I am a school psychologist with interests in technology use in practice along with child and adolescent development with emphasis in bullying and cyberbullying.
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Articles by Dan Florell
Beach safety starts before the first wave
The 3-year old could hardly wait to reach the beach. As soon as his family spread out their towels, he ran toward the shoreline with a bucket in one hand and a shovel in the other. His father quickly caught up, took his hand, and together they watched the waves roll in. kAmxE =@@<65 42=> 2?5 :?G:E:?8[ 3FE H:E9:?
Keeping children safe during tick season
Some children spent most of the afternoon exploring along the wooded edge behind their backyard. By evening, they came inside dirty, sweaty, and excited about the small creek they had discovered. Later that night, while helping her son get ready for bed, a parent noticed a tiny dark spot attached behind the knee. kAmpE 7:CDE[ :E =@@<65 =:<6 5:CE 7C@> @FED:56 A=2J]k^Am kAm%96? :E 3642>6 4=62C :E H2D 2 E:4<]k^Am kAm%:4<D 92G6 364@>6 2? :?4C62D:?8 :DDF6 7@C 72>:=:6D H9@ DA6?5 E:>6 @FE5@@CD] r9:=5C6?
Building a healthy home one routine at a time
The kitchen was quiet as a mother set out plates for dinner. She called her children to the table, and within minutes they drifted in, one still holding a tablet, another asking for a different meal than what was prepared. The evening felt rushed and scattered, not quite chaotic, but not settled either. kAmp 962=E9J 9@>6 6?G:C@?>6?E :D ?@E 3F:=E 7C@> @?6 3:8 564:D:@?] xE :D D92A65 3J D>2==[ C6A62E65 C@FE:?6D E92E D92A6 9@H 49:=5C6?
The hidden cost of endless scrolling
The room was dark except for the glow of a phone screen. A father walked past his 14-year-old daughter’s bedroom just after midnight and noticed the light still glowing under the door. When he stepped in, she quickly flipped the phone over. She said she was just finishing a video, but her eyes looked tired and unsettled. kAmp BF:4< 8=2?46 2E E96 D4C66? D9@H65 2 DEC62> @7 9625=:?6D 23@FE 5:D2DE6CD 2?5 4@?7=:4E[ @?6 4C:D:D 27E6C 2?@E96C]k^Am kAm%9:D <:?5 @7 A2EE6C?[ @7E6?
Supporting children as war dominates the News
On a recent evening, a mother was clearing the dishes when she noticed her eight year old son was unusually quiet at the table. He typically would be talking about recess or a funny moment at school. Instead, he stared at the television where footage of the US and Iran conflict was on. Eventually he asked, “Is that going to happen here?” kAmw:D G@:46 H2D DE625J[ 3FE 9:D 92?5D H6C6 4=6?4965]k^Am kAm$46?6D =:<6 E9:D 2C6 364@>:?8 >@C6 4@>>@? 2D ?6HD 4@G6C286 @7 E96 H2C 7:==D E6=6G:D:@?
The quiet rise of teen online gambling
A father was folding laundry when he noticed his 16 year old son’s phone lighting up again and again on the bed. At first it looked like the usual group chat. But when he picked the phone up to move it, he saw notifications from a sports betting app, along with messages from friends about spreads, parlays, and “easy money.” His son walked in, went quiet, and insisted it was just for fun, but the father knew online betting was not as harmless as it looked.
Preparing young minds for success at school
It was a quiet morning, and the mother was sorting laundry while her son played in the living room. At just five years old, he had built a “zoo” with plastic animals and was busy giving each creature a name. The mother smiled, then realized that Kindergarten was only a few months away. She had completed the registration forms, picked up the supply list, and signed her son up for a summer program. kAm$E:==[ 2 72>:=:2C H@CCJ =:?86C65 2D E96 >@E96C H@?56C65 :7 96C D@?
