Moses & Farrell

We get it!

Sending your children off to college is an emotional time to prepare for. Sometimes, it can feel like as much as you try to prepare, it will never feel like enough. As much as we are preparing our children for the ultimate send-off to their next chapter in life, it’s essential to address how you, as a parent, are preparing for that also.

It is an exciting time for them to feel a vast new role of independence and finally to be on their own. It can sometimes feel personal how excited your child can be moving out, but at these times, it’s important to put yourself in their shoes and remember what it was like for you as a new college student.

The best way to keep your connection close and deepen your relationship is to let them know you’re always there…from a distance!

Setting healthy boundaries between you and your children will help strengthen your relationship and let them feel comfortable to come to you instead of you constantly checking in on them.

That will create a new sense of purpose in life, being able to focus on yourself as much as they get to find a new sense of independence in navigating college life on their own.

As we all know, time can fly! So, it’s good to start emotionally preparing for that transition to help navigate your emotions when the time comes at the end of the year.

What’s one thing you’re nervous about sending your child off to college for the first time? Share below!

Children with ADHD have many gifts as a neurodivergent! Sometimes, we focus on their performance in school when it comes to concentrating rather than the aspiring gifts they endure.

Spreading awareness of what other abilities and characteristics are as neurodivergent can help parents understand how their brains work and connect with their children on an intentional level of empathy and understanding.

Understanding and appreciating these aspects of ADHD can contribute to a more positive and supportive environment for children with ADHD. It’s essential to focus on their strengths, build on their interests, and provide encouragement in areas where they excel.

Share with us what your children love to do as a neurodivergent 🎉

The claim that it takes an average of 66 days for a new behavior to become automatic comes from a frequently cited study published in the European Journal of Social Psychology in 2009 titled “How are habits formed: Modelling habit formation in the real world.”

The researchers Phillippa Lally, Cornelia H. M. van Jaarsveld, Henry W. W. Potts, and Jane Wardle aimed to estimate the time it takes to form a new habit. They defined a habit as being automatic, occurring without deliberation, and being difficult to control.

They tracked the development of new habits among 96 participants over 84 days. On average, it took 66 days for a new behavior to reach the automaticity criteria to be classified as a habit. There was significant variation among individuals and behaviors in how long it took habits to form, ranging from 18 days to 254 days in the study.

So, while the “average 66 days” figure has become a popular rule of thumb, the original study demonstrates that the length of habit formation differs greatly based on the person and behavior.

Helping your children develop habits in a small way can increase the development of routine with a positive outcome if the child can feel in control rather than being told to do something.

Helping them stay accountable for developing a habit with positive reinforcement can lead to the natural desire to stick with the routine and form habits for their school work.

For example:
📚Setting a consistent study schedule - Dedicate specific time blocks each day/week to study without distractions. Sticking to it routinely will help create positive habits for college.
📚Studying in short, focused sessions - 25-30 minutes allows better focus and retention than marathon sessions. Encouraging short breaks will decrease stress and feel energized to complete a task.
📚Find or create productive study spaces - Identify where they can concentrate best to help your child feel excited to study.

Try these out and let us know how it works for your family in the comments below! 🙌🏻

We are so happy that we got to work with Michael and get him into his dream college! Applying for colleges and having the proper tools and resources can feel overwhelming. Where to begin? That’s why, with our services, we ensure that you’re not just getting into a college. You’re getting into the right college.

A simple reminder is that the regular decision for college applications is January 1, 2024—but these are general, so check the specific deadlines for the schools you are applying to.

If you need help navigating the right decision, click the link above to schedule a free consultation call.

On our website, we also offer a variety of blog posts that can help you navigate through some unanswered questions you may have. Whether it comes to seeing if wilderness therapy suits your child or knowing how to assist them in college placement or parenting roles, we have you covered!

Head to our link in the bio to read our newest blog posts today 🎉

Navigating the college hustle is no joke! 🤯 From assignments to social life, it can feel like a whirlwind. It can be hard at times to say no to social gatherings when studying and finishing projects are the priority for deadlines. It can also be overwhelming when family is constantly checking in to make sure you are on track. Being able to set boundaries for yourself will help eliminate added stressors when feeling overwhelmed.

