Expert Advice From Helpmesara

Sara Dimerman in conversation with Alison Tedder and Diane Flacks. Over the course of this episode you will learn more about: Whether children being raised in same sex relationships typically see themselves and their family structure as being different to their peers How children may voice their feelings and how same sex parents can prepare for their questions How acceptance from extended family eg grandparents, impacts on the adult children and grandchildren, for example Whether male same sex parents have a more difficult time with societal expectations and stereotypes than female co parents Whether and how school administrators and teachers accommodate for the difference in family structure within families of children being raised by same sex parents How same sex parents can advocate on behalf of their children and family to raise awareness -within schools and communities - and offer suggestions for change if necessary Local and national supports for same sex parents raising children  

Sara Dimerman in conversation with Henry and Valerie Kerr. Over the course of this episode you will learn more about: Their life stories When Henry discovered his creative talents Henry's prolific poetry writing skills How they re discovered love in their late eighties and nineties respectively how love has enhanced their lives The secret to remaining vital, nimble minded and interested in all that life offers Learning to live life to its fullest and maintaining a positive attitude  

Drinking & Driving is a deadly mix. Certain times of the year we especially need to be reminded of this. Drinking alcohol on one's own time in the comfort of one's own home is your business. However, if we drink and drive, others can be affected. MADD Canada is one of the best known organizations of it's kind in Canada. They aim to support people who have been victims of impaired driving and to educate us about the lethal consequences of driving while impaired. Please listen to this podcast, no matter your age, because drinking and driving crosses all age barriers. However, if you know a youth that drives, please especially encourage him or her to listen too. You can save lives. Sara Dimerman in conversation with Denise Dubyk. Over the course of this episode you will learn more about: When, where and why was MADD Canada created? By whom? Mission statement? Aside from the obvious, why is it never a good idea for people to drive while impaired? What are some warning signs that you may have had a few too ma

Sara Dimerman in conversation with Melanie Gross. Over the course of this episode you will learn more about: The physical and emotional benefits to clearing your clutter The side effects of disorganization/clutter The most challenging aspects of clearing your clutter and why Nature versus nurture - are some people predisposed to being disorganized or is this behaviour learnt? Whether change is typically permanent after your clutter is cleared Some simple tips to get you started and to help your children get organized  

Sara Dimerman in conversation with Dr. Tara Sermer. Over the course of this episode you will learn more about: How a family can come together in making the decision to become a pet owning family Some of the key factors to consider when deciding to bring a pet to live in your home Red flags that your home or family may not be pet friendly Making an informed decision about the right breed of dog or cat for your family Whether dogs and cats can co exist. Less commonly owned domestic animals Helping children and adults cope with the loss of a pet. Resources/where to go to to do more research on owning a pet. Dr. Sermer also recommends: TV show: CMT Pick A Puppy Book: Cesar's Way by Cesar Milan. Book: Perfect Puppy in 7 Days: How to start your puppy off right by Dr. Sophia Yin Book: Before & After Getting Your Puppy by Dr. Ian Dunbar  

Sara Dimerman in conversation with Cherie MacLeod. Over the course of this episode you will learn more about: Signs and signals that may indicate your child is attracted to same sex peers The age at which children typically show attraction to one sex over the other The best way to approach your child if you think he or she is gay or lesbian What reaction to expect from your child after being approached Whether it is typical for a child to approach his or her parents with the awareness of a difference in sexual orientation Understanding/exploring sexual diversity and identity, e.g. bisexuality, transgender, transsexuality, pansexuality Why some children are more comfortable questioning or expressing their differences openly Common parental reactions when his or her child "comes out" How a parent can best support his or her child How parents can find support for themselves and their children  

Sara Dimerman in conversation with Janyce Lastman. Over the course of this episode you will learn more about: Why  parents sometimes feel that their children's needs are not being met at school The difference between public versus private schools What parents can do when they disagree about which school their children should attend The factors/issues that parents often don’t consider but should when choosing a school The pros and cons of changing schools or school systems – and the  best (or worst) time to do so Some things parents might not typically think of doing that could help improve a difficult situation at school –  social, academic or behavioural Some of the more common conditions that require accommodations at school, e.g. learning disability Some other less obvious conditions that may require special attention, e.g. anxiety, conduct disorder Options for teens who  don't fit  regular high school programming Some newer or non-traditional options parents might consider for students who wish to contin

