Strategic Management Unit 5 DB Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Strategic Management Unit 5 DB - Essay Example Their main reason for breaking the bond was that the cultures of the two companies could not accommodate each other. Incompatible networks and ugly phones resulted into bad customer experience. It was difficult to merge assets and liabilities of the two firms hindering the creation of the much anticipated synergy (Ireland, Hoskisson & Hitt, 2008). Economic down turn also begun to take a biting turn and customers expectation grew large and larger. Further, stiff competition form market rivals such as AT&T, the iPhone, as well as Verizon, ate away significant market share driving down the sales of the joint venture. In most cases, mergers and acquisitions have negative impact on employees. The case of Sprint and Nextel merger was no exception. Moreover, the difficult times after the merger only impounded more misfortunes for the employees of the two companies. Amidst the crisis of the joint venture, it started to lay-off workers in a bid to reduce operating costs. An employee who never obliged to the strict policies by taking some break from work as a result of his father’s death was mercilessly fired (Ireland, Hoskisson & Hitt, 2008). The merger was no good news for employees of both

Credit Card Companies targeting College Students on Campuses Essay

Credit Card Companies targeting College Students on Campuses - Essay Example Moreover, almost a third of the 76% of current college students have been offered free gifts in order to sign up for the credit cards. Consequently, this has led to nearly a dozen of states restricting credit card marketing to students within campuses. Despite such moves, credit companies have persistently remained aggressive in signing up students within campuses for credit cards (Chu). This is despite the common view credit companies should not target college students on their campuses while marketing credit cards. Arguments against Marketing of Credit Cards to Students within Campuses Marketing of credit cards to students within campuses is against provisions of Federal Law on credit cards for college students. According to Chu, Federal Law on credit card categorically outlines that no bank or financial lending institution should give credit card to students and young adults of below 21 years who have no steady income or cosigner. This federal law prohibition provides a framework within which credit cards should be given that is, to persons above 21 years with a steady income. Unfortunately, most undergraduates after finishing school end up with enormous credit, which may eventually lead to bankruptcy and at the verge of financial crisis. Based on statistics obtained by the US Public Interest Research Group, graduating college students leave school with approximately $ 4,000 in debts (Uspirg.org). The US Public Interest Research Group goes ahead to establish that 56% of undergraduates obtain their first credit cards at the age of 18 years, which is a period when someone cannot make informed decisions (Uspirg.org). What’s more, by the time such a student is graduating, he or she will be in possession of four or more credit cards. Credit companies have been forced to enter into unethical business practices in order to entice and persuade college students to sign up for credit cards. College students are vulnerable to cheap offers such as T-shirts, pizzas, and other free gifts. Financial institution clearly understands the vulnerability of college students, which they unethically capitalize on to convince them to sign up for credit cards (Chu). Convincing and enticing of college students do not only include gifts but also dwell in short-lived offers such as lower interest rates and other deceptive marketing practices. For instance, in 2007 the state attorney charged Citi Bank and its marketing counterpart, Elite Marketing with application of deceptive marketing practices to entice students in order to sign up for credit cards. Taking ad vantage of consumer’s situation and vulnerability is an unethical practice that may only end up ruining and organization. The credit companies responsible for marketing of credit cards to students should be prohibited from taking advantage of college students’ vulnerability to cheap offers. College students other than being vulnerable to cheap offers are new, inexperienced, and uninformed adequately regarding credit cards and in the market place. In this regard, marketing credit cards with only advantages will make students accept such offers without understanding how it works and demerits (Dickler). As a result, many of them end up incurring hefty sums of debts, which trails back to their parents. Placing more burdens to parents in addition to their normal responsibilities of paying tuition fee and caring for students is unfair and uncalled for especially in the contemporary business world where living standards have incrementally increased. Statistics by US Public In terest Research Group clearly indicates that 61% of students fully depend on their parents for fee and all other educational costs, with 40% and 38%

A Study On HNC Social Care Social Policy Essay

