Terrie Hess Child Advocacy Center Parenting

01/16/2026

Think your child is on their phone too much? You're probably right. But notice: how often you are on yours?
Young brains are still developing and kids who often use cellphones can become physically addicted to them. How do you know? Try taking it away! Overreacting means they need a detox period.
New research recommends no smartphones until they're 12 years old. Option: a "dumb" phone that can only call & text.

01/08/2026

Need a change for the New Year but don't know where to start? Take advantage of this awesome program to set yourself on the path to the life you want for yourself!
Shout out to Smart Start Rowan for their support🙂

01/07/2026

As the school year restarts, some kiddos may not be as excited to jump back in because of the way another child speaks to or treats them. They might really need to hear this explanation! If you'd like tips on helping your child deal with a bully, get in touch with me.

01/06/2026

UPDATE: This quarter's Triple P classes will be followed by Dinner for those who wish to stay afterward!

01/05/2026

If having a more peaceful, relaxed home is a New Year's resolution, this course can help you make that a reality!

12/19/2025

With grocery prices continuing to rise, this is a very timely program for Rowan County Cooperative Extension to offer! Consider it a gift to yourself, or pay for someone else to attend as a gift that keeps on giving.

12/19/2025

With grocery prices continuing to climb, this is a very timely program for Rowan County Cooperative Extension to offer! Give yourself this gift, or share it with someone you know, to make the most of your food budget.

12/18/2025

If you can afford it, add a book to your child's Christmas stocking - or plan a trip to your local library - and continue (or begin) adding a story to your children's bedtime routine. Substituting story time with you for a screen has amazing benefits and - BONUS - helps young ones fall asleep faster! Buying local also helps strengthen our community.

Reading to children is more than a nightly routine. Research shows who reads matters and how it impacts development. Dads reading bedtime stories help children grow their vocabularies up to 40% faster.

The playful tone, expressive voice, and shared attention from fathers activate language centers in the brain. Kids learn new words, sentence structure, and comprehension skills without even realizing they are being taught.

Mothers reading to their children shows a different but equally powerful effect. Studies reveal stress levels drop by 20%, measured through cortisol and behavioral indicators. Calm presence, gentle pacing, and nurturing tone signal safety to the nervous system.

The key is consistency. Just a few minutes each night builds long-term gains in language, emotional regulation, and cognitive growth. The habit does not require special books, expensive tools, or elaborate setups. It is the quality of attention, voice, and interaction that drives results.

This research highlights that small, intentional actions can have outsized returns. Bedtime reading is one of the simplest and most effective ways parents shape intelligence, reduce stress, and strengthen bonds.

12/16/2025

Children's use of technology is one of the biggest sources of challenging behaviors that parents and caregivers report to me. This website gives great info on what the games and apps kids want are really like, so you can make informed choices. For help talking with your kids (of all ages) about tech limits, make scheduling a session with me a New Year's resolution!

12/01/2025

If this is what it does to adults, imagine how much more so clutter can overstimulate young minds. Getting everyone in your home to put their own things where they belong can be a big step toward a calmer home, but that rule has to be for everyone - not just kids.

11/25/2025

Last chance to register to attend 1, 2, or all 3 Triple P seminars, in person or on Zoom next week!

11/25/2025

It seems that more and more children being diagnosed with ADHD these days. Parents who are naturally calm may not know quite how to interact with a child who is super active. Here are some phrases to try out:
1. I can see you’re trying.
2. You are not in trouble. I’m here to help.
3. Let’s slow down and figure this out together.
4. Your brain works differently and that’s okay.
5. You’re learning. You don’t have to get it perfect.
These phrases help an ADHD child feel understood instead of criticized. They reduce defensiveness and create the calm, supportive environment that makes their emotional regulation possible.
When your child feels safe, their behavior improves. When they feel capable, they try again. Everyday routines become easier - for everyone.
Credit: https://www.nurtureadhd.com, image: Prawny, pixabay.com