Parents Want Consistent School Policy On Bullying

Unfortunately, everyone faces some sort of teasing or unpleasant remarks during their lifetime and it is important for children to learn how to appropriately react without resorting to violence. Vicki Panaccione, a licensed child psychologist who specializes in clinical and school psychology, said dealing with bullies is one of the most difficult, but important, parts of growing up. “You don’t... 

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Teasing: When To Draw the Line

Until recently, boys teasing girls in school was something that girls usually had to chalk up to experience. Complain and they often got a “boys will be boys” response. But these days, as young girls become more attuned to their rights, chronic name calling, hair pulling, pinching and other forms of taunting are being perceived as sexual harassment. Dr. Vicki Panaccione is a licensed psychologist... 

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A Moving Experience

Relocation creates major stress for some. Mental health experts say uprooting your family and moving to another city is one of the most stressful experiences you’ll endure—right under death and divorce, but ahead of taking out a mortgage or having trouble with your boss. “Relocation creates major stress,” said child psychologist Vicki Panaccione. “It changes many other things... 

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Hurricanes Mental Impact Could Linger for Many Months

Local clinical psychologist, Dr. Vicki Panaccione in Melbourne, said she has seen a higher number of children (needing treatment) since the two most recent hurricanes pummeled Brevard (County). “But parents by and large, have been doing a good job reassuring children they’re safe or turning evacuations into an adventure,” she said. Still, parents and children need to get back into an... 

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Repeated Storms Buffet the Psyche

A little anxiety about Hurricane Frances is a good thing. However, too much will only make you obsess. “We’re not as secure because our boat has gotten rocked so many times, with the weather and terrorists,” said Dr. Vicki Panaccione, a Melbourne licensed psychologist. “So, I think that when a hurricane is reported, you have that sense of anxiety, but it’s heightened because there’s... 

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“Latchkey” Decision Always Tough for Parents

Nearly 7 million children 5 to 14 were regularly left unsupervised in 1995 while their parents were at work or away for other reasons, according to a 2000 Census report, the most comprehensive report done on latchkey kids. If it’s a last resort, children who stay home alone must be mature enough to handle the responsibility, said Dr. Vicki Panaccione, a licensed child psychologist. And parents must... 

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Conflict with Iraq: When Kids Want Answers

War can be difficult to explain to children. To help parents handle questions and fears, (Dr. Vicki Panaccione) offers the following suggestions: For children ages 6-12: 1) Ask what they are hearing and discuss their concerns. It’s best not to fill them with fears they don’t have, but also realize you can’t ignore (the ones they do.) 2) Don’t make promises you can’t keep. Avoid saying, “Everything... 

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