Welcome to Astor’s “Strive to Thrive” Blog!
You probably know that Astor Services has been helping families and kids thrive for a long time now. In my job at Astor I try to help staff bring the best practices to our families and kids; I find those practices by reading about what scientists who study families have discovered about helping families and kids heal.
From Professional To Personal
But a few years ago, something changed in my life. I became a Mom. When I had my twins, my questions changed from, “How can Astor help families and kids who are struggling with mental health and behavioral issues?,” to “What does the science say about helping all families stay more connected, feel healthy and happy, and help their kids grow and thrive?” And, most importantly, “Can science provide families and kids who are struggling with mental health issues a road map to recovery?”
“The work-life balance is a harsh reality for so many…who are forced every day to make impossible choices. Do they take their kids to the doctor…and risk getting fired? Do they work weekends so they can afford to send their kids to better childcare…even though it means even less time with their families? “
First Lady Michelle Obama, 2009
Caregivers Have Questions About Raising Children
Most of the parents, grandparents, and foster parents I know and work with are working so hard to help their families be the best they can be, and they have so many questions:
- How can I help my child eat healthy and play healthy, when my family is so strapped for time and money?
- How can I help my child use the internet and digital communication safely?
- What can I do to help my child learn in school, and what should I do if I am worried about my child’s success in school?
- I am worried about my teenager and I think she might be depressed. Where can I go for help and how can I help her at home?
Good News: Answers Are Available
The good news is, there are answers to many of these questions for those of us who are trying our best to help our kids. In the coming months, I want to share these answers with you.
I also invite you to share your questions – and your answers – with me. What are your struggles as a parent or caregiver? What do you have questions about? And what wisdom can you share about helping your family thrive?
What’s Upcoming In The “Strive to Thrive” Blog?
We will talk about improving family well-being, coping with family life in the digital age, communicating with your teen, helping your kids avoid substance abuse, and family communication.
We also will talk about what science can tell us about helping our kids if they are depressed, or anxious, and helping our kids get the most out of school. The topics are endless for hard-working families, and I look forward to sharing wisdom with you on these ideas and many more.
To start, I encourage you to look at a link that we recently posted on Astor’s website:
This website, produced by Mental Health America, gives people some resources for striving to be more emotionally and physically healthy. I hope we can work together through this blog to start creating resources like this for families and kids!
“There are two lasting bequests we can give our children.
One is roots. The other is wings.”
Hodding Carter, Jr.