Social worker
Catherine Mok is a therapist at Austin Family Counseling. She specializes in working with children, adolescents, parents, individuals and families using a collaborative and client-centered approach tailored to the unique needs of each client. She uses a variety of therapeutic methods including Play Therapy, Sandtray Therapy, Attachment theory, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, and Strength-based Therapy.She is also a certified Children's Yoga teacher and likes to incorporate mindfulness-related yoga interventions into her practice. She provides a safe, supportive and warm environment for her clients to learn, grow and heal at their own pace. Her goal is to help her clients discover their strengths and empower them to reach their full potential.
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Social media is a fast-emerging platform that has changed how people communicate and connect. Since these networking platforms are easy to use and entertaining, they have attracted the attention of most children. Therefore, it becomes essential to discuss the effects of social media on children. Social media, if used wisely, is a good platform to interact, learn, communicate, and have fun; however, if misused or excessively used, it may lead to cyberbullying, anxiety, and health problems. So, before allowing your children to access this digital technology, you should be aware of its functionalities, privacy settings, and age limit. This post discusses social media’s positive and negative effects and tips to keep your children safe. [mj-toc] What Is The Right Age For Children To Be On Social Media? [caption id="attachment_890828" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Do not allow your child to access social media before adolescence independently. Even after adolescence, the age limit for using different networking sites will differ to avoid...
Musical movies for kids are a great source of encouragement and teach kindness, empathy, bravery, and many other moral values. These movies are family-friendly and have lovely toe-tapping music that will encourage your children to dance along. Such masterpieces have been created to have a long-lasting positive impact on children’s minds. They also enable parents to understand their children’s musical interests and motivate them to understand rhyme and rhythm. This post will help you discover many iconic musical movies for children, and their captivating stories will keep you and your children fascinated for years to come. So, check the list and binge-watch on them. [mj-toc] 18 Best Musical Movies For Children 1. The Lion King (2019) [caption id="attachment_1091821" align="alignnone" width="720"] Walt Disney Pictures/IMDB[/caption] Anyone who has seen this photorealistic remake of the 1994 original Disney animation movie will remember the meerkat Timon and the warthog Pumbaa heartily singing The Lion Sleeps Tonight or Hakuna Matata (It means no worries). The...
Introducing tv time for your kids needs some debate concerning the timing and its importance. In this post, we present you with a list of some of the best tv shows for your children. You need to make sure that they are allowed to watch an entertaining as well as educational tv show to ensure that it makes the most of their time. We have specially curated this list with the shows that will surely help your child learn new words, instil moral values in them and also spark their imagination and creativity, all while entertaining them. Scroll down. [mj-toc] 26 Best Baby TV Shows 1. Alphablocks A group of 26 friends (letters) falls from the sky onto a white world to discover that if they hold hands, magic and many new adventures happen in Alphaland. When the characters form small groups, a new word is created, which then comes alive. For example, if they create the word \'kite,\' it...
Spring is here, and so are you. With the spare time at your disposal and the vibrant colors of newly blossomed flowers that light up your child’s eyes, we have curated some fun spring activities for kids. It is the season to get super creative with your little ones and make the most of the colors you see around. Your children will love to engage their senses and enhance their fine motor skills by indulging in unique activities. Read on to find out what these fun activities are and how to begin. [mj-toc] Fun Outdoor Springtime Activities 1. Gardening [caption id="attachment_680441" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Spring is the best time to get your child to do outdoor chores. They could be made to give you a helping hand in your garden. Did you know gardening is packed with bonuses for your little one’s physical development? That’s right! This outdoor springtime activity teaches your child to care for their environment and...