Sara Dimerman in conversation with J.M. Kearns. Over the course of this episode you will learn more about: How our "How can I be your lover when I'm too busy being your mother?" book came to be The Mother Syndrome and how big of a problem it is the connection with feeling and acting like a mother to one's partner and the lack of intimacy an overview of our book and what one will learn from reading it How a couple can implement our step by step plan what to do if one partner is not on board  

Sara Dimerman in conversation with Betty Cornelius. Over the course of this episode you will learn more about: What is a kinship family? How common is it that children are being raised by their grandparents? What is CANGRANDS? How does CANGRANDS reaches out to and helps grandparents. How and why are grandchildren typically raised by their grandparents? What is different about raising a grandchild compared to raising a child of ones own? What special requirements need to be in place? What if the grandparents don't have the resources to provide for their grandchildren? How does raising ones grandchildren typically affect the dynamics How are grandchildren typically affected - both positively and not as positively by being raised in a kinship family? CANGRANDS Hearts & Hands Quilt project How the rate of kinship families compares between Canada, the USA and other countries. How kinship families from around the world can connect with one another.  

Sara Dimerman in conversation with Liana Lowenstein. Over the course of this episode you will learn more about: What are some of the more common loss experiences for young children? Less common? Do young children grieve? What are some of the different ways in which children cope with loss? What factors determine how well or poorly child deals with loss? What are some of the warning signs that a child is not coping well How should we, as parents, help our child deal with loss? what should we be careful of doing or saying when our children are dealing with loss? What if we are coping with the same loss? should we hide our pain from our children? why or why not? what about if children are not showing any difficulty after a loss? might it still be beneficial to talk or receive therapy from a professional? What are some resources for children coping with loss? Books recommended for parents and children?  

Sara Dimerman In conversation with Rick Kelly. Over the course of this episode you will learn more about: What restorative/restorative justice means? How long the restorative justice model has been used and how it evolved? Other options for dealing with bullying issues How the restorative justice model works Who facilitates this process in schools The benefits of being with the right facilitator in a safe, supportive environment The risks of being with a facilitator who is not trained/certified How parents can familiarize themselves with the model being used in their children’s school in relation to bullying How teachers and administrators can encourage the restorative justice model as an intervention and form of prevention  

Sara Dimerman in conversation with Barbara Lebo. Over the course of this episode you will learn more about: Possible causes of autism Signs to look for in recognizing that your child may be autistic The roller coaster of emotions when raising a special needs child The impact that raising an autistic child has on the family Treatment options when caring for an autistic child How to advocate for your autistic child at school What to consider regarding school placement – mainstream or a specially contained classroom How  treatment programs can be integrated into the school/educational system Practical strategies that can make a difference – at home and school Resources and supports for parents and children Related links: An Unexpected Life: A Mother and Son's Story of Love, Determination, Autism, and Art  

Sara Dimerman in conversation with Janet Nezon. Over the course of this episode you will learn more about: What a "healthy eater" means At what age children become more discerning in regards to taste and texture of food Whether children's tastes and eating behaviour change as they grow Tips for parents on guiding their children towards healthy eating habits What and who the most important influencers on a child's eating behaviour are Whether its okay for children to skip meals, eat "junk" food and not eat the vegetables on their plate Tips on how to eliminate meal time power struggles eg getting children to try new foods and refusing what has already been prepared What a "picky eater" means and how to deal with one Working as a family towards healthy eating behaviour  

Sara Dimerman in conversation with Kate Davidson and Carol Y. Barber. Over the course of this episode you will learn more about: How to identify signs that your child may be more distractible, inattentive or hyperactive when compared to the average child his/her age. Reasons why your child may be distractible, inattentive or hyperactive. What steps to take in order to have your child assessed and by whom. Why a formal assessment may be key to getting your child the help he/she needs The tests that may be used to assess your child. Treatment approaches to dealing with children who are distractible, inattentive or hyperactive. How to advocate on your child's behalf at school and outside of school Dos and don'ts when dealing with a child who is distractible, inattentive or hyperactive. What resources and supports are available to you and your child.  

