Behavioral Health Clinic

  Summer break is a great time for kids to unwind. However, the time away from the classroom can lead to learning loss and boredom. This can present challenges for parents to keep their children entertained while also supporting continued learning. From exploring the great outdoors to creative DIY, here is a list of ways to keep the boredom away while strengthening developmental skills. 1. Get outside! Playing outside is beneficial for a number of reasons. It can help children socialize, learn new skills, develop gross motor functioning, utilize problem solving skills, and engage in imaginative play. Head outside for a neighborhood scavenger hunt. There are many examples online or you could make one of your own that could include looking for: objects of certain colors, shapes, specific animals/bugs, or street signs. Watch the Summer Olympics and make your own “events” at home. Some “event” ideas include: bean bag toss, balance beam (using a scrap 2X4), water bucket relay, water bal...

  “Binge Eating”, “Binge Watching”, or “Going on a Binge” are common euphemisms that are used interchangeably to describe people who are indulging more than they normally would. Because of the commonplace nature, people don’t often take the time to think about the true struggle of the condition behind this language. For folks who struggle with Binge Eating Disorder (BED), it’s more than just eating too much now and then; it’s a serious eating disorder. People with BED experience episodes where they eat large amounts of food quickly, often to the point of feeling really uncomfortable. These episodes are often prompted from negative emotions, such as anxiety and shame, rather than any semblance of feeling indulgent or relaxing. Episodes of binge eating come with a sense of losing control, followed by intense feelings of guilt or shame. Binge Eating Disorder is the most common eating disorder in the U.S., and it affects all kinds of people—no matter their age, gender, background, or s...

  School’s out for the summer, but the learning doesn’t have to stop there! As a speech-language pathologist, I am excited to share some engaging and fun summer activities that you can enjoy with your children while also supporting their speech and language development. Summer is the perfect time for outdoor adventures, creative play, and new opportunities, all of which can provide wonderful opportunities to enhance your child’s communication abilities! Whether you’re at the pool, on the go, or hanging out in your backyard, these activities are designed to be enjoyable and educational, helping your child build vocabulary, improve social skills, and develop better speech and language capabilities. Let’s dive into some exciting summer activities that will make learning feel like play! Planning a pool or beach trip? Have your child help you list out some of the items needed to take along! Towel Goggles Snacks If your child requires extra prompts or enjoys guessing games, try using mor...