Here are 4 ways to set boundaries in your day to day to help feel like your weeks are running seamless, you’re on track, and are able to enjoy yourself at the same time:

Prioritize and Schedule:
✅ Create a realistic schedule that includes dedicated time for classes, study sessions, self-care, and leisure.
✅ Prioritize tasks based on deadlines and importance, focusing on the most critical ones first.
✅ Learn to say no to additional commitments that may overwhelm you.

Designate Breaks and Downtime:
✅ Set aside specific times for breaks and relaxation to prevent burnout. Taking short breaks during study sessions can improve focus and productivity.
✅ Designate at least one day a week as a “self-care day” where you prioritize activities that bring you joy and relaxation.

Technology Boundaries:
✅ Establish boundaries with technology to avoid constant distractions. Consider turning off non-essential notifications during study hours.
✅ Designate specific times for checking emails and messages to avoid feeling overwhelmed by a constant influx of information.

Communication:
✅ Clearly communicate your boundaries to friends, family, and classmates. Let them know when you’re available for social activities and when you need focused study time.
✅ Establish open communication with professors and classmates about your workload and any challenges you may be facing. They may be able to offer support or accommodations.

Want more tips? Follow for more!

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📚 Unlocking Success: Why Developing Study Skills Matters

Helping your child develop strong study skills isn’t just about acing exams; it’s about empowering them for life. 🚀

🔍 Learning to study efficiently teaches focus, time management, and organization—skills that will serve them well in any endeavor. It fosters independence and self-discipline, setting them up for success in school and beyond.

💡 Most importantly, it instills a love for learning, making knowledge a lifelong companion.

Invest in your child’s future by nurturing their study skills! What great habits have you helped your child develop for studying? Share below!

Video games are immensely popular among adolescents, with over 90% of teens reporting regular gaming. But does this interactivity empower development or pose risks in these formative years? Research illuminates pros and cons depending on game contents and amount of play. Ultimately, mindful moderation allows for exploiting benefits while mitigating drawbacks.

Studies like a meta-analysis in the Review of General Psychology show video games can enhance motor skills, reaction time, spatial cognition, and problem-solving. Educational games boosted academic performance. Multiplayer bonding and cooperation occur through online gaming. Age-appropriate video games can help develop key cognitive abilities.

Games with puzzles and problem-solving elements improve logical thinking, critical analysis, spatial navigation, and reasoning skills. Research shows gameplay-enhancing abilities like working memory, sustained focus, and rapid information processing.

Neuroplasticity allows gaming to alter motor control brain circuitry literally, changing how players’ brains respond in other situations. These physical skills developed through video games can benefit real-world activities. Games can also provide social opportunities for students who may be anxious or less inclined to seek out direct connections to peers.

We must remain engaged influencers for healthy integration as we help kids grow up. Co-play games with teens to discuss content. Encourage tech-free family times. Monitor play duration and nudge toward diverse interests. Promote alternative enriching activities. Keep gaming public.

Teens also need help setting boundaries around healthy limits. Peer bonding and entertainment should not displace sleep, exercise, and authentic in-person relationships. With wisdom and open communication, we can help families leverage interactivity for learning and fun while avoiding potential harm. The key is mindful moderation tailored to each child.

What best practices have you found effective for promoting healthy teen gaming? How do we help families strike the right balance? Please share your insights below!

The capacity for honest and thoughtful self-reflection is one of the most valuable skills we can cultivate for personal and professional growth and maturity.

By consciously examining our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, we can gain crucial insight into our strengths, weaknesses, motivations, and areas for improvement.

However, self-reflection only enhances self-awareness if we are courageous enough to be completely truthful with ourselves, even when it feels uncomfortable or threatening.

Looking inward does not come naturally to most of us. The common reflex is to protect our egos by ignoring unflattering feedback or rationalizing our flaws.

When faced with our mistakes and shortcomings, the innate urge is often to make excuses, assign blame externally, or even retreat into denial. This avoidance, however, prevents us from acknowledging weaknesses, taking ownership, and learning from missteps.

If we cannot confront our imperfections head-on, we will repeat the same counterproductive patterns.

Here’s how to self-reflect on our thought patterns and see if we are using a fixed or growth mindset. A fixed mindset limits us from being able to grow our inner-selves, and become the best version of ourselves. It can also limit and set back ourselves when faced with obstacles.

