I am re-sharing this, because it sparked a good conversation at Chez Parks last night. My 17-year-old daughter commented about how often people ask her how she is doing in school, or where she wants to go to college, or what she wants to ‘do with her life’.
Recently, out to dinner with her older brother, no fewer than 7 people began a conversation by asking, “Are you guys in college?”
To a 17-year-old, these questions are fraught with stress and anxiety. There are already people, daily, up in their lives about academics and plans for the future. Next time you meet a teen, ask them,
“What do you do for fun?”
“What music do you like?”
“Have you been to any cool places lately?”
“Are you a sports fan?”
Teens need room to be themselves, and to think and grow at their own pace. They don’t need more pressure from adults to make big decisions about their future. See them for the person they are – not the season they are in! #wisewords
https://www.facebook.com/BuzzFeedParents/videos/633702886827923/
“Supporting the mental health of the kids and teens in our community is one of the most challenging and also one of the most important jobs anyone could have. And I see your team doing it with both skill and enthusiasm.Our family could not be more fortunate to have found your practice 3 years ago.
Our kids are growing up but we still keep your number on our phone and we know we can reach out to your team if we need it. We tell everyone who asks about the WISE people at The Wise Family.
Thank you for doing what you do for so many people.”—from the parent of two former clients (siblings)
— Parent of two former clients (siblings)“Dr. Amy is like Oprah – she’s the neighbor you love who is very, very smart”
— Parent of 14-year-old son and 18-year-old daughter“My friend raves about what Cleo has done for her son!” ~ Parent of an inquiring new client
— Parent of an inquiring new client“Dr. Amy knows how to relate to children and make them feel comfortable. My son was shy in the beginning but Amy asked him a couple of questions about what he likes and immediately found a connection with him. He happily followed her into the office (just after a 3 min of conversation) and performed the test. He wasn’t nervous or scared and it’s because of her ability to relate to kids.
We had a great experience and he wants to go back! Thank you very much!”
— Dad of 5-year-old assessment client