Category: Family Support

Raising My Daughter And Her Daughter

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It’s hard raising a child, let alone having no one but yourself. I am a single parent of my beautiful 16-year-old Andy. Her dad left us right before she was born, so it’s only the two of us ever since. I had her when I was 16, and now, she is going to be a mom herself. Andy is seven months pregnant, and the doctor said it’s a girl. I know we should be celebrating life, but there’s a part of me that breaks every time I think about what she will go through.

Finish reading “Raising My Daughter And Her Daughter”

Understanding Teen Violence

The violence we are experiencing in the world right now came from our once fragile teens, and the number of juvenile crimes is rising. Most of these crimes are ranging from homicide, robbery, rape, fighting, and shooting. But why is this prevalent? How can a child as young as ten years old do something horrible!

Finish reading “Understanding Teen Violence”

Preventing School Drop-Outs: Parents and School Initiatives

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Education is a fundamental right of every person that provides capital towards success. For some, it has become a bleak undertaking. Despite the importance of education towards having a better life, there are still people who chose to let go of school and settled for whatever life may bring them.

Seeing the Bigger Picture

School dropout is merely a statistical term that represents the decline of students getting the benefits of the educational system. But what lies behind school dropouts are the risk factors that cause its occurrence. Several researchers have presented the elements that relate to the phenomena. In 2007, a study revealed that students who are dropping out of school mostly come from low socio-economic class, showing poor school performance, disinterest in school activities, and less presence in school premises. But more than the identification of the risk factors is the prevention that may alleviate the increasing incidence of school dropout.

Confronting the high school dropout problem requires commitment from the parents and the school administration. This problem should not be handled and solved by one group only. In fact, this needs joint effort and collaboration of all the persons and organizations that are responsible for the success and well-being of the student. As such, some evidenced-based initiatives are encouraged to be practiced by other schools to ensure that their students are not falling out of the system. Some of these initiatives include:

Source: sciencecommons.org

• A quality early childhood education
• Giving attention to the social and emotional learning of the child
• Monitoring of student’s attendance and school performance in academics
• Following up with students who are lagging and providing intensive coaching
• Adopting a positive school climate, and
• Hands-on relationship with parents, families, and communities.

It All Begins In The Home

Society dictates that home is the first school for children, and parents are their primary teachers. This has not changed since the concept of family as a unit has emanated even from the dawn of man.

Everything starts at home; the extent of encouragement for learning that the parents can give their children is the most accurate predictor of a student’s achievement in school. When there is constant quality communication within the family, a reasonable expectation for their child’s education and future career has been grounded. Parents become involved in their child’s education, and success is more likely to happen. Hence, family involvement plays a vital role in a successful school completion of every student. Parents should take the extra mile to impose early childhood education to their child as this may start to develop the interest of their child in the idea of going to school. The parents are the primary key players in preparing the child to embrace the importance of education.

“Help your children find relevance for school learning by providing context and connecting it to personal meaning. Help them discover how what they are learning at school is relevant to their lives and their worlds,” writes Judy Willis M.D.

The school as such, plays a significant responsibility in this undertaking, once a child starts schooling as most of his time is entirely spent in school. This is how much of a challenge for a school to be in charge of the future of every student. And this task is to help every student earn a degree and use it towards their journey for a better life.

“Unfortunately, our educational culture assumes that we don’t teach enough curriculum and don’t demand enough of children. Children learn to pass tests, not love learning,” writes William R. Klemm Ph.D.

But with the increasing occurrence of dropouts, an extra challenge has been laid on the educational system. The school’s initiative through its teachers will help solve this pressing problem. Robertson, Smith, & Rinka (2016) mentioned ways on how the school can take action in decreasing dropout rate:

• Telling the story. There is no better way of making students realize the value of education than presenting the real-life scenarios of those students who opted to forgo for their studies.
• Give students a place to be. This only means providing an environment conducive to learning, free from bullying and rejections, by doing this, every student will find their reason to stay.
• Provide career and technical education as well as using technology to engage students. These provide excitement in learning and will increase the interest of students to finish their studies as they will soon develop a career path and know where they are going to.
• Providing multiple career pathways and starting a mentoring program will help students to explore their capabilities and abilities because every student has their way of learning.