Hidden tradeoffs of giving a child a phone too soon
The box was carefully wrapped and was among the stack of birthday presents. When the 12-year-old girl tore open the paper and saw the brand-new smartphone inside, her eyes widened with joy. For months she had dropped hints, comparing her flip phone to what her classmates were using. Now, with her first real smartphone in hand, she hurried to set up apps and text friends. kAmw6C A2C6?ED D>:=65[ H2E49:?8 96C 6I4:E6>6?E[ E9@F89 E96 >@>6?E 2=D@ 42>6 H:E9 BF:6E F?62D6] %96J 925 ;FDE 4C@DD65 2?
Guidance on screen time for teenagers
The mother asked her daughter to put down her phone during the family movie. “I’m listening,” the teen replied, barely glancing up. A moment later she burst out laughing at a TikTok while her younger brother groaned. The mother sighed, wondering how to direct her daughter without turning it into another battle. kAm|2?28:?8 D4C66? FD6 92D 364@>6 @?6 @7 E96 567:?:?8 492==6?86D @7 >@56C? A2C6?E:?8[ 6DA64:2==J H:E9 E66?286CD]k^Am kAmp44@C5:?8 E@ 2 C646?E r@>>@?
Helping siblings get along with one another
“Where did you get that from? Hey, that’s mine! I told you to stay out of my room!” screamed the boy as he reached across the car seat to grab the figurine from his brother. “You never play with them. You just keep them locked up in your room because I want to play with them!” said the brother as he evaded his brother’s efforts. kAm“"F:6E 5@H? 3@E9 @7 J@FP x7 J@F 42?’E 86E 2=@?8[ E96?
Protecting children’s health with medicaid and CHIP
Last year, the mother noticed her 7-year-old son was having trouble seeing far away things at home. After a visit to the eye doctor, she learned that he needed glasses but without health insurance, the cost was more than her family could afford. Thankfully, her son was able to get coverage through Kentucky’s Children’s Health Insurance Program (KCHIP) and get the needed glasses. kAm%96D6 EJA6D @7 DE@C:6D 2C6 4@>>@? :? z6?EF4<J[ H96C6 >@C6 E92? 92=7 @7 2== 49:=5C6? W23@FE ebh[___ <:5DX C6=J @?
Protecting kids against the measles
The mother was on the phone talking to a friend. She found out that her friend’s 8-year-old daughter had just come down with measles. The two families had gotten together a week earlier, and the friend wanted the mother to be on the lookout for measles symptoms in her children. kAm%96 >@E96C H2D 4@?46C?65[ 2D ?6:E96C 96C f\J62C\@=5 @C 96C b\>@?E9\@=5 49:=5C6? 925 366?
Ways to show children you love them
As the mother tucked her eight-year-old son into bed, she pulled out his favorite book and began to read. Despite the long day at work, she watched his eyes light up as they launched into the adventures waiting on the pages. This bedtime ritual wasn’t just about reading, it was a cherished moment between mother and son and a way to reinforce her love for him. kAmx? 2 H@C=5 @7 5:DEC24E:@?D[ A2C6?ED D9@H:?8 E96:C 49:=5C6? =@G6 :D >@C6 :>A@CE2?E E92?
Getting kids to feel better during cold and flu season
“Achoo!” the child sneezed and then said in a stuffed up voice, “Mom, my body and head hurt. It also hurts when I swallow.” The mother looked at her child with concern and decided it was time for action. She told her child, “Go to the couch and lay down, I have a few things that should help.” kAmx? E96 >62?E:>6[ D96 3682? CF>>28:?8 2C@F?5 7@C DFAA=:6D E92E 4@F=5 62D6 D@>6 @7 96C 49:=5’D DJ>AE@>D]k^Am kAm%9:D :D 9:89 D62D@? 7@C 49:=5C6? E@ 4@>6 5@H?
Getting teenagers to wear warmer jackets
“Bye Mom!” said the teenager as she headed out the door. The mother caught a sidewise glance of her daughter as she was set to leave the house. “Wait a minute. What do you think you are wearing? Don’t you know it is freezing out there? You are going to catch your death in that cold.” The daughter replied, “It isn’t that cold, and I don’t want to have this big bulky jacket to lug around all day in school.” With that, the daughter darted out the door with her mother carrying a jacket in hot pursuit.