If you’re raising a child diagnosed with autism, you know the struggles that come with it. However, both you and your child are brave enough to face it and find ways to achieve things in life, and for that, kudos to you. In this post, we have listed several activities for children with autism so that you can involve them in fun and cool playtime moments with you or other kids. [mj-toc] What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder? Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurobiological health condition that affects normal brain development. It affects a person’s communication skills and also leads to several behavioral and social challenges (1). The ‘spectrum’ in ASD means the ASD symptoms and the severity of these symptoms may differ for each person. Some people with ASD may have exceptional learning and problem-solving abilities while others may struggle with simple learning tasks. (2) You have to involve children with autism in activities to bridge the gap between...
As a parent, you want your teen to learn all vital life skills, so you may keep thinking how to make your teenager responsible. You love your teen and want them to be happy and content all the time. However, while raising them, you may pamper and shelter them to the extent that you seem to have lost your hold on them. Therefore, it is essential to know that the right parenting influences your teen's behavior. You should take utmost charge of shaping up your teen's personality and helping them develop into a responsible individual. Read this post to learn about tips that could make them responsible and inculcate essential skills. [mj-toc] How To Make Your Teenager Responsible? You might expect your teen to behave like an adult. But remember, they are still growing. The hormonal roller coaster going through their body is affecting not just growth, but their social behavior too (1). They are confused. They may not say...
It is important to train your children in a way so that they can stand up for themselves and learn independence. This post on teaching important lessons and morals of life provides more information in this context. Parents are the first and the biggest role models in their child’s life. Whatever you do, your children will follow. Also, every parent aspires for their children's growth and development in a loving, respected, and happy environment so that they may imbibe the same traits and cultivate an admirable character. Read on for a list of important life lessons you need to teach your child to help them lead a good and disciplined life. [mj-toc] 8 Important Life Lessons For Kids To Learn Learning life skills can not only strengthen a person but also equip them to deal with the challenges of the world by developing self-awareness within themselves. There are plenty of life lessons that you can incorporate into your kids. Here...
Educational activities for children aid in the child’s overall development and instill textbook knowledge in children through informal means. These activities make the process of learning and education less stressful and more enjoyable. Here are a few examples of learning games that your child may enjoy. Check them out and watch how your kids have a fun learning experience. 1. Alphabet through photos [caption id="attachment_456255" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] This is an exciting learning activity for kids. Send them off on an adventure activity, and let them learn letters while having fun. You will need: A camera Pieces of paper A marker How to: Give your child a camera (a basic model with fewer chances of damage). Ask them to take pictures of objects that range from A to Z. They can collect images of an Ant, Apple, Biscuits, Cat, and so on. What kids learn: This activity will help your kid associate images with objects while practicing on their...
It\'s all about having a good time at a kid\'s party, and if you could combine fun with learning, it would be like feeding two birds with one scone. So why not try some interesting party crafts for kids? Let the kids team up with their buddies and unleash their creativity with art and crafts. Making a supply list, choosing a party venue, deciding on a theme can be taxing. So leave the craft ideas to us. In this post, we\'ll go over several craft ideas and give you some pointers on how to throw an epic kid\'s craft party. [mj-toc] How To Manage A Crafts Party For Kids? 1. Choose appropriate crafts Know your audience. Consider the age group of the children participating, their common likes and dislikes (if you know any specific), and the crafts that would interest them. Choose an activity that children can do on their own, meaning it should be simple and require less time...
Newspaper crafts for kids are an interesting way to entertain and develop their motor skills. These are one the most easily available craft items as every home has a stack of newspapers that can be recycled into something beautiful. Moreover, newspapers are easy to work with, giving your child the liberty to experiment and unleash their creativity. So, do not wait and offer your children the newspapers lying around and encourage them to spread their wings in the unlimited world of imagination and possibilities. [mj-toc] 25 Newspaper Crafts For Kids We have created a list of 25 newspaper crafts for kids. All of them are easy and creative, and will keep your children occupied for hours. 1. Newspaper ghosts [caption id="attachment_681709" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: iStock[/caption] It is an easy newspaper craft for kids that your children will enjoy. You can use this idea on days when your children cannot go out and turn their boredom into endless hours of fun....
