The Barker Chronicles

Back-to-school season has not been the same since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Parents and guardians are now tasked with managing the fear of their child being infected, their child’s anxiety due to changes in classroom settings, and the pressure of ensuring their children maintain academic ...

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Many children, when faced with difficult situations, are vulnerable to becoming helpless in the face of adversity. When faced with a situation that causes sensory overload or another symptom that taxes their unique neurological wiring, a special needs child’s emotional trauma may manifest in the ...

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1.  Can this marriage be saved?  Ensure that you are ready to end your marriage and move on from the relationship before getting a divorce. You are not alone in feeling that you may be better off without your significant other. The COVID-19 pandemic has placed a tremendous amount of strain on ...

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Mediation is a process that couples can use to save money and come to a settlement without going to trial, which can be expensive, time-intensive, and emotionally draining. Each session of mediation often starts with the mediator introducing his/herself and giving each side time to present its view ...

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Do you have a child that you have to push to try new things? According to Temple Grandin’s “The Loving Push”, “Kids will try something new if you can link it to their goal”. By refusing to enable your child’s fears, within reason, they will eventually move past their anxiety to get what they ...

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Shared custodial agreements are becoming the norm. Oftentimes, the child alternates weeks or long weekends with the other parent. Getting used to this arrangement is difficult for all parents, but there are strategies you can use to help you cope. Some suggestions are: (i)       Use this leisure ...

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Are you the parent of a gifted child? If so, it is crucial that you understand the difference between gifted and bright. Oftentimes, giftedness is equated to academic success; however, not all gifted children are academically successful. Gifted children may obtain average grades because they can be ...

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With so many vacation days around the bend, it is important to make sure your custody agreement covers vacation and holiday parenting time. If that piece of your custody agreement is unclear, bitter arguments can arise, plans will fall through, and meticulously planned trips may have to be ...

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Helping children to create a positive mindset is critical to their success. One way you can create a positive mindset is to regularly praise your child’s efforts and achievements. For every negative thing you say to your child look for five positive things to say. You can praise your child for ...

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Individuals who treat others with kindness, respect, and compassion are better liked than people who exhibit boorish behavior. We naturally want to be around people with good social skills and avoid those whose social skills are lacking. Begin building your child's interpersonal skills by ...

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