A Study On HNC Social Care Social Policy Essay Values are standards and principals by which we live our lives. These standards are many and often depend on people`s background e.g. Culture, class, religion, gender, age. Values are extremely individual attitudes that direct people`s responses to the world around them. Amongst some of the values I live my life by and respect are privacy allowing me to have space to myself and respecting the fact that others may desire privacy, to be safe and also allowing others the same, having self respect, being trustworthy, being non judgmental, being anti discriminatory, respect life and faith, value freedom and equality, value choice and others points of view. I have learned to live my life this way from my parents and their families. The schools and church where I was taught , espoused the values of  Ã‚   human dignity, solidarity for the common good , charity , and the family,   all of   which I continue to hold dear. I therefore try to ensure that I treat people the way I would like to be treated. Because of these values, I am able to work happily alongside the organization I volunteer for, as their policies and procedures represent many of these common values. We ensure the right to dignity, choice, respect, privacy, and protection. I must consider my clients beliefs and preferences. I currently volunteer as a Befriender for a group that helps adults with learning disabilities become included within the community through socialization, by matching Befriendees with supportive Befrienders. I, as a volunteer for this organization, provide their service participants with the opportunity to take a full and satisfying part in their community. I also help to raise awareness of issues affecting adults with learning difficulties in community participation. I did this in a major way by participating in the collection and presentation of our petition to the Scottish Parliament to request that Befriending is to be financed with core funding. Although Befriending, to help social inclusion was briefly mentioned as a means of supporting adults with learning disabilities in â€Å"Same as you Strategy†2000, this article has never been defined by the government as a core service to be provided by councils. As a result, Befriending for Adults with Learning Disabilities has rarely been financed or delivered by statutory services. However, the social work department is the main means of referral to our organization and so for the moment receive this service free, financed by charitable donations. I feel this is a form of statutory discrimination against our client group and hope our petition resolves this situation. This petition has received a positive reaction from the petitions committee and is still going through the committee processe s. The core values of our organisation are underpinned by the National Care Standards, which were set up under the Regulation of Care (Scotland)Act 2001. This Act came about to regulate the care and social work force and set out the principals of good care practice. The Care Commission was set up under this Act to register, regulate, and inspect all care services listed in the Act. It also established The Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC). The SSSC has aims and objectives to protect the service users, raise standards, strengthen, and support workforce professionalism. There are six main standards laid down in National Care Standards that are at the centre of any care practice. Dignity â€Å"making someone feel worthy and impressive† as defined in the Oxford English Dictionary. I ensure that I give dignity by respecting individuals for who they are. I recognise all individuals are different and I am sensitive and aware of this. Privacy and confidentiality is the need and right to privacy. The principle of confidentiality between me and the service user is built on mutual respect and trust. Confidentiality is further reinforced by the Data Protection Act 1998. This allows our service users to see any information that is held on them. I must ensure that this information is held securely in a locked filing cabinet. Any information I write in an activity plan must be truthful, factual, and accurate with my opinions to be objective. Choice means giving and explaining different options to individuals. I support our service users by encouraging their right to choose. By offering they limited options that will encourage them to look at positive alternatives within a safe environment. Safety means that I must ensure my service user when in my care, is protected from harm and abuse. If I suspect or observe that harm and abuse has or is taking place, against a service user, I must report the incident in an Incident Report   Form within 36 hrs of the episode to my line manager. I also complete a risk assessment form before any activity. Realising Potential ensures that I must allow my service users the chance to aim to achieve things great and small within their abilities. These core values are represented within our organisations policies and procedures. To ensure client safety we have a Health and Safety Policywhich is designed to comply with the Health and Safety at work Act 1974. Risk Assessments are used on a daily basis before an activity to ensure