Preventing dropouts requires a proactive involvement between parents and the school and most importantly the students. Giving the students every reason why education is essential will make them realize the value of it.

“[M]ost teens not only shouldn’t drop out of high school but should continue in a structured program, whether college, the military, or an apprenticeship,” writes Marty Nemko Ph.D.

Source: mcrc.marines.mil

Reference:

Amos, Christopher Nicholas, “The Relationship Between School Leadership and Graduation Coach Interventions in Rural and Urban Settings” (2012). Dissertations. 484. http://aquila.usm.edu/dissertations/484

Robertson, J. S., Smith, R. W., & Rinka, J. (2016). How Did Successful High Schools Improve Their Graduation Rates?. Journal of At-Risk Issues, 19(1), 10-18.

Reasons To Get Online Therapy

Let’s talk about online therapy. What are the online therapy options that are available for you? Are there signs or mental health diagnoses that will indicate whether or not teletherapy or online therapy is something you need to avail of? Check the list below for the things to look out for about affordable online therapy options and the best virtual therapy programs for various mental health conditions and mental health concerns.

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Online Therapy: Getting Treatment Online

Online Platforms

Choosing the best virtual therapy options, also known as talk therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), is a great way to get mental health resources and mental health support from the comfort of your own home. Therapy sessions conducted by therapists online or on a virtual platform are covered by insurance companies and medical doctors.

You can find licensed therapists who specialize in eating disorders, bipolar disorder, and substance abuse, mental health counselors who can help with couples therapy, and licensed therapists who focus on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or psychodynamic therapy.

Many couples facing challenges in their marriage and family dynamics often turn to couples therapy for guidance. Social workers, trained to address such interpersonal issues, frequently conduct these sessions either face to face or through the best online therapy platforms.

It’s reassuring to know that most health insurance plans nowadays cover these therapeutic sessions, making them accessible for those in need of professional assistance.

The therapeutic relationship is key to success in many online therapy services or platforms. You want to find the best therapist and be matched with a therapist that you can trust, and who makes you feel safe and respected.

It’s important to be able to switch and find a new licensed therapist if you’re not comfortable with the one you’re matched with.

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Online Therapy

Therapy For Depression

Feeling sadness and exhaustion are only normal, especially if you encounter too much stress at work or in your personal life.

However, if you experience these negative emotions regularly, then maybe it is about time to look for a professional virtual therapist or licensed therapist who could help you deal with your mental health emergency and crisis.

“Depression is an abnormal emotional state, a mental illness that affects our thinking, emotions, perceptions, and behaviors in pervasive and chronic ways.

With the help of an online therapist, you can embark on a journey toward healing and better mental well-being.

When we’re depressed we feel sad about everything,” writes Guy Winch Ph.D. Take note that the only way to start feeling better is to seek help and assistance from mental health services experts.

Try Online Therapy

Not knowing what to do with your life is not necessarily depression. There are just times when you will get stuck with nowhere else to go.

“The imposter syndrome is the inability to accept and claim accomplishments no matter what level of success, even with hard-won achievements because there is an irrational fear that you don’t deserve the success or maybe you are just a fraud,” writes Karyl McBride Ph.D.

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Online Therapy Sessions For Relaxation And Healing

When this happens, the best option that you need to do is to take a break from the things that are keeping you busy.

Learn to give yourself the chance to relax. If all these will not work, then getting a virtual therapist may be the perfect solution.

A professional therapy program specialist can help you process all the doubts and fears you have in your mind without needing mental health medication in-person therapy or in-office therapy from a mental health care facility.

You Had A Traumatic Experience

“Trauma isn’t neat and tidy—it doesn’t arrive neatly packaged and tied up with a bow. Instead, it’s bewildering and chaotic.

We may want to talk about it, but we don’t know what to say or how to say it,” writes Ellen Hendriksen, Ph.D. Did you encounter a heart-breaking moment recently? Are you having difficulty moving on? Always remember that having a traumatic experience is extra challenging.