Not resolutions but goals for parents in the new year
The ball had dropped and the 9-year old asked his father, “Dad, what is your New Year’s resolution?” His father replied, “I don’t know, it never seems my resolutions stick. I thought I might try to set a few goals for our family instead.” At the beginning of every new year, resolutions are a topic of discussion and quickly fade. However, it is a good time to discuss family goals to start the new year off on a good foot as children head back for the second half of the school year.
Auld Lang Syne - Encouraging self-reflection in children
“Do we really get to stay up late? All the way to the big countdown?” asked the 7-year old. “That’s right, you get to ring in the New Year as long as you can stay awake kiddo!” said the smiling father.
Getting inside the brain with children’s gift giving
“Now pick my present to you!” the seven-year-old said excitedly as he was dancing about the room. The mother picked up the present her son was motioning to and gave it a gentle shake. “I wonder what this could be?” she asked. Wearing a huge expressive grin, her son said, “It is something you really, really, really are going to like!” The mother gently laughed as she opened the present and said, “You are right. This is such a thoughtful gift. I love it!”.
Gratitude is a gift that keeps giving
“Do we really have to spend all Thanksgiving day with grandma, grandpa and all our relatives? It is so noisy over there, can’t we just stay home?” said the teenager. “I know it can be a bit chaotic there, but we rarely get to see everyone and having that time with them is something we will cherish later on,” replied her mother. Gratitude is something that does not come naturally to children. Typically it needs to be nurtured by parents in order to blossom.
Impact of parents tracking teens location
The mother took out her phone and opened up the Life360 app. “It looks like our son has decided to grab a burger before dinner. I am going to text and tell him to not fill up as dinner will be ready as soon as he gets home”, she said to her husband. Her husband replied, “He is a growing boy, and I am sure he will finish off both the burger and dinner. You shouldn’t always be checking in on him. It is going to make him paranoid.” It is a modern parenting dilemma.
Cutting down on school absenteeism
The girl pulled her blanket over her head as her mother attempted to wake her for the day. “I really don’t feel good. My head hurts!” said the girl to her mother. Her mother responded, “I know you are not feeling good, so we will have you stay home, but this can’t keep happening. You have already missed too much school.” Missing school can occur for several reasons. Students can be sick, need to recover from a concussion, or have doctor or therapy appointments.
Parenting stress and well-being
Three kids — from ages 7 to 14 years old — was a lot to manage. Each week, the parents would set aside a little time on Sunday to go over the upcoming week and talk about other issues that had come up. There were multiple sports and club events to coordinate along with figuring out various job demands and travel. Then there were the birthday parties to attend and figuring out what groceries needed to be bought.
Making Instagram safer for teens
The middle schooler told her parents that she wanted an Instagram account. She said that all her classmates were already on it and she was missing out on everything. Her parents knew their daughter would eventually get on the social media platform. However, they were concerned about news reports over the past couple of years that they could be putting her at-risk for developing an eating disorder, getting targeted for cyberbullying, or increasing her anxiety levels if they let her on Instagram.
Guidance on social media use for children
The 8-year old was increasingly demanding to watch TikTok videos after he got home from school. His parents had originally let him watch for 15 minutes as a way to unwind from school. Recently they found that he would get more upset when time was up and his device was taken away. They also started catching him sneaking down at night to watch on his device. His parents are struggling to find a good balance for their son. Balancing the use of media is one of many parenting challenges.
Avoiding overuse sports injuries
The middle schooler was heading out for tennis practice to start the fall tennis season. He was taking a few swings of his racket and then told his mother that his elbow was sore. His mother noted that her son had complained about a sore elbow a couple of times towards the end of the summer tennis season. It was concerning, but her son had been playing really well and the coach thought he was poised to take a jump in the player rankings.
Establishing back to school traditions
The 9-year old boy was looking forward to going out with his mother. Every summer, right before the start of school, he got to go with his mother to pick out his school supplies. The boy loved the chance to select his custom pencils and folders. Afterward, his mother would always take him to grab a big ice cream sundae and they would talk about the upcoming school year. Best of all, his younger brother and sister were left at home. Traditions play a significant role in our lives.