that the staff and clients are safe on the premises. We also have Accident and Incident Reporting procedures which are required under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases, and Dangerous Occurrences Regulation 1995(RIDDOR), Social Security Regulations 1979 (SRR),Data Protection Act, to be reportedin an efficient manner. I must complete relevant forms and report to my line manager. If an event requires reporting directly to RIDDOR the records should be kept securely for at least three years. Our Equalities policy complies with the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 and 1986, the Race Relations Act of 1976 and the Race Relation Amendments Regulations of 2003, the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. Our organization opposes all forms of unfair and unlawful discrimination on the grounds of colour, race, religion, nationality, social background, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age and disability. It also promotes the principle of equal opportunities in paid employment, voluntary work, and service provision. Although it is important to apply positive values within my practice, it is sometimes difficult to do so. Giving someone choice needs to be balanced by ensuring that this choice is safe and positive. Giving Adults with Learning Disabilities too many choices can cause confusion and sometimes fear. So I give limited positive choices to ensure that this does not happen. Safety issues can also limit choices, as under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and National Care Standards it is important that I ensure my client is safe from harm and abuse. If a risk assessment shows that an activity is not suitable to the client because of safety issues then the choice of doing that particular activity is reduced. The values conflicting here are my clients health and safety and his right to choice. Privacy and confidentiality is dealt with in our Confidentiality policy. Our organization requires information about clients, volunteers, staff other organizations and our own organization. I am therefore committed to ensuring that all information is stored safely which also allows appropriate retrieval. Confidential material must be kept in a locked cabinet. Volunteers are only able to see files â€Å"on a need to know basis only†. Computer access is limited to authorized staff and information backed up. All of these policies are compatible with the Data Protection Act 1998.If a client discloses something to me and asks me not to tell anyone then I must respect his/her wishes as a matter of trust. However, sometimes this can be difficult, especially if abuse is disclosed. Under these circumstances I am obliged to tell him/her that I understand his/her need for confidentiality, but the circumstances require me to advise my line manager in writing and that this will be in his/her best interests and to try not to worry. The values conflicting here are protection from harm and abuse and confidentiality. As we do not supply a care service, we are not required to regi ster with the Care Commission, but we ensure all our policies and procedures meet their standards. As all clients under these standards are legally allowed an individualized care plan, we instead have an activity plan. To ensure no discrimination takes place the client is assessed using (Ref1)PIES.   We take into account, our clients Physical needs, Intellectual needs, Emotional needs, and Social needs. Needs were first described as requirements for our survival in the model put forward by (Ref 2) Abraham Maslow, a Humanist Psychologist. He stated that human needs can be arranged in a stepladder pyramid and that the lower level needs must be satisfied before higher levels can be met. Starting from the basic psychological need , then moving to safety and security, social, esteem, and self- actualization. He suggested that not satisfying these needs the person could become frustrated and emotionally distressed, with possibly poverty and crisis taking place. He also suggested that these needs must be met in order.  Ã‚   Prejudice as (Ref3) defined in the Collins dictionary â€Å"is an unreasonable dislike of a particular group of people or things, or a preference for a one group of people or things over another†. Prejudice is caused by a lack of understanding of something, causing the wrong impression to be created. (Ref4)The Functionalist perspectives state that society can be likened to the human body, with different organs (institutions) having different functions yet all working together to keep the body (society) alive. The negative aspects of discrimination according to the functionalists state that it exacerbates poverty and crime, that society fails to use the resources of all individuals, discourages good will, and discourage the resolution of disputes. These negative aspects can provide jobs by having to employ police officers, justice system, and civil servants. Although not to be encouraged, the functionalists state that the positive aspects of prejudice keep people in their prope r place within society and discourage them from questioning their place within society. The functionalists believe that it is normal for one group to be superior to the