There is a necessity for someone to look after your condition. You do not need to deal with this mental health problem on your own.

Learn how to seek the advice of a therapy service specialist. Fortunately, you now have the option to go for the best virtual therapy websites and services for your online therapy.

You Are Hurting Other People Around You

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In Seeking Platforms for The Sessions

The saddest part about experiencing depression and anxiety, extreme sadness, trauma, and other mental health illnesses is that you tend to hurt others without knowing that you already did it.

Look at the individuals around you and examine how you are treating them. From the moment you realize that you have caused some pain, do not hesitate to seek a therapeutic session and medication management through the  best online therapy sites or the best therapy platforms.

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Talk to a professional or therapy-licensed provider who is willing to listen to all your concerns. Allow mental health professionals or virtual therapists to provide you with some guidance on how to avoid becoming emotionally vulnerable through their online therapy programs.

Online therapy experience and virtual mental health services can provide some benefits over in-person therapy, such as increased flexibility and convenience. You can often find a licensed therapist, licensed clinical social worker, family therapist, or medical professional who specializes in treating your specific mental health condition and mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder and borderline personality disorder, which can be helpful.

Many insurance coverage and medical care services include the best virtual therapy and in-person therapy, also known as face-to-face therapy, so it may be more affordable than in-person therapy. Online therapy allows you to have sessions with family therapists who specialize in couples counseling and have completed rigorous training.

Taking Notes During The Therapy Sessions Online

When it comes to dealing with virtual counseling or virtual cognitive behavioral therapy, always remember that the number of sessions needed with a licensed mental health professional or online therapy provider depends on the seriousness of the issues. There is no hard and fast rule on how to go about it, especially if you don’t want to prescribe medication and you are having a hard time with medication management.

The benefits of online therapy are many. With online therapy (virtual therapy), you can find the right therapist with a master’s degree and switch counselors if you need to. These are covered by your insurance providers. So make sure your treatment accepts insurance.

Existential therapy can be done virtually, as well as traditional counseling. You can get immediate help from licensed professionals, and most therapists offer an initial consultation for free. Check a therapist’s availability and schedule a consultation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1.  How effective and powerful are online therapies?
2.  Which type of online therapy is most suitable for me?
3.  Can online therapies manage anxiety?
4.  Who is not a candidate for online therapy?
5.  Are online therapies as effective as traditional therapy?
6.  When are online therapies not recommended?
7.  Why is therapy online not effective?
8.  What percentage of people use online therapy or virtual counseling?
9.  Does health insurance cover online therapy costs?
10. How long do the sessions take?

11.  Why Do People Prefer Online Therapy?

12.  Are Online Therapists Safe?

13.  Are Virtual Therapies Or Online Counseling Platforms Better Than Face-To-Face?

14.  Are free virtual therapies legit?
15.  Can virtual therapists diagnose you?

Fundamental Rules In Handling Bad-Mannered Teens

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Witnessing and hearing news about teens berating and bullying helpless people without any sign of guilt or remorse is disheartening. This goes to show that this pervasive and atrocious behavior, which creates disrespectful and rude teens, has indulged its way into this generation and is somehow getting worse.

With the increasing number of kids who parade ill behavior, how can you, as parents, save them from becoming another person’s antagonist?

Finish reading “Fundamental Rules In Handling Bad-Mannered Teens”

The Pornography Talk: Uncomfortable But Necessary

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Confronting your teens about pornography is as hard as talking about where babies come from or how they are conceived. With the massive availability of online adult content coupled with the fact that teenagers, mostly those who are between the ages of 12 until 18, are intensely curious, parents are eventually bound to have the dreadful and uncomfortable “porn talk” with their kids.

Finish reading “The Pornography Talk: Uncomfortable But Necessary”

Helping Children Who Are Abused And Neglected – Part 2

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What You Should Look For

An emotionally abused child tends to be very afraid or anxious about doing something wrong. They are also usually either very aggressive or very passive. And they are not close to their parent or guardian.