Taking extra steps with kids during soaring temperatures
It was the middle of the summer and the heat and humidity had been unrelenting. The children tried to go play outside, but they would quickly come back in looking flush and complaining about how hot it was outside. They were often tired and irritable. Most of the time, the children spent the day in the air conditioning and watched streaming shows. High temperatures and humidity can turn summer into a very unpleasant season regardless of age.
Water safety for teenagers
It was a perfect summer day and the excitement was palpable as a group of teenagers headed to the lake. They anticipated a day of swimming and lounging on inner tubes. The fun, however, took a dangerous turn when one teen — under the influence of alcohol — began to struggle in the water, sparking a frantic rescue by friends. This incident underscores a crucial but often overlooked aspect of summer — water safety for teens.
Reigning in cellphone and social media use in youth
“Why do we have to read about what old people wrote?” complained the middle schooler to another student while the teacher talked about the Revolutionary War. The other student replied, “Here, just put your book up and watch this video I sent you.” They both watched the video and laughed. “We should send it to that girl who is always so anxious”, said the middle schooler. “Perfect! This should be so funny!” said the other student.
Relaxed routines for the summer
The typical morning hustle and bustle of the household has quieted as the children sleep in and parents are able to take more time getting ready for work. School is out and summer has taken full hold on the family’s schedule. The children have various camps to attend during the day but mostly get to do whatever they would like. Summer is a welcome time of relaxation compared to the demands created by school schedules and activities.
How to approach end of year report cards
The 10-year old was having a blast with all of the field trips, classroom parties, and wrap-up activities that were part of the final weeks of school. Before she knew it, school was over, but the teacher reminded the class that everyone’s report card would be in the mail soon. This made the girl remember that school had not been all fun as she had struggled to keep up in language arts. She began to wonder what her parents would say about her report card and if she might get into trouble.
Explaining emotions and feelings to young children
The 4-year old girl had always been close to her grandmother. Her grandmother was the one who cared for her during the day while her parents had been working. Unfortunately, the grandmother’s health was failing, and she was in the hospital. The girl was asking her parents why her grandmother was in the hospital and when she would be OK. Her parents did not know quite how to respond or how to tell their daughter that her grandmother probably was not going to get better.
Exercise a key way to prevent mental health disorders
Recently, the daughter had been getting more easily stressed and the end of year testing was making her highly anxious. Her parents were worried about how her anxiety was increasing. They wanted to intervene, but it had been hard as everybody’s schedule was so busy with end of school activities. Youth mental health issues from anxiety and depression have been steadily rising for the past decade.
Building preschoolers reading one conversation at a time
The 3-year old had gone to the bookshelf and pulled out Curious George. He had brought it over to his father. “What have you got there?” asked the father. His son replied, “Want you to read to me.” The father responded, “Oh, this looks like a good book. What is it about?”.
How to praise children to build self-esteem
A mother watched her daughter spend an hour assembling a complex Lego model. When her daughter presented the finished product, disappointment clouded her face. “It doesn’t look like the picture,” she lamented. The mother responded warmly, “I saw how dedicated you were in putting it together, and you seemed to really enjoy the process. It was a big project, and I’m proud of how you tackled it.
Teen use and effects of delta-8
A package arrived at the house and the teenager quickly gathered up. His parents were surprised he had something arrived for him. When they asked what he had ordered, their son replied it was candy and quickly flashed a packet that looked like Sour Patch Kids. His parents thought it was odd to order those when it would have been faster to go to the grocery store to get them but, they did not think much of it. Later, their son came down and seemed a bit out of it and acting silly.
The difference between an IEP and 504 Plan in schools
His daughter was a worrier and had been since she was a toddler. She had always seemed to manage to do okay, despite her worries in school and other activities until recently. Now her grades were slipping a bit to mostly Bs in her classes and she worried about what others thought of her. Her parents took their daughter to therapy where she was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. While the therapy helped, something needed to be done at school.
Helping teens identify bogus social media health claims
“I am not getting a COVID vaccine. I read that it makes you sterile!” said the teenager. “I follow this health influencer on TikTok, and she said that these vaccines are replacing DNA that leads to all sorts of problems.” The parent sighed and tried to talk some sense into her son but was not getting far in changing his opinion. Adolescents and young adults are getting most of their news on social media sites, including health information.