other, that society is unequal and competition within society is natural. Discrimination happens when one group does not want to have another group change their set roles. Changes in the economy can see prejudice affecting those in poverty because other groups may feel that the benefit system budget is being abused by those who are out of work. Prejudice can be seen in my client group, which has a definite need of the benefit system. Working with people with learning disabilities has shown me that prejudice arises amongst some of the local community. This is a small section of the community pre- judging those with learning disabilities through lack of knowledge and so they hold unfavourable views or opinions towards people who are different and so bullying can take place. Adults with learning disabilities are a section of society that tends not to be able to stand up for themselves. They rely on family, social workers, advocacy workers, and support workers to advise them on their rights, choices, and responsibilities. Unfortunately, through no fault of their own, some sections of this community may not receive this relevant information. They do not receive the care, benefits, and advice that they need, or they do not receive the statutory services they deserve. This can be caused by certain people denying our client group their rights and so discriminate against them. Harassment, bullying, and hate crimes of those with learning disabilities takes place in many areas. The recent death of a mother and daughter burned to death in England after numerous threats and harassment is an excessive example and result of discrimination. Discrimination takes place through fear, misunderstanding, misinformation, and so as well as laws against discrimination, we need to educate and provide training against it. To try to ensure that the incident that took place does not happen in our community, our organization is involved in providing a training service to the community. I have taken part in training to try to educate youths from the local secondary school about Learning Disabilities. This resulted in them becoming peer volunteers to younger children with Learning Disabilities from the local school for autistic children. A music group was set up to bring these two groups of youngsters together, with positive results. (Ref 5) Adults with Learning Disabilities are more likely to develop health problems. Therefore, without support, they may not be able to make their feelings known and so screening and or treatment may be denied. The need for support to allow them to lead as normal a life as their abilities allow and to access services, has a financial cost to society. The belief that people with learning disabilities, are a financial burden to society, and not providing relevant support is evidence of discrimination.Their ill health has my client group adults with learning disabilities relying on benefits. Therefore, being able to afford the use of transport and taking part in social activities are reduced for those who are on benefits. This is more evident in those with learning disabilities in rural areas. They are socially excluded and marginalized, through the lack of affordable and regular transport services. The chances of employment for this group of individuals are rare as most do not have the capacity to engage in work and so they will continue to live on benefits. Psychologically that can result in depression, low self- esteem, frustration, or anger. Causing their behaviour to be affected, by them becoming withdrawn or violent. Through legislation, social care organizations now have to be more accountable and have increasing responsibilities to write and maintain policy and procedures. These have to comply with current legislation and exist to protect people`s rights and ensure quality services are provided. Our policies and procedures must have specific guidelines, for example, they cover confidentiality and privacy, equal opportunities, health and safety, abuse policies, lone working practices, activity planning and reviews and risk assessment and management. I have a responsibility to read the organizations policy and procedures thoroughly and integrate them into my practice. I should query any uncertainties and report any infringements. If I am uneasy about the practice of others within the organization or within any other agency I come into contact with, I must report to my line manager and seek advice. My manager has a responsibility to produce these policies and procedures ensuring they incorporate current legislation. Management ensures that staff and service users have easy access to them. Discussion and reflection of policies and procedures to ensure they are justified and explained to staff is encouraged. I receive continued training, support, and supervision and engage in partnership working with relevant agencies. References. 1. Elizabeth Bingham +. (2009). Social Care: Group Award Graded Unit. In: Heinemann HNC in Social Care. Edinburgh: Heinemann. 147. 2. Elizabeth Bingham +. (2009). Psychological perspectives and Theories on development and needs. In: Heinemann HNC in Social Care. Edinburgh: Heinemann. 86-89. 3. http://dictionary.reverso.net/english-cobuild/prejudice 4. Eliz Bingham + (2009). HNC in Social Care. Edinburgh: Heinemann. 112 5. http://www.learningdisabilities.org.uk/media/news-releases/newsreleases-2005/14-july-2005/?locale=en