Victims of physical abuse usually have frequent and unexplained injuries or wounds. They are also hyper-aware of their surroundings, and they tend to flinch at the sudden movements of other people. They are usually afraid to go home. And they regularly wear clothing that hides the physical marks.

Neglected children are usually unsupervised and may be found playing in unsafe locations. They often do not bathe and wear soiled clothing. They are typically late or absent from school.

According to Leon F Seltzer, PhD, “In several respects, neglect can be more difficult to spot than abuse. If a child is being denied love, affection, or comfort by their caregivers, it’s not as though he or she wears a placard signaling this void. More often than not, neglect isn’t as public, direct, or blatant as abuse. So it usually appears less blameworthy.”

Children who are victims of sexual abuse would exhibit knowledge of sexual acts or seductive behavior that children their age do not usually know. They would avoid at all costs a specific person. They typically are very shy about changing clothes in front of other people. They might have trouble walking or sitting. And if the abuser is a family member, they would run away from home. A pregnant child or a child with STD is usually a victim of sexual abuse.

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Who Are At Risk?

Children living in a home with domestic violence are at a high risk of being abused and neglected. Children whose parents are alcoholics or drug addicts are also in great danger of being abused. Parents with mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder or depression may neglect their children. Some parents do not have proper parenting skills, and this could lead to an abusive situation for their children. And some parents were abused when they were young who think that the abusive behavior they experienced is the only way of being a parent. And parents who are stressed out may be unable to emotionally and physically care for their children.

Are You Abusive?

When the abuser is yourself, it is challenging to recognize the fact that you are abusing and neglecting your children. One sign that you’re abusive is if you find that your anger is spiraling out of control and you’re angrier and angrier at your children. You may also be neglecting your child if you find that you do not want to spend time with your child. Another sign that you are neglecting your child is if you are unable to meet your child’s daily needs. And you should listen when someone expresses their concern to you.

Freeing Yourself From The Cycle Of Abuse

First of all, you should understand what normal childhood behavior is. For example, it is normal for a newborn baby to cry. You could learn new parenting skills from parenting classes, from books, and from other parents. You should also learn to control your emotions. You should try to remain healthy and get enough sleep so that you won’t be irritable. And it is also advisable to seek professional help, especially if breaking the cycle of abuse is difficult.

What You Can Do

“For a child, feeling numb is a defense, used to cope with dysfunctional dynamics at home. Going emotionally numb helps to screen out the yelling, hurtful comments, scenes of domestic violence, abuse, and/or manage the experiences associated with poverty,” said Teresa Gil, PhD.

When dealing with an abused or neglected child be calm and supportive. Do not show disgust or shock at what they say. And do not interrogate them or ask leading questions. Allow the child to tell their story in their own words. Make sure to remind the child that they did nothing wrong. And if you believe that you or the child is in danger, contact the appropriate authorities.

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Do Not Remain Silent

You mustn’t remain silent if you think a child is being abused or neglected. Some people may feel that what is happening is a private family matter. That thinking is wrong. Some people may worry that the child will be separated from their home. This does not always happen. And you need not worry about the abuser knowing who you are because reporting abuse and neglect are anonymous.

Susanne Babbel, MFT, PhD, wrote, “Community support is a vital tool in preventing child abuse and the PTSD that can result from it. If you suspect that you or a loved one is suffering from child abuse, please report it to your local Child Protection Services — or the police, if a child is in immediate danger.”

Helping Children Who Are Abused And Neglected – Part 1

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How can you tell if a child is being abused or is neglected? Know the warning signs and help a child in need.

Child Abuse And Neglect: What Is It?

It is not limited to physical or violent abuse. It can be sexual or emotional. It can also take the form of neglect. Because these forms of violence do not leave any visible marks, people tend to not help in these situations.

It is not true that only evil individuals abuse children. Some parents do not even know they’re abusive. They were probably abused as children themselves by their parents and think that is the proper way a parent should act. Others may be suffering from mental or emotional disorders or are abusive when under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.

