Dr. Norm Cares

Parents of teens watch Nebraska safe haven law

In local papers today all across the country, people are waking up to a story:

Parents of teens watch Nebraska safe haven law
http://tinyurl.com/67gtvq

Here is what I had to say to the Associated Press:

"Parents are almost always blamed," said Dr. Norman Hoffman, a family therapist in Ormond Beach, Fla., and author of the book "Bad Children Can Happen to Good Parents."

"It's like, `What did I do wrong?' But there's hope in every city and every state. It's just a matter of understanding the ways in which to work with the system. You have to fight, you have to scream and shout for services."

Stressed-out parents with meager finances, little education or language barriers may have trouble navigating often complicated procedures and paperwork to seek help, either through government agencies or private organizations, Hoffman said. And shame may hold some of them back, allowing defiant, drug-using or otherwise troubled young people to spin out of control.

Yet Hoffman considers the notion of abandoning an older child under safe haven "barbaric" and "primitive" when free or low-cost treatment and intervention is available. Parents in a variety of life circumstances agreed."

My new Web site is scheduled to launch on Tuesday, November 18
(www.drnorm.com).  Until then, keep reading my blog, "Dr. Norm Cares".

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Hazing In Teen Sports

The New York Daily News  asked my opinion for an article:
Experts: Parents and coaches must be vigilant to curb hazing in teen sports.

Take a look:

My new Web site is scheduled to launch on Tuesday, November 18
(www.drnorm.com).  Until then, keep reading my blog, "Dr. Norm Cares".

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Media Contact:
Valerie Watt, Ph.D.
Dr. Valerie Watt
386-677-3995

HELP FOR ADD?

Can my approach help those with ADD? My expertise in music therapy proved one must always search for a way to shape behavior rather than medicate.

Although I have treated a plethora of patients with ADD, one particular patient does stand out. He was Sean, a fifteen-year old male born of an uncomplicated pregnancy and no visible physical normality’s. Sean complained of a myriad of physical complaints, all unfounded by various physicians. There was nothing outstanding about his child rearing in that his parents were caring and loving to him and his 2 year younger sister. When I saw Sean, he had a history of extremely poor concentration and focus. He was unable to work well in the classroom and became the “clown.”

Initially, Sean was very guarded and difficult to engage in any meaningful discussion. However, after learning that he had various musical interest, and discovery that I also was a musician, events quickly and positively ensured.

Sean displayed sensitivity to rhythm and its components such as patterns and cadences. He also evidenced a strong desire to become a percussionist.  This information was provided to his parents who in turn assisted him with private drum lessons.  After several months of supported psychotherapy and music therapy.

Sean’s early poor behaviors were the result of his feelings he was “stupid.” However, even he was able to successfully express his feelings of inadequacy and worthlessness, in a positive and productive manner with his innate talent via music.

My new Web site is scheduled to launch on Tuesday, November 18
(www.drnorm.com).  Until then, keep reading my blog, "Dr. Norm Cares".

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LATEST SCHOOL SHOOTINGS

What can US parents learn from the tragic Finland school shootings this past week? It serves as a rallying cry to US parents and educators. With 38 school shootings in the US since 2005 alone, Dr. Hoffman my checklist of "red flags” could point toward problems and violence in our schools. These signs of the Uncaring Child Syndrome, when detected early, can lead the way to a program in which even a “bad” child's behavior can be reshaped in a matter of weeks or the -right kind of help could be secured in time.

Gunman Kills 10 in Attack at a School in Finland, NY Times, 9/23/2008

My new Web site is scheduled to launch on Tuesday, November 18
(www.drnorm.com).  Until then, keep reading my blog, "Dr. Norm Cares".

BUY THE BOOK 

TOTAL TRANFORMATION?

Every now and then a therapist or a TV therapist claims to offer a "total transformation" with the wave of a therapeutic wand. The first question you must ask is the qualifications of those who are claiming "instant" cure. You should make sure that those providing aid haves the minimum requirements to treat and diagnose children's disorders. The next question that should be asked is what kind of "supervised" experience they had during their years of experience.
Then the question of instant results: Changing any "negative" behavior takes at least 21 attempts before this behavior is significantly changed. To claim that a Total Transformation program works "instantly" is the a false claim.

My new Web site is scheduled to launch on Tuesday, November 18
(www.drnorm.com).  Until then, keep reading my blog, "Dr. Norm Cares".

BUY THE BOOK 

Bad Children Can Happen to Good Parents

Let’s face it – even with the “best” parenting, kids don’t always act properly. But while some are quick to point the finger at parents, I am ready to lay out a plan to help teach you how to recognize the “red flags” and reshape your children’s behavior. Simply put I was  convinced that too many parents were undeservedly getting blamed for the unpleasant behavior of their children. And I did something about it. In writing my most recent book, Bad Children Can Happen to Good Parents, I am offering help to all parents. Plus, a special hand to parents of children who actively display antisocial behavior. With every entry I hope to offer the tools you need to help reshape your children’s behavior and to shift and improve the life of your family.

My new Web site is scheduled to launch on Tuesday, November 18
(www.drnorm.com).  Until then, keep reading my blog, "Dr. Norm Cares".

BUY THE BOOK