Keeping the Light in Our Children's Eyes
Added: (Sat Sep 09 2006)
Expert Sheet
Susan Stiffelman, MA, MFT
Licensed Marriage, Family and Child Counselor
Educational Therapist
Credentialed Teacher (K-9)
BA, Developmental Psychology, MA Clinical Psychology
Newsweek’s cover story September 11th speaks to the greater pressure on younger and younger children to demonstrate academic achievement, with an ever-decreasing amount of time dedicated to activities that were once considered appropriate and vital, for kids, including play, art and music.
Susan Stiffelman, MA, MFT, concurs with many of the parents, teachers and principals quoted in the article. “I’m seeing younger and younger children who present with depression, anxiety and attentional problems, and I believe many of these symptoms correlate with the increased pressure on them to perform and behave according to standards that are fundamentally beyond their developmental abilities. Sure, there will always be kids who can handle the academic push—who even thrive on it—but many children are being emotionally “left behind” at the very time we claim to be doing the bringing them all along.”
For a fascinating and informative guest on your show,
contact Susan Stiffelman at (310) 589-7020
"A most gifted communicator and resourceful teacher of the age's most important subject: learning how to learn."
Tim Gallwey, author of The Inner Game of Tennis
"Susan Stiffelman is knowledgeable, energetic and can make a positive difference in your life. I highly recommend her."
Dr. Daniel Amen, Psychiatrist, Author of Healing ADD, Change Your Brain, Change Your Life, Healing Anxiety and Depression
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“I’ve known Susan Stiffelman for twenty years and she is absolutely wonderful. Susan’s ability to get to the root of the problem-- be it emotional, academic or psychological-- make her a treasured ally to anyone seeking long-lasting, truly positive change. I can’t recommend her highly enough!”
Dr. Jay Gordon, Pediatrician, author of Listening to Your Baby: A New Approach to Parenting Your Newborn
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Submitted by:
Susan Stiffelman