Have a Clue? (2nd edition)

Do we really have a clue? Do parents realize thatat age 9-10 today many young girls are hitting puberty? Boys at 10 know about sex? Are we as parents or grandparents aware of how technically"aware" they may be at this age,but they are still naive kids, right? What a dangerous combination this can be.

Just because our children know how to upload a questionable photo of a classmate (who puts it out there not knowing it's there for life), why would they? Does a 6th grader view that any differently than sending the latest gossip on their cellphones to a classmate, much less the entire class? Is a 5th grader who is expelled from school for an angry remark made on a My Space really responsible for a a crime? Our kids are so able to get their hands on such technology that can do such harm or make others feel in danger. Can we hold these children totally responsible?

Having been a guidance counselor for 15 years it is scary to have witnessed how quickly one texted remark can cause a total disruptionof a grade level if not an entire school or neighborhood. Are we adults really "awake" to that possiblity, if not probability? Are we supervising our child's online or cell communications where many times these problems all start right in our homes? Are we willing to risk not being a friend to our child or grandchild in order to protect them and others? They will accuse us of invading their privacy as we try to keep them safe from themselves. Can't we handle that?They may be far ahead of you in technological knowledge...but they are still 11, 12, 13 ....with all those ages bring with it! "Tweens" and teens they are all "doing it"...texting, emailing and hosting their own social networkpages! I think as parents and grandparents we want to believe,well our kids would never! Well folks...not only would they ever.... they most certainly already are! Do you want to take that chance, really? It only takes them a minute to type or text....something they may or may not realize is wrong...but changes their lives forever!


Jodi H. Underhill MEd. LMHC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor &
Certified K-12 Guidance Counselor
License #MH9166
Phone: 386.747.7148
Fax: 407.264.8289
www.junderhilltherapy.com

It's Easy From the Bench

"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat." (Theodore Roosevelt)

The Monday morning quarterback, the talking heads on cable news....these
are not we need to admire. The real heroes are those out there in the streets
demanding fairness, the politician making the tough decisions,
(or not making them?) and the every day person going to work so they can support their responsibilities. It is so easy from the sidelines.... isn't it Joe? View Gals? Bill O? It's so easy from the sidelines.


Jodi H. Underhill MEd. LMHC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor &
Certified K-12 Guidance Counselor
License #MH9166
Phone: 386.747.7148
Fax: 407.264.8289
www.junderhilltherapy.com

Ever thought of a little different twist on "Father's
Day"? Perhaps one that encourages the men we
celebrate to honor the title "Father"? So many
children Sunday will be thinking of a person who
not only isn't there....but doesn't take the time
to be involved in their lives. While there are those who beat
the odds, (President Obama)...most kids, both boys
and girls suffer the impact of an absentee father
throughout their lives.

Is it the genes that make a father or can man
grow into a "Dad"? Fathers many times are excluded
from their childrens' lives after a break up with
Mothers only to fall into oblivion believing perhaps
that it is best for their children in the long run. Nothing
could be further from the truth. Whether their children
are boys or girls....the affect on their self esteem
can be irreversable.

Children will take their cues on relationships from one
of the two first models they have....their fathers. John
Mayer once sang, "Fathers be good to your daughters...daughters
will love like you do..." as do sons. For whatever reason for his
absence a Dad who isn't there in a kid's life sends a message to the child...."you aren't worth it"...a clear stamp on their young hearts.

The journey back to your children if you have been gone is not easy and it can
feel like a roller coaster filled with booby traps at times. But, the end game is
reconnecting with that child and to let them know their worth through their
father's eyes. If you honor your title of "Father", "Dad","Pop".....reach out
this Sunday...forgive yourself and pick up then phone. Being a model of
handling the hard work is such a part being a Father after all.


Jodi H. Underhill MEd. LMHC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor &
Certified K-12 Guidance Counselor
License #MH9166
Phone: 386.747.7148
Fax: 407.264.8289
www.junderhilltherapy.com

Taking Care of Ourselves

Taking Care of Ourselves
We all have times in life when we need help. If we or someone in our family doesn't feel well we call the family doctor.However many times our own mental health is not seenas a priority. If you don't taken care ofyourselves then your family, work/school performanceand overall health may suffer.



Jodi H. Underhill MEd. LMHC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor &
Certified K-12 Guidance Counselor
License #MH9166
Phone: 386.747.7148
Fax: 407.264.8289
www.junderhilltherapy.com

Anybody Home?

You canot lead if you glance behind and
nobody is there. So how do you influence
when no one is listening? Hello?

Jodi H. Underhill MEd. LMHC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor &
Certified K-12 Guidance Counselor
License #MH9166
Phone: 386.747.7148
Fax: 386.738.0599
www.junderhilltherapy.com

"Don't be pushed by your problems. Be led by your dreams" - Author Unknown