Providing researched based educational resources to meet the needs of Long Islanders
The last year of high school is an exciting, yet frantic, time. Many students labor over completing college applications and then anxiously wait for acceptances. Other students are most eager, yet petrified, to enter the world of work, armed with their high school diplomas. This is a pivotal moment in teenagers’ lives! In planning for…
Executive Function Skills: what they are, why they’re important, and how children develop them Executive function skills are a set of skills that help us carry out everyday tasks, make good decisions, behave well, learn, manage emotions, and get along with others. They include: paying attention organizing prioritizing planning ahead staying focused remembering meeting goals…
If you have teens at home, you know that snacking is a big deal! We need to keep in mind that at this stage in their lives, teens are growing and need the extra nutrition that snacks can provide. If planned right, snacks can help give the energy boost teens need between meals and much-needed…
There’s no denying that social media has become the new norm in a teen’s life. In 2018, the Pew Research Center surveyed 750 13-17 year olds and found that 97% use a social media platform such as YouTube, Snapchat, Instagram, or Facebook. The study also revealed that 45% are online almost constantly. Here are some…
By Maxine Roeper Cohen, M.S. Having grown up with cats and dogs being part of the family, I cannot imagine my life now without having animal companions share my home. There is nothing like the unconditional love a dog gives you every day. Cats teach us contentment and a quiet appreciation. All of our family’s…
There has been much talk and some legislation about legalizing marijuana in several states. A neighboring country, Canada, has recently legalized its use. In considering this proposal for New York, we need to understand that drug’s effect on the brain, especially the teenage brain. The adolescent brain continues to develop and mature until about age…
Dear Friends, If you have attended a parenting workshop, a nutrition education program, or received assistance in managing your diabetes, you know that the Family Health and Wellness Program of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County serves the changing needs of families residing in our county. Our programs provide information on diabetes education, nutrition, developing…
By Cara Weiner Sultan, MSW As your children move to middle and high school, their backpacks no longer contain markers, crayons, and scissors. Instead, school supplies become an interesting assortment of computers, phones, chargers, and other electronic devices. Did you know that the electronic-looking contents of your child’s backpack may actually be masking an e-cigarette…
By Maxine Roeper Cohen, M.S. In a previous blog I wrote, entitled Teens and Sleep (please check the blog archive), I stressed the importance of a proper amount of sleep for youngsters’ physical, emotional and cognitive health. The average pre-teen and teen need about 9 – 9 ½ hours of sleep each night, about one…
If you’ve been following us, you know that our passion is providing parents like you with research-based information for your family. With concern around COVID-19, below is another trustworthy resource from Washington State Extension regarding COVID-19. “Resources for Parents and Caregivers as well as Fun Tips and Activities for Children and Families” to help you…