Land Destruction Essay -- Environmental Ecology Nature Essays

Land Destruction What is land destruction? Land destruction involves many different things. It can be logging of trees and rain forest. Nuclear waste is one that is very serious that is harmful to the land. As well, pollution, air, water and land all do damage of some kind. Land destruction is something that doesn’t need to be taking lightly. There are many other items such as building and dams that cause damage to the land as well. This is a topic that needs to be addressed and fixed. All of this items listed above are dreadful to the land. Land destruction needs to be stopped and taken care of before it goes to far to stop. Pollution is something that is everywhere. It is a subject that affects the way of life across the world. â€Å"The causes of pollution in the region include agricultural practices, mining, and household and industrial activities that generate waste streams into water, air, and land systems.† (Zurick, 1) Causes of pollution vary from what they are to what they do the land. Chemicals are one type of pollution that does serious harm to the land. â€Å"World sales in chemical products have multiplied nine times since 1970, increasing from 171 billion dollars to 1500 billions in 1998.† (Industrial, 1) This meaning that there are more chemicals out there to do more damage to the land. â€Å"Among the most polluting products are heavy metals - for example, mercury inside batteries, lead in gasoline - and pollutants made from oil (plastic†¦).† (Industrial, 1) There are many cars around the world that need gasoline to run as well as batteries to make the auto mobiles go where they need to go. â€Å"One battery containing mercury thrown into nature pollutes 400 liters of water and one third of land during 50 years.... ... keep down the waste. As well as replanting trees after logging takes place. We need to get land destruction under control before it become to much, and our land becomes overrun with dirt and pollution and it can not be used for anything. The land damage needs to be stopped now, and help keep the world in good shape so the future generations will have land to enjoy! Work Cited â€Å"Industrial Pollution†. Young Reporter for the Environment. http://www.ac-grenoble.fr/yre/article.php3?id_article=212. Joyce, S. Is It Worth a Dam?. Environmental Health Perspectives Volume 105, Number 10, October 1997. â€Å"Land Destruction†. Saving Our Environment. http:// library.thinkquest.org/C0111401/land_pollution.htm Reisner, M. (2000). A Forest of Voices: Conversations in Ecology (2nd Ed.). Coming Undammed. Mountain View, CA: Mayfield Publishing Company.

Adolescence problems Essay

Adolescence describes the teenage years between 13 and 19 and can be considered the transitional stage from childhood to adulthood. However, the physical and psychological changes that occur in adolescence can start earlier, during the preteen or â€Å"tween† years (ages 9-12). Adolescence can be a time of both disorientation and discovery. The transitional period can bring up issues of independence and self-identity. Sometimes adolescents may be experimenting with drugs and alcohol or sexuality. During this time, peer groups and external appearance tend to increase in importance. Home BiologyHuman Population and Health Top Problems of Adolescence Most problems of adolescence are due to failure in understanding the anatomical, morphological and psychological changes expected during adolescence. Psychologically, adolescence is such a vulnerable stage that boys / girls of this age are easily carried away by perceptions generated by Misleading and misguiding parents, teachers, friends, brother/sisters. Ignorance of elders. Half – informed or ill – informed friends, brothers, sisters. Wrongful messages depicted through TV serials, advertisements, films Publications carrying partially or fully false information. Such perceptions can be anything in the range of studies, sex, society, married life, career, religion, politics, or any relevant subject. Every adolescent boy or girl is prone to such exposures – which ultimately are retained as perceptions in their minds to form their behavioural patterns. The problems of adolescence are classified as morphological / developmental psychological social educational Some problems are absolutely unimportant and trivial. They could be easily ignored. But even such problems cause great concern to adolescent people. Psychological Problems 3. Social 4. Educational 5. Social Implications Morphological / Developmental Problems Back to Top over growth of hair or undergrowth of hair over weight and underweight skin colour problems Facial deformities, pimples, etc. Limb deformities Abnormal growth of genitals and breasts. Psychological Problems Back to Top Ignorance about many basic facts leads to psychological problems like Misconceptions about sexual feelings, sex related issues. Misconceptions about child birth, reproduction. Misconceptions about coitus, menstrual cycles. Fear about sex and sexual issues. Guilt feeling about sex related