Recognizing our fixed mindset and actively leaning in to mindfulness can help change our perspective and become self-aware with our growth and actions.

Here are some examples of a growth mindset vs fixed mindset and how we can encourage our children to focus on a growth mindset when facing challenges of their own in school, relationships, or personal growth.

Drop a comment below on what daily practices work best for you and your family 🙌🏻

When your child is facing challenges that require specialized help, considering a therapeutic school is a significant and often necessary decision. The process can be daunting. Here’s a structured approach to choosing a therapeutic school that meets your child’s unique needs without the stress of navigating an endless sea of information.

Before embarking on the process of choosing a therapeutic school, it's essential to have a clear understanding of your child’s specific needs. Is it behavioral, academic, emotional, or a combination? Consult with educators, psychologists, and medical professionals for insights into the type of environment and support your child requires.

Start by gathering a list of potential schools. Look for schools that specialize in your child’s specific needs. Reach out to educational consultants, therapists, and other parents for recommendations. Use online resources but remember to check the accreditation and licenses of the schools you are considering.

When visiting or speaking with representatives from the therapeutic school, don’t hesitate to ask questions. Some key questions include:

* What is the staff-to-student ratio?
* What qualifications do the staff have?
* How is the curriculum tailored to individual needs?
* How are families involved in the therapeutic process?
* What are the methods and approaches to therapy used?
* How does the school measure student progress?
* Can the school provide references from parents of former students?

It can feel overwhelming to embark on a new journey for your family, but finding the right solution will feel like success within itself. That’s why at Moses and Farrell, we don’t want you to make a decision that might not fit your family.

Remember, this decision is not just about finding a school – it’s about finding the right environment in which your child can flourish. Through careful consideration and thoughtful decision-making, you can provide your child with the tools they need for success.

Reach out to us today so we can help you navigate this new, exciting journey ahead 🎉

An education consultant can help guide you through the maze of college admissions. So what is the role of an education consultant in college placement? Let’s dive in deeper.

Education consultants are professionals with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the educational field. They're the ultimate GPS for your academic journey, with the most up-to-date information about colleges, programs, and more. They also provide personalized guidance to students and families, helping them make informed decisions.

An education consultant plays a multifaceted role when it comes to college placement. Here are some key ways they assist students and families:
- Personalized Assessment
- Strategic College Selection
- Application Guidance
- Interview Preparation
- Financial Aid and Scholarship Advice
- Decision Support

Ultimately, The role of an education consultant in college placement is to guide, support, and empower students throughout their college admissions journey. They turn the daunting task of college placement into a manageable and enjoyable process, helping students not just get into a college but find where they will truly thrive!

If you’re interested in learning more, head over to our bio today and schedule a free consultation call 📞

Choosing the proper placement for your child can feel overwhelming and comes with an overwhelming feeling of anxiety. We understand how finding the appropriate placement for your child can seem crucial to their success. 

Here are some ways that Therapeutic schools can be the right fit for your child:

🤝🏼Tailored Support: Therapeutic schools offer customized therapeutic and educational plans tailored to each student’s unique needs.
👨🏻‍🏫Skilled Professionals: The staff at therapeutic schools are highly skilled and trained to work with students who have specialized needs. They have the tools and expertise that traditional schools may not offer.
📝Structured Environment: For students who have struggled in less structured environments, the routine and clear expectations at a therapeutic school can be incredibly beneficial.
👨‍👩‍👦Family Involvement: Therapeutic schools often include a family component, recognizing the importance of healing and growth for the entire family, not just the student.
🎉Long-Term Success: Students often leave therapeutic schools with improved self-esteem, better coping skills, and a clearer path to success in both academics and life.
🫶🏻Peer Support: Being surrounded by peers facing similar challenges can be incredibly affirming for students. They can build a support network that understands their struggles.
💭Life Skills: These schools focus not only on academics but also on essential life skills. They help prepare students for life outside of school, including job readiness, managing relationships, and self-care.

If you feel that this sounds like a path that can positively impact your child’s life and future or are curious about what program placement looks like, we are here to answer all of your questions. Email us today to schedule a free consultation call so we can help you decide if this is the right path for your family.