Spotting Autism early in children
It was time for the trip to the pediatrician’s office to have a one year old check-up for her son. At the office visit, the pediatrician mentioned that her son seemed to be having some communication delays and recommended further screening. The mother was a bit surprised, but it was her first child and she was not sure of what type of communication behaviors were typical for a one year old.
Preparing children for a new sibling
“You not play with me. Me no want new baby!” said the three year old to her mother. The baby had arrived a few weeks ago and her daughter was having trouble adapting to all of the changes in the family. She has become clingy around her parents and started having toileting accidents again even though she had been toilet-trained prior to the baby’s arrival. This natural reaction underscores the need for careful preparation and support from parents during this transition.
Starting youth on social media Original
“Mom, when am I going to be able to get an Instagram account? All of my friends are on there and I am missing out,” said the sixth grader. The mother had been trying to draw the line when her daughter got access to social media. She had held out at the start of middle school, but over the past few months most of her daughter’s friends were already on. A modern conundrum for parents is when to allow their children to be on social media.
Tips on handling the holidays with little kids Original
It was an exciting time in the household as both children were finally old enough to experience the magic of the Christmas season. At three and four years old, both had told their parents about what Santa should bring them and all the toys they would like to get. Their parents felt the pressure to make it a Christmas that everyone would remember. As they navigate this exciting period, parents often face the challenge of creating a memorable Christmas while managing practical constraints.
Managing parental stress during the holidays
The mother glanced at her planner and quickly shut it. The calendar was full for the next month with more than a few double bookings. Her to-do list seemed even longer. She wondered how she would get it all done while still managing her two children who seemed to be getting a little too excited about the upcoming holiday season. Parents often feel overwhelmed when trying to care for their children and meet work and other responsibilities. The holidays add another layer of responsibilities.
Flying with kids for thanksgiving
It was the Saturday before Thanksgiving when the family arrived at the local airport for their trip to see the grandparents. The check-in baggage line had 20 people waiting to get checked in. The father looked over at security and saw a line four times that long. The 4- and 6-year old children were already starting to get antsy. The father had no idea how they would make it the whole way.
Flying with kids for thanksgiving
All city of Dalton offices and non-emergency services will b…
Keeping down math anxiety in kids
The third-grader’s face was scrunched and flushed as she became frustrated with her task. She was supposed to answer what is half of 1/8th. The more the third-grader worked on the problem, the madder she became. Finally, she threw down her pencil and said, “I am so bad at math, why do they make me learn it?” After that, she tried to avoid doing math whenever possible or would get her classmates or parents to do it.
Keeping scary movies age appropriate
The students in the 4th grade classroom all found their seats. The students had worked hard all week and their reward was to watch a movie on Friday afternoon. The teacher thought a Winnie-the-Pooh movie would be appropriate and one had just come out. Unfortunately, the movie was “Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey,” which contained nudity, swearing, and violent murders. This particular scenario happened at a Miami elementary school this year.
Steps for parents to take when their child is bullied
The mother found her 4th grade daughter drying her tears after she got home from school. Concerned, she asked what was wrong. Her daughter initially said, “nothing.” With some more prodding, her daughter began to talk about her friends excluding her at school for the past week. They said she smelled and started calling her Stinky Sally, a nickname that had caught on. Now others in her class were calling her that, particularly at lunch and recess when her teachers were not around.
Factors that increase teen suicide
There was something that had definitely changed. The parents were not sure what was happening to their teenager, but had seen changes in his behavior. The teenager had not been the same since the break-up with his girlfriend a couple of months ago. He had become more despondent, ignoring friends, and they feared he was beginning to have another depressive episode. The teenager’s grades started dropping at school, even in classes he had enjoyed.
Benefits of playing with dolls
The little girl was in her bedroom having an intense conversation with her doll. “I know you are scared when T-Rex is making loud noises, but you cannot hit him when he does that,” said the girl to her doll. She had the doll respond, “But he won’t stop if I ignore him! Hitting him makes him stop!” The girl continues on with her conversation with her doll. Young children for generations have played with dolls and stuffed animals.
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