issues. Inferiority / Superiority complex about skin colour, beauty, mental ability and IQ. Inexplicable perceptions about dress and fashion codes. Wrong and unrealistic ideologies about friendship and courtship. Perceptional or communicational or preconceived complications about their teachers and parents. Attraction towards opposite sex. Unrealistic and illogical curiosity about sex and sex related issues. Exceptional vulnerability to suicide psychology. Social Back to Top Anticipated unemployment and insecurity due to unemployment. Unwarranted and inexplicable hatredness towards brother / sisters, friends. Intense closeness with brothers / sisters, friends. Unpredictable and volatile relationships with friends. Unrealistic social perceptions about violence, love, sex as influenced by media. Unusually vulnerable and volatile relations with relatives. Fear / imagination about married life, life partners. Educational Back to Top Tensions of attending the classes, examinations and tests. Low IQ feeling. Fear about failure in examination. Fear about low score. Fear and concern about a future career. Misconceptions about teachers. Due to many problems faced during adolescence, the boys and girls of the age between 8 – 16 form a separate category by themselves. Their problems are specific to themselves. Most of the problems faced by them are perceptional. By timely and effective guidance – many of their problems could be solved. Some of them may need medical / psychiatric attention. In India, the parents influence their behaviour, thoughts and are in position to solve many problems – if they have positive approach. Despite all efforts being made by parents, teachers, large number of adolescents face one or many problems. When the problem is aggravated, the parents may take them to doctors. But most of them face minor problems – modifying their behavioural patterns, personality as a whole. The implications of problems in adolescence can be moral or social. Social Implications Back to Top Future citizen may have a high IQ due to positive thinking and reorientation of their mental resources towards positive personality development. A section of future population may turn into disgruntled, impatient group of people due to grooming of misconceptions about society, love, law, relations, etc. Due to wrong educational policies and ever growing unemployment problems – a section of population may turn hostile against the whole society, which breeds and deepens the antisocial activities and perverted thinking. Many of the wrong perception about sex related problems may lead them to unwanted motherhood, anxiety or illegal termination of pregnancy. Some problems during adolescence are decisive in building the personalities (positive and negative) – who may or may not utilize the opportunities open to them during their later life. When teachers, parents, brothers /sisters or any close person has positive dominant personality to effectively guide the adolescent at right time – they turn out to be very useful section of future population. Imaginary fear, imaginary anxieties and unrealistic expectations as well as host of strong misconceptions may ultimately end up with personalities of negative / perverted thoughts. In extreme disillusions, tension, wrongful personality and maladjustments – a section of population may have to be psychiatric patients. Psychosis of mild nature may remain untreated and unnoticed. Such people will not do anything useful to the society or their families. Adolescent being influenced by mass media like electronic media, print media or computer culture – may be guided or misguided by such exposure. When misguided – they are likely to develop negative perception about many social values. The social implications of adolescent problems are dependent upon social structure. In a country like India – where family ties are strong due to emotional, financial, religious attachments – the gravity of implications are less. But in an individualistic society like US / Europe – where family ties are shallow – the gravity of implications can be far more serious. Finding help for families, teenagers and children can be a challenge. But there is good news. Information and referral systems are available from our schools, medical offices, news magazines, the yellow pages and even the Internet. Many parents are finding help and discovering resources by asking family, friends and their co-workers. In fact, information and referrals based on a personal recommendation is a great way to find help. Unfortunately, finding help for children and families has become more  difficult than finding help for most adults problems. For instance, health insurance has many restrictions that limit who you can see and what services they can provide. Most of the problems that families and children face are not covered and only certain diagnoses will be treated. Public programs across the country lack adequate funding. The schools have programs, but they desperately need more staff and money to meet the demands that currently exist. There are many private counselors who work with children, but there are only a few who work with families and children who have serious behavioral and emotional problems. The consequence when