Dinosaurs roamed around the Earth for about 162 million years, i.e., millions of years before human beings arrived on the Earth. In this post, we bring many interesting facts about dinosaurs for kids. Dinosaurs lived in the [simple_tooltip text="Mesozoic Era" tooltip="The age of reptiles or dinosaurs that lasted around 66 to 252 million years ago." ], divided into three periods: [simple_tooltip text="Triassic" tooltip="First period of the mesozoic era that lasted until about 201 to 250 million years ago." ], Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods. They were the dominant species of the animal world by the beginning of the [simple_tooltip text="Jurassic" tooltip="Second period of the mesozoic era that lasted until about 140 to 190 million years ago." ] period, and then they became extinct about 66 million years ago. Your kids might be asking you questions like how many dinosaurs were there, what they were called, what happened to them, etc. Read this post as we bring fascinating information about the dinosaurs...
Effects of verbal abuse on children can be more serious, and it is one of the most overlooked forms of child abuse (1). It is often falsely represented as a form of “tough love” or “disciplining.” However, there can be long-term and short-term consequences. Children may feel humiliated, ashamed, or unloved and may not express it. They may also hesitate to communicate with parents who verbally abuse them. Threatening or yelling at children can negatively impact their mental health eventually. Read on to know the side effects of verbal abuse in children and some positive parental strategies. [mj-toc] Short-Term Effects Of Verbal Abuse On Children [caption id="attachment_887212" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] While the damages caused by verbal abuse cannot be seen externally, it leaves behind a psychological impact that often makes it difficult for the child to get over. The short-term effects are described below (2) (3) (4): 1. Routine or clinical depression Demoralizing or yelling at children can result...
At what age should kids get a phone? The most common concern amongst most parents of the current era. A cell phone has become a necessity in current times. It offers several benefits, including a telephone, computer, alarm clock, television. And children know how to use it without even being taught. In addition, this device provides them unlimited access to cartoons, social media, and video games. But, no matter how tech-savvy, that does not mean they can own a mobile phone? The post talks about the benefits and drawbacks of mobile phones, so you can decide whether or not your child is ready to have a phone. [mj-toc] What Age Should Children Get A Phone? There are no governmental guidelines on when a child should get their smartphone as it is an individual family decision. A report from Common Sense Media reveals that the percentage of teens aged 13-18 who possessed a smartphone in 2021 increased to nearly 88%, up...
It is not uncommon for parents to have safety-related concerns for their school-going children. Also, with the growing reports of children being subjected to inhuman acts at school, it is paramount to implement effective ways to stop school violence. If you notice any significant changes in your child's emotional or physical aspects, you must talk to them to ensure they are in safe environments at school. Continue to read this post if you want to understand the types, causes, warning signs, and possible ways to deal with violence in schools. [mj-toc] What Is School Violence? School violence falls under the broader term of youth violence. It describes the intentional use of physical or mental force on children in a school environment, or by people related to a child’s school. Children can be affected by school violence at nine or ten years. [mj_protip type="Experts say" title="Experts say"]UNICEF says that children subjected to school violence are physically and mentally injured. They tend...
When you find your teen often sitting with their video games or multitasking when playing, you may be wondering about the possible effects of video games on teenagers. We may hardly know a teen who dislikes playing video games and electronic sports (esports). Consequently, a study found out that 97% of teens and children indulge in playing video games and mobile gaming for at least an hour a day in the US (1). Read on as we present a detail of the negative and positive effects of video games on your teen, some signs of video game addiction, and useful tips for managing the same. [mj-toc] Positive Effects Of Video Games On Teenagers Yes, video games can be good for your child. Don’t be shocked, we’ll tell you why. Here are the reasons why virtual gaming can be good (1) (2). 1. Improves cognitive functions: Contrary to popular belief, video gaming can enhance multiple cognitive skills such as better allocation...