“Trauma for these children wasn’t a single-incident trauma; they had experienced multiple traumas that had been ongoing their entire lives,” wrote Deborah Chelette-Wilson, LPC, NCC. “They come from families of intergenerational abuse, alcoholism, drug addiction, neglect, physical and sexual abuse, frequent moves, absent fathers, mothers who were depressed or had to work two or three jobs, poverty, and emotionally-absent caregivers.”

It is also not true that abusive behavior can only be found among low-income families or neighborhoods. Children of different racial, economic, and cultural backgrounds can be abused and neglected.

Unfortunately, most abusers are the child’s relatives or someone close to the child, although sometimes the abuser is someone the child does not know.

Leon F Seltzer, PhD, added, “Although child neglect embodies many variations, all pertain to caretakers’ failing to provide a child with age-appropriate care. In short, the child is deprived of the basic necessities that would enable them to thrive.”

Fortunately, many abused children survive their ordeal and grow up to become excellent, nurturing, and protective parents. Sadly, some abused children fall into a vicious cycle and unknowingly abuse their children.

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What Happens to an Abused And Neglected Child?

Abused kids tend to not trust other people or not know who to trust. As they grow older, they are unable to maintain a relationship or continually enter unhealthy relationships.

Abused children tend to feel worthless. As adults, they do not strive for success, believing they do not deserve such fortune. Victims of sexual abuse usually suffer under the impression that they are damaged.

Victims of abuse tend to bottle up their emotions, and this often results in feelings of anxiety, depression, and anger. They may even try to drown their feelings using alcoholic drinks or illegal drugs.

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What Are the Different Kinds of Child Abuse?

There different types of child abuse. A prevalent type is child neglect. In this type, the child is not given basic needs, such as food and clothing, or is not adequately supervised.

Another type of child abuse is physical abuse. It involves physically harming the child. Some parents who physically abuse their children claim that they are merely disciplining their child. Discipline can be distinguished from physical abuse by the presence in physical mistreatment of unpredictability (the child does not know what actions will lead to a physical attack), anger, and the use of fear.

Emotional abuse involves the use of hurtful words to humiliate and bully the child. It can also include ignoring the child or not showing any affection.

There is also emotional neglect. According to Jonice Webb, PhD, “Because Childhood Emotional Neglect is so very common, so are emotionally neglectful parents. And since emotionally neglectful parents are so common, so are emotionally neglected children. It’s because these children grow up to be parents. The cycle continues, and on and on it goes, passing down through generations until someone finally sees what’s happening and calls a halt to its insidious process.”

Children can also be sexually abused. It should be noted that sexual abuse can happen even when there is no physical contact. Making a child watch sexual situations or view pornographic materials are forms of sexual abuse.

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There will be more concerns and issues to be discussed on next week’s blog about children who were abused or neglected.

Until then, thank you!

3 All-Time Favorite Longboards That May Get Your Teenager Into The Sport And Out Of Trouble

Has your teenage kid been getting in or causing trouble more often these days, to the point that you don’t whether you should meet a therapist or your child?

It is hard to claim that I know the feeling because my babies are far from being teenagers, but I am aware that my parents have had the same experience. Yes, courtesy of my brother and me when we were much younger. I am personally not proud of the fact that most of my mom and dad’s premature wrinkles have come from always worrying whenever the two of us are out. However, we have changed since then, you know. We have decided to straighten out our acts and be more responsible as two kids who will become adults and parents someday.

That decision has come after a common friend has introduced us to longboarding. Although it is not as popular as skateboarding, I have always loved how both of my feet can be on the board without my toes or heels hanging out of it. It feels more stable than the regular board as well, which makes it easy to use even for beginners.

In case you want your kids to learn longboarding and make them want to get out of trouble as well, here are the three all-time favorite longboards you should check out.

Quest Super Cruiser Artisan Bamboo Longboard Skateboard (44-Inch)

For the past four months that my brother has been using the Quest Super Cruiser Artisan Bamboo Longboard Skateboard, I can say with utmost confidence that every single thing about this longboard is undoubtedly and irrevocably cool.

