Active & Connected Families

We all know there is a mental health crisis out there. We have real numbers that highlight elevated rates of anxiety and depression for kids, teenagers, people of color, men, working mothers. The numbers tell the story. The percentages, increases, and statistical significance are all important.

Everywhere we go, we are surrounded by data, as are our children. Their GPA’s, instagram likes, rebounds, SAT Scores, tardies, goals, and more, are all measured and highlighted. “What is measured gets done.” The data tells the story. Numbers are concrete, clear, and feel important.

Yet we don’t keep data on what actually counts in life. There are no decimal points for kindness, helping others, empathy, or quality of relationships. And because there is no data to be analyzed for these qualities in this numbers-crazed world, we have learned not to value the qualities that make us healthy and whole. No wonder there is a mental health crisis.

Let's have a closer look at this in today's episode!

We always love hearing from you, so don’t be shy, come over to our Facebook or Instagram and let us know what you thought about today’s episode!

Ps. Do you love listening to our podcast? It would mean the absolute world to us if you could leave a review on Apple Podcasts. This will help our show so we can help more parents and families feel more active and connected in their lives. You can leave a review by clicking here, scrolling to the bottom, tapping to leave a star rating and then write your review. Thanks so much!

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More info? You can find the full show notes, links and resources over at:

https://www.activeconnected.com/what-really-matters/

Have you ever wondered if and how you should discuss your drinking with your kids? Or second-guessed whether your drinking behavior is still healthy? Join us in an open, honest, and non-judgmental conversation about healthy adult drinking and how to talk about it with your children.

As therapists, moms, and, well, just human beings who like to drink alcohol, we share our insights, the red flags to look out for, and the boundaries we’ve set for ourselves.

Should you discuss your drinking with your kids or hide it from them? What kind of drinking behavior should you expose your children to and when is it better to protect them from it? How can you distinguish between healthy and unhealthy drinking behavior? We discuss it all.

After listening to this week’s episode, head over to Facebook or Instagram (@VirginiaFamilyTherapy) and join us in the conversation. We’re excited to hear your stories and questions.

Be sure to join us next week, when we continue this conversation around how to discuss adult drinking with your kids.

Full show notes: http://www.podcasttherapists.com/episode/should-adults-drink-in-front-of-their-kids-part-1/

This week, coach Mike is back and he’s showing his perspective on Simone Biles’ Olympic performances and what lessons we can learn from them. Michael Atunrase is not only the founder and head coach of Resilience Fitness & Sports Performance Training, but he is also a mental health advocate. He shares our belief that mental health should be an equally important part of sports training, as are warm-ups, strength training, and cardio.

In today’s episode, we talk about the strong connection between mind and body, the contradictions regarding mental health for young athletes, and essential mental health strategies to implement for every athlete out there.

Come over to our Facebook or Instagram page and let us know your thoughts about today's episode. We always love to hear from you!

Full show notes: http://www.podcasttherapists.com/episode/mental-health-for-young-athletes/

It may seem a bit early to some, but more than ever, we already see anxiety about the upcoming school year come up in therapy sessions. This upcoming school year will be different, that’s for sure, and everyone will deal with it in a different way. Based on what we see happening in both our clients and our own kids, we talk about the patterns we’re already seeing and expect to see during the school year ahead.

The uncertainty kids have dealt with during the pandemic, the social interaction they’ve missed, the maturing they’ve gone through. All of it will have an impact on how our kids will go into the new school year. In today’s episode, we talk about our predictions and how parents can help their kids if they’re having a hard time. But let’s also not forget how exciting it is for our kids to go back to school and how resilient they have been during the pandemic.

Of course, being parents ourselves, we also don’t forget about the changes and anxiety parents will possibly encounter.

Next week, we'll be back with a plan for you all to get in place to get ready for the school year.

Join in on the conversation on Facebook or Instagram (@VirginiaFamilyTherapy). We'd love to hear from you!

Full show notes: http://www.podcasttherapists.com/episode/what-can-we-expect-for-the-post-pandemic-school-year/

This week we’re coming in hot with a legitimate timeline for how to get your kid ready for the new school year. Last week we shared our thoughts and predictions for the post-pandemic school year; this week, we’re translating all of that into actionable steps.

Like Amanda said: “I will not have a single backpack ready for my children, but I will have talked to them about all their anxiety and excitement for the school year because I sat down and did this. I’m thrilled.“

Taking into account that every kid is different, handles situations differently, and has had their own personal experiences of life during the pandemic, we share how to find out how your kid is feeling about going back to school and how to prepare them while also letting them enjoy the summer. This year it’ll be a bit different than usual but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Head over to our Facebook or Instagram page (@VirginiaFamilyTherapy) and let us know what steps you’ll be taking. We always love hearing from you!

Full show notes: http://www.podcasttherapists.com/episode/getting-your-kids-emotionally-ready-for-the-post-pandemic-school-year/