When your little one is nine months old, it is time to introduce them to learning activities for a 9-month-old. Right from banging, shaking, and throwing objects, this is also the time when you should be careful with your child. Your baby might not restrict themselves to toys, so to create an inclusive and safe space, you will need to childproof your home. Learning activities are known to set the foundation for the learning pursuits for your little one. Read on to understand what you can introduce to your child for specific developments. [mj-toc] 4 Learning Activities For 9 Month Old Baby Your baby has got some wonderful opportunities in this 36th week of birth and undergoes plenty of emotional and physical changes. His way of communicating also undergoes tremendous change at this stage. Check out 4 interesting 9 month old baby activities: 1. Physical Changes: [caption id="attachment_92292" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image : Shutterstock[/caption] At 9 months, your baby undergoes the...
One would often find that brother and sister share a bedroom in smaller homes. Sharing bedrooms is a space adjustment idea and a great way to help siblings bond together. Many think it is not feasible for siblings of the opposite gender to live in the same bedroom. However, sharing a bedroom can be possible until a certain age. Moreover, this adjustment can often prove to be beneficial. Brothers and sisters who share their rooms also learn to share their things, respect each other’s privacy, and adjust to their differences. This post gives you some tips about creating a wonderful experience for brothers and sisters sharing their bedrooms. [mj-toc] Is It Okay For A Brother And Sister To Share A Bedroom? [caption id="attachment_884897" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: iStock[/caption] It is okay for siblings of opposite genders to share a bedroom. A brother and sister may have different interests, and so there will be fewer chances of fights between them over sharing...
Space is an intriguing and fascinating subject, especially for children and space movies for kids are both entertaining and educative. The new findings of various elements of our galaxy are frequently reported, and each finding reveals new knowledge and adds to the puzzle of various mysteries. Movies enhance the experience of learning about space is enhanced by presenting them as mysteries. This post contains a list of the top children\'s space movies to keep young viewers engaged and delighted. Scroll down. [mj-toc] 20 Space Movies For Kids 1. Muppets From Space Source: Amazon Gonzo, referred to as ‘Whatever’ by everybody around him, gets a message from an alien race through his bowl of Kap’n Alphabet cereal. Communication with a pair of cosmic knowledge fish reveals that he has connections with an alien. Agent Barker convinces him to join C.O.V.N.E.T, a top-secret national security facility, that investigates outer space life. Now the Muppets need to rescue Gonzo from C.O.V.N.E.T and go...
Children enjoy playtime, but their tidy room can get messy in no time. Parents will find it difficult to persuade their children to clean up once they finish playing. How about playing some clean-up songs for kids and making tidying up a fun activity? You may have run out of ideas to teach children about cleanliness and organization. However, songs can make the clean-up sessions more entertaining and instructive. Choose a song from our collection of the best clean-up songs to get your children motivated to tidy up. [MJ_RELATED_LINKS href="https://www.momjunction.com/articles/personal-hygiene-tips-for-kids_00372473/" title="Personal Hygiene For Kids: Importance And Habits To Teach"] 10+ Clean Up Songs For Kids, With Lyrics 1. Cleanup Song by Dora the Explorer [caption id="attachment_881230" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: iStock[/caption] Clean up, clean up Everybody clean up Let's work together Everyone do their share. Clean up, clean up Come on now and clean up. Everyone everywhere We're gonna take out the trash. We're gonna pick this place up. Shine, shine,...
It is entertaining to observe the developments in your 14 months old while they walk and attempt to imitate you or other people around. As a parent, you can aid cognitive and motor growth by including learning activities for a 14-month-old baby. However, it would help if you keep a close eye on your playful and energetic child. They will explore their surroundings, for which you may need to child-proof your home. They will not talk as early but will communicate through actions, smiles, and looks. Read this post to learn about your baby's learning activities and healthy habits. [mj-toc]Developments In Your 14 Months Old Your baby is walking now and there is no need to worry if he suddenly starts crawling for some time. It’s time for you to buy shoes for him before taking him out! Here, we shall take a closer look at his growth and development: He may have a pot belly at this age, which...