The abstract lines attached to it and the single letter Q make it so different from other boards. Its deck has the strength of maple and the flexibility of bamboo. The trucks, which are made out of aluminum, are quite rugged. They are well-working for rocky terrains. The wheels are high-quality polyurethane wheels, and they get dirty, but they almost do not get any scratch.

Specifications:

Deck: 44 inches by 10 inches by 5.5 inches

Wood for Deck: Multi-ply Hardwood Maple and Artisan Bamboo

Design for Deck: Original Abstract Graphics

Trucks: 7 inches, Rugged Aluminum Trucks

Wheels: 70 mm, Durable PU Wheels

Atom Pintail Longboard

Going down the steep slopes in my area is my favorite pastime, and the best way for me to be able to do it is by riding my Atom Pintail Longboard every chance that I get.

What person in his or her right mind will not think of using the Atom Pintail Longboard when it has a summery feel to it? Besides, there is no need to worry about wheel bites because this is a pintail skateboard. Meaning, it is specifically created to avoid such things.

Its bearings are just perfect for someone who likes speedy rides. Its aluminum trucks can be ridden on rainy days, and the black grip tape that is made out of aluminum oxide can cover the whole top of it. This is the reason why leaning forward to gather more speed is not a big problem at all

The wheels are very efficient that the bumps and potholes do not pose a challenge for me.

Specifications:

Deck: 39 inches by 9.4 inches

Weight for Deck: 4 pounds

Wood for Deck: Stiff Maple Laminate Deck

Design for Deck: PHT Graphic Material

Shape: Classical Pintail

Grip: 80 Grit Aluminum Oxide Grip Tape

Trucks: Standard Skate, Polished Aluminum Trucks

Bearings: 22 mm, ABEC 5 Bearings

Wheels: 65 mm/ 78A Urethane Wheels

Total Weight of the Longboard: 7.3 pounds

Trucks Specifications:

Hanger: Die Cast Aluminum Hanger

Axle: 8.5 inches, Base Chromoly Axle

Kingpins: 0.375-inch Chromoly Kingpins

Suspension: 90A-HR

Wheels Specification:

Hubs: Polycarbonate Hubs

Sector 9 Peru 44″ Bamboo Complete Longboard

Downhill riding is what makes my blood boil in the right way, but I also know the risks that I will have to face if I do not make use an excellent and durable longboard for it. I am on that state of mind when my brother suggested to look for the kind of longboard that I want. To be honest, up to now, I am still thanking him for reminding me to visit an online store to find it. If not for it, I may not have a Sector 9 Peru 44” Bamboo Complete Longboard resting on my bedside table now.

The whole deck looks superb because the primary graphic at the bottom of the deck that says “Sector 9” is mimicked at the top part in a smaller size. Because it is fully made out of bamboo, it is very flexible and somewhat lighter than the others.

With my other boards, I always have to be cautious as there is no means for me to control its speed, but with this longboard that has a slightly cambered deck, I only have to move my body on either left or right to be able to control or maintain the speed that I am going at while I am riding down a terrain.

The shock pads are working perfectly that I feel almost nothing even when there are nasty bumps on my way. The soft, big wheels help me to be able to achieve a smooth ride too.

Specifications:

Deck: 44 inches by 9.75 inches

Wood for Deck: 7-ply Vertically Laminated Bamboo

Design for Deck: Aesthetic Graphics

Style of Deck: Slightly Cambered

Grip: Clear Grip Tape

Bearings: PDP ABEC 5 Bearings

Pads: 0.5-inch Sector 9 Recycled Plastic Shock Pads

Trucks: 10 inches, Silver Gullwing Chargers Trucks

Wheels: 75 mm/ 75A, Red Top Shelf Wheels

Wheels Specification:

Center Set Wheels

Don’t wait forever before you introduce your kids to longboarding. Cheers!

How Art And Literature Improve Mental Health

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Art and literature have been shown to benefit one’s mental health. A majority of the community say that art is a useful avenue for expression. Meanwhile, others comment that reading literature helps in re-evaluating beliefs and emotions as well as learning techniques to handle mental health. Finish reading “How Art And Literature Improve Mental Health”