Summit Center Blog
Setting Limits… It’s Sticking to Them That Gets Sticky! by Melanie Soloway Prager, J.D., C.P.E.
When they are little, it is relatively easy to set the limits we need to protect our children. It was not necessary for me to have a degree in rocket science to know that putting a bumper on the cribs of my twins would protect them from hitting their heads. As...
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Reviving Chess Battles: Using Games to Strengthen Executive Functioning, by Deanna Kim, M.Ed., Educational Therapist
My friends think that I am weird. There is no TV in our house. Technically we have no TV services. My husband and I are in agreement that we can survive with one less thing at home in this technology abundant environment. One lazy summer afternoon, my kids and I were...
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The Evolution of 2e, by Dr. Dan Peters
This piece first appeared in the October 2018 issue of the 2e Newsletter. Dr. Dan Peters, and other past and current 2e Newsletter Advisory Board members, reflected on 15 years of 2e as the 2e Newsletter founders J. Mark Bade and Linda Neumann transition the...
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Coaches Aren’t Just for Athletes: How can gifted collegians benefit from coaching?
Athletes, from elementary school age through Olympians, understand the importance of working with a dedicated coach. Universities spend millions of dollars on athletic coaches of all kinds in hopes of producing outstanding athletes and winning teams. The truth is,...
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The Morning Bucket: Creating a Habit for Appreciation, by Deanna Kim, M.Ed./ET/P
If someone were to sneak into my house and eavesdrop on words weekday mornings, they would likely hear... “You still have boogers in one of your eyes.” “My brother is taking too long in the bathroom.” “Put socks on your toesies. It’s cold.” “Can you help me zip up my...
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Flu Education 101: Managing Our Children’s Fears, by Dr. Dan Peters
When I was young, I distinctly remember being afraid of killer bees. What will happen to my family and me? What if killer bees attack me? Will I die? These are not comforting thoughts when you are a child. They are scary. Really scary. Well of course we weren’t...
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Live Purposely in the New Year, by Dr. Dan Peters
I was sitting with a client a few weeks ago — someone I have known for some time. He is a hard-working professional, husband, and father. He was reflecting on the holidays and the stress in his home due to the loss of a close and loved family member, and the lingering...
read moreHomework 101, by Dr. Dan Peters
“Why do I need to do more work after I have been at school all day?“ “I never get any free time! I have school all day then homework when I get home!” “Why do we have to do the same thing over and over when I already know it?” Do these questions and pleas sound...
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What Skiers and Snowboarders Can Teach Us, by Dr. Dan Peters
We can all get along – just like the snowboarders and skiers.
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Digital Breaks: 5 Things to Help Our Kids Disconnect – by Dr. Dan Peters
Last weekend we had an extended family dinner with many relatives. I was sitting on a cushion on the fireplace and looking at a large couch and an oversized chair stuffed with nine cousins ranging from ages 12 to 22. They were smiling, laughing, sitting on each other...
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Parenting in Uncertain Times, by Dr. Dan Peters
Uncertainty. Worry. Fear. These are still the top themes in most of my counseling sessions as a psychologist — with adults, with teens, and even with children. Mainly, the discussions were about the presidential election, then it was about the winner of the election,...
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5 Steps to Be an Aware Parent, by Dr. Dan Peters
Parenting is not about getting it “right” and there is no way to be a “perfect” parent. I say this as someone has spent a lot of time trying to do the “right” thing “perfectly”. Parenting humbles us and tests us in ways we couldn’t have imagined. There is no manual...
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5 Steps To Managing Stress During the Holidays, by Dr. Dan Peters
Read this piece in Spanish Thanksgiving feels like weeks ago. Cities, stores, homes, schools, and entire towns are decorated for the holiday season. Lampposts and stop lights are dressed with red ribbons. Luxury cars sport antlers and Rudolph noses. And then there are...
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How Are You Living Out The 3 P’s? Planning, Proactive, Prioritizing, By Deanna Kim, M.Ed.
Lights flickering. Pitch black room. A moment of silence. A flood of thoughts go through my brain like lightning as the hustle and bustle of the evening activities is interrupted. ‘How long will this blackout last?’ ‘Was there something important I was supposed to do...
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How Anxiety Affects Your Child’s Self-Esteem, by Dr. Dan Peters
As parents, we want our children to go into the world of school, peers and friendships, and life feeling happy, confident and valued. We do our best to fortify their self-confidence within the home so that they are equipped to be strong and successful in the rest of...
read moreWhen Overparenting Goes Too Far, by Dr. Dan Peters
I am sitting across two kind, caring, and hardworking parents who are concerned about their 16-year-old son's maturity, decision-making, effort in school, and most recently, his ability to pass his driver's test to get his license. Their strong-willed teenager refuses...
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What’s Up With All the Dys’? And What You Can Do About It, by Dr. Dan Peters
There are many types of learning disorders that can affect our children. The good news is that learning differences and disabilities are getting more press and attention. However, it can get confusing when trying to understand what they mean and how they are similar...
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Why All Parents Should Use The Teachings from the Jedi Master in 2016
It was 1980 in Century City. I was 10 years old waiting in a line that did not seem to end with my grandma (now 104). We waited for two hours to see the Empire Strikes Back. There was a buzz in the air that I couldn't explain but could feel. It was three years after...
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Worry Reminders for the Holidays, By Dr. Dan Peters
It is normal for our children to experience more stress and worry during the holidays. Among the traditional stressors of everyday life come common seasonal anxieties such as worrying how the family will get along during get-togethers and meals, worrying about getting...
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The Twice-Exceptional Adult, by Dr. Dan Peters
We often hear about 2e children, but what about 2e adults?
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Outside the Box Learning for Outside the Box Thinkers, by Dr. Dan Peters
This piece originally appeared on Psychology Today. Summit Center can help you learn more about your child's learning strengths plus any potential issues, and can help you find an alternative learning environment if needed. I am sitting with a small group of students...
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Developing Self Esteem in Gifted Teens, by Melanie Brown Kroon, LMFT
Melanie Brown Kroon, MA, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, provides therapy and consultations at Summit Center’s Encino office. Melanie works with individuals, couples and families specializing in the emotional needs of gifted and creative adults, adolescents...
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