Sara Dimerman in conversation with Dr. Karen Leitner. Over the course of this episode you will learn more about: What changes to expect in behaviour and attitude from your 12-18 year old. The most powerful influences on your tween/teen during this stage of life. What you can do to keep your adolescent connected to your family. Setting limits and what to do when your child goes against them. What to expect and how to respond if your child is using drugs, alcohol or engaged in sexual behaviour. How to promote healthy self esteem in your tween/teen. How to detect the early stages of an unhealthy relationship with food or body image and what you can do about it. How to detect self injurious behaviour such as cutting and what you can do about it. How to detect depression or other mental health issues in your child and what to do about it.  

Sara Dimerman in conversation with Dr. Debby Zweig. Over the course of this episode you will learn more about: How to identify signs that your child may be more anxious than an average child his/her age What steps to take in order to have him/her assessed and by whom The different kinds of anxiety disorders e.g. phobia, separation anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder and what this all means Different treatment approaches to dealing with anxiety in children Your emotional reaction to learning that your child has an anxiety disorder How to advocate on your child's behalf at school and outside of school Dos and don'ts when dealing with an anxious child What resources and supports are available to you and your child  

Sara Dimerman in conversation with Deborah Moskovitch. Over the course of this episode you will learn more about: The normal range of mixed emotion you will experience after the separation. The most common mistakes that parents unintentionally make with their children after the separation. The most important factors to keep in mind in order for your children to be least affected by the changes to your family. The best ways to respond to your children's most common questions such as "will daddy ever come live with us again?" and "do you still love mommy?" How to cope with the changes to your social life: what's there to do when you're feeling lonely on a Saturday night. The domino effect: how to deal with friends and family who are feeling the impact of the changes too. When, where and how to introduce your children to a new partner. Resources and supports available to you.  

Sara Dimerman in conversation with Dr. Helena Zajdeman. Over the course of this episode you will learn more about: How to identify signs that your child may have a learning difficulty. What steps to take in order to have him/her assessed and by whom. Why a formal assessment may be key to getting your child the help he/she needs. The standardized tests that may be used to assess your child. Whether your child may be stigmatized as a result of being diagnosed Learning Disabled. Your emotional reaction to learning that your child has a learning difficulty. How to advocate on your child's behalf at school. What resources and supports are available to you and your child.  

Sara Dimerman in conversation with Dr. Nicky Cohen. Over the course of this episode you will learn more about: How to identify signs that your infant, toddler or preschooler may be manifesting more sleep related difficulties than the average child his/her age. Reasons why your child may be having sleep problems. Steps to take when dealing with a variety of sleep related issues such as: a child who refuses to fall asleep on his/her own a child who wakes at night and calls out to you a child who is experiencing daytime sleep difficulties a child who may be waking up earlier than the norm a child who is experiencing sleep terrors or nightmares The pros and cons of the family bed. What is sleep training? The pros and cons of sleep training. Dos and don'ts when dealing with sleep related difficulties. What resources and supports are available to you.  

Sara Dimerman in conversation with Rhona Feldt-Stein. Over the course of this episode you will learn more about: What is a developmental delay. What are the warning signs of a developmental delay. Types of developmental delays and the areas/skills the child may experience difficulties with (e.g. self-care, play, sensorimotor, fine and/or gross motor, cognitive, social skills). Possible reasons why your child may be developmentally delayed. How a developmental delay is identified Why a formal assessment may be key to getting your child the help he/she needs What are early intervention services and why is early intervention important. The OT (Occupational Therapy) assessment(s) that may be used to assess your child. OT (Occupational Therapy) treatment approaches to addressing the areas of difficulty in children with a developmental delay. Your emotional reaction to learning that your child has a developmental delay. How to advocate on your child's behalf at school/daycare and in the community. Dos and don'ts w