who do you trust with your kids?
Post-Sandusky America: Who Can You Trust? Who do you trust with your kids? In the wake and the subsequent fallout of the Jerry [...]