Masthead Young Girl
February 2, 2011


in this issue
new research: kids and sleep
February 25: frenemies
February 3: parenting classes
did you know?

Kids need lots of sleep. Here are the recommended amounts by age group: 

 

- Infants: 14 to 15 hours

- Toddlers: 12 to 14 hours

- Preschoolers: 11 to 13 hours

- School-age kids: 10 to 11 hours

- Teenagers: 9 to 10 hours

 

(Source: The American Academy of Sleep Medicine).

about us
We are a nonprofit mental health treatment center providing programs designed specifically for kids ages 3-17. Our goal is to provide families throughout South Texas greater access to children's mental health care regardless of their ability to pay. 

click to view past issues

 

is your child getting enough sleep?
Studies link sleep problems to depression, anxiety and substance abuse      

Teen SleepA recent article in The Wall Street Journal highlights the importance of healthy sleep habits for our kids. Researchers have found that kids who have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep are more likely to suffer from serious mental health issues later in life. Key findings include:
  • 12-14 year olds who had trouble sleeping were more than two times as likely to have suicidal thoughts when they were ages 15-17
  • 3-8 year olds whose mothers reported they often appeared tired were 2.8 times more likely to binge drink when they were ages 18-20

Parents need to be concerned if it consistently takes their child over 30 minutes to fall asleep or if they are not getting the recommended amount of sleep for their age group on most nights (see recommendations on sidebar).

 

What Parents Can Do 

 

Shawn Owens, RN, Clarity CGC VP of Nursing, suggests parents do the following to encourage healthier sleep patterns:

  • Set a regular bedtime
  • Limit your child's computer and TV time to only two hours each day
  • Encourage your child to participate in physical activities after school
  • Limit heavy food and conversations in the evening before bedtime - both can leave children and parents feeling uneasy or anxious
  • Work with your child to determine what bedtime routine would work best for them and give them the tools (i.e. clock, books, night light, etc.) to help make it easier

 

Click here to read The Wall Street Journal article.

free community presentation: frenemies - toxic relationships
Attend our community presentation on Friday, February 25, 1-3 p.m.

FrenemiesLearn how to spot unhealthy relationships and help kids cope with "frenemies." For this free community presentation, Dana Tiller, LPC, Clinical Director at A World for Children, will explain:
  • Characteristics of a toxic relationship
  • Impact of toxic relationships on children and teens
  • What parents and other adults can do
  • Prevention measures

The program qualifies for 2 hours of CEU credit (LPC, LMSW, RN and PhD). Space is limited, so please RSVP.
 
Location: Clarity Child Guidance Center (main campus), 8535 Tom Slick, San Antonio, Texas 78229 
 
Click here to register online.

parenting classes
Register to attend our English and Spanish parenting classes

Clarity CGC hosts parenting classes at our outpatient campus every Thursday. Classes in English will be held 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. and classes in Spanish will be held 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. 
  • February 3 - Establishing authority & effective discipline techniques
  • February 10 - Dealing with anger and conflict in the family
  • February 17 - Nurturing children's self-esteem
  • February 24 - Raising 21st Century kids
Cost: $5.00 per session
 
Parenting ClassesRSVP: 210-614-7070
 
Location: Clarity Child Guidance Center (outpatient campus), 2135 Babcock Road, San Antonio, Texas 78229 

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