Kids’ transition back to school typically claims the focus this time of year — but what about the accompanying spike in parental stress? Bombarded with school emails, back-to-school meetings and responsibilities, children’s needs and emotions, fall activities starting, complex schedule maneuvers, costs of registration and supplies, and guilt when something falls through the cracks, it’s […]
Tips: Talk through back-to-school anxiety so your child feels empowered
Cue back-to-school ads, check-ups at the doctor and dentist, haircut appointments, shopping for school supplies — and kids suddenly seem off. It may show up as general grumpiness, headaches, stomachaches, tears over seemingly minor issues, or repeated questions/complaints. This back-to-school anxiety comes in varying degrees, and kids may not even understand what’s going on. Much […]
4 tips to encourage your child’s independent play (so you can get stuff done)
At some point mid-summer, the novelty has disappeared, kids want to be entertained, and parents need to get stuff done. Totally understandable — and not without hope. Below are four general tips to help children play independently (and buy yourself some productivity) at times when most of the family is home. But we’d love to hear your specific strategies (reach out via Facebook or Instagram)! Pariva Health has helped over […]
Is it misbehavior — or communication?
By Kelly Pelletier, LICSW CEIS Regional Clinical Supervisor at Pariva Health Adults often interpret children’s distraction, avoidance, or restlessness as misbehavior. But what if we’re wrong? Behavior is a form of communication. Children almost always use those behaviors to express an unmet need, whether sensory, executive function-related, or communicative. Understanding this is the first and most essential step for any caregiver or teacher. […]
Dreading summer? Try these 7 tips to ease the school-to-summer transition
The end of school and start of summer means excitement … right?? If what you feel is the opposite of excitement, you’re not alone. The sudden disappearance of the school routine can be anxiety-provoking for parents and children, particularly children with neurodivergence. If you notice feelings of dread (or troublesome behaviors in your child), it’s […]
One of the most powerful ways to make a child feel valued
Think about play. What comes to mind? Perhaps a child building blocks, climbing a tree, or chasing friends? Whatever popped into your head, that reflects your definition of play — one you may not even have realized you had. When a child, particularly one with some form of neurodivergence, doesn’t fit that image, it’s natural for parents and teachers to feel unsure or concerned. But before taking any action, pause and observe without interrupting. Rather than wondering why […]
Spring break to summer: Define vacation for yourself
Nearly two-thirds of Americans plan to take a spring trip this year, according to a recent survey by RetailMeNot. Talk about peer pressure. But before you feel guilted into a theme park or crowded beach, remember: Your family gets to define what makes a vacation. Particularly if members of your family are neurodivergent, some of the “traditional” spring trips may […]
Family traditions: Simple gestures, lasting connection
By Akshat Saxena, Pariva’s Senior Manager for Design, Innovation and Strategic Projects With time off school for the kids (and probably some time off work for parents), winter break offers a prime opportunity to build family traditions. But before you stress out, remember — meaningful time with children doesn’t have to be elaborate or complicated or time-consuming or messy. It just has to create connection. Why […]
Helping children cope with holiday change
Why do the holidays throw my child for a loop? The bustle of December can throw off all our rhythms — eating, sleeping, daily activities, even something as basic as location. Some kids sail through it with few problems (or even enjoy it). But others fall into anxiety, irritability or meltdowns, which can be tough for the entire family. We’ve got suggestions that can help. But keep this point […]
Analysis helps untangle nuances of kids and screens
Saying “screen time” may be the easiest way to get today’s parents to cringe – either from guilt, annoyance, or the expectation of yet more advice on a very complex topic. A new analysis published by the American Psychological Association sought to clarify and untangle our understanding of how screens affect children. The systematic review […]
Pariva Insights: Helpful perspective on rising autism diagnoses
Last month, the CDC released updated data about the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the United States. Estimates indicate that 1 in 31 children have ASD, based on 2022 data, compared with 1 in 36 two years prior. (The estimates come from the CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network; the in-depth study […]
Turning awareness into acceptance — for everyone
During Autism Acceptance Month, we’ve been paying special attention to inclusion. Those considerations include sensory friendly egg hunts, playgrounds, even sports stadium seating areas. They include ear plugs offered in loud auditoriums, flexible seating options in school classrooms, and sensory inclusive experiences or kits at zoos, museums, movie theaters, and other attractions. Gradually, everyday places […]
Study: Kids’ lack of focus does not mean lack of learning
Us adults excel at filtering out irrelevant information and focusing on key facts. So, understandably, it drives us crazy when our kids jump on the couch, daydream, talk, or doodle while we’re trying to give instructions or explain the schedule for the day. But new research published in Psychological Science found that kids may absorb […]
‘Familial Burden’ study explores ripple effects of mental health conditions, solutions
A new peer-reviewed study explored six cases in which a primary patient was discovered based on a family member seeking medical care – and advocates for care that likewise considers all family members. In these cases, the mental health condition was obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which put physical and/or emotional strain on a family member, causing […]
Giving back as a family: 5 reasons to do it, and 5 simple ideas
Earlier this month, we encouraged fostering empathy as a family goal for the New Year. One practical way to do pursue that goal is by giving back, whether through formal or informal means. We’ve got some simple suggestions for families on how to do that, but first, the why. The Why Obviously, altruism makes a […]
A different kind of New Year’s goal
Happy New Year! First off: Children and families, we care deeply for you, and we are rooting for you as you step into 2025. Rather than offering a New Year’s resolution idea, here’s a suggestion of a trajectory to pursue this year. One of the most valuable skills we can teach our children is to […]
A gift guide for neurodivergent kids
If you have a neurodivergent child on your gift list this year – even if that child is yours – it can be daunting to think through options that child will love. (If the child is a friend or relative, it’s always good to start by asking the parents for ideas!) Here’s a basic framework […]
Quick holiday parenting hacks (and a gift)
The holidays can come on in a roar of activity, leaving little margin to plan parenting tactics. This holiday magazine (click here to download the pdf) offers a ton of activity ideas, holiday tips, and stories that can help children (particularly neurodivergent children) understand and cope with the holiday hustle . So our first parenting […]
Play for the win: Study finds parent-child play helps with friendships
Early parent-child play can be a key predictor in how successfully children interact with peers, according to a new study from the University of Georgia. Most of the time, parents take the lead role, but play can flip the script, allowing a parent to respond to a child’s lead, according to the study, summarized in […]
PUMPKIN: Tips for helping a neurodivergent child enjoy Halloween
Halloween can be one of the most overwhelming holidays for a neurodivergent child –scary costumes, loud noises, doorbells, barking dogs, bright lights at night, startlingdecorations, lots of strangers.You know your child best, as well as what your child can handle, so trust your instincts.But our PUMPKIN acronym can help you think through options to make […]