children don’t get the help they need can be tragic. Parents and families give up when they don’t know what to do, when they are discouraged and when they lack adequate information. Finding and getting help means you need to get oriented and understand the problems and potential solutions. Behavior Problems. In order to deal with a problem it will help a great deal if parents can describe the problem in terms that may lead to a solution. Here are the problems that I see parents and their children facing. Many of these will surface in small children or they may not appear until children become teenagers. Social withdrawal and isolation – Refusal to go to school – Demanding and selfish attitude – Disregard for rules, responsibilities and family functioning – Poor study behavior and skills – Unfocused or disruptive behavior in classroom – Grades and school performance dropping – Erratic or emotionally unstable behavior – Poor hygiene and grooming – Behavior is disrespectful or defiant Involved in high risk and reckless activities – Using alcohol or other drugs – Skipping school – Stealing or theft – Destructive, threatening or violent behavior – Self-harming or suicidal behavior Typical Causes. It takes time for problems to become critical, life threatening or intolerable. At some point, one can trace the cause to one or more factors. A pattern of problems will usually occur over time before a problem becomes a crisis. Identifying these factors can help characterize the evolution of a problem or a crisis, the appropriate response and the potential solution that may be necessary. – â€Å"Brittle† or fragile emotional temperament – Social demands exceed current ability – Peer and social pressures – Failure to provide rules, discipline and a bonded relationship with a child – Parental divorce or separation Family conflict and discord – Neglect or abandonment – Traumatic experience – Undiagnosed medical or psychological problem – Untreated parental alcoholism, drug abuse or mental disorder – Alcohol and other drug use What are the Solutions?. The first step is to define the problem and a potential cause. After that, you need to explore potential solutions. There are at least several dozen potential solutions to any problem. That is a lot to consider. Unfortunately, access to many of these resources may depend on the parent’s employment benefits and their income. Many public programs have waiting lists and may exclude children if the problem is not severe enough. Exclusion from public programs does not mean the problem is minor. Many programs are full and can only take children with more severe problems. The following is a partial list of potential solutions. – Self-help – Parenting education and training – Individual counseling and therapy – Group counseling and therapy – Parenting consultation and advice – Family counseling and therapy – Increased parental involvement and supervision – Tutoring – Special education programs – Change schools – Outdoor activities or adventure programs – Move to a new area – Parenting by other family members – Foster care – Health and human service case management – Private school – Day treatment therapy program – Boarding school – Therapeutic boarding school – Residential treatment program – Medication intervention – Psychiatric hospitalization – Police or law enforcement response Diagnosis can be misleading. There are many ways to define problems. One of the least useful and potentially harmful is to rely entirely on a diagnosis. A diagnosis alone can be misleading. Many problems are not solved because the problem was diagnosed, the underlying problems were missed or ignored, and the diagnosis suggested an approach that was inadequate and unfocused. A diagnosis can create a false sense of certainty. Why? Because the diagnostic procedures used in mental health are not much more sophisticated than one used to diagnose a headache or a stomach ache. For instance, there are many forms of headaches and stomach aches. There are many things that can cause a headache – a tumor, tension, injury, eye strain, diet, disease, flu, allergies, a cold or bacterial infections etc.. In mental health, no matter how rigidly we use diagnostic criteria, or how sophisticated the interview process, we are still looking at patterns that have many origins. There can be many sources and causes for a particular problem – especially family problems that involve children. A traumatic experience can result in many different problems. The behaviors associated with attention deficits and hyperactivity can be caused and maintained by many things. As a result, there are many potential outcomes and approaches, and these can vary with each family, their beliefs, values, attitudes, culture, ethnicity and their resources. Parents need more than a diagnosis. It helps to understand a problem in a manner that can tell us how a potential solution may work. It’s not enough to say that a child is depressed and they need to talk to a counselor. A child who is living in an abusive home may be depressed and emotionally withdrawn, but they don’t necessarily need therapy to express their emotions. The family may be the more important focus and the most important part of the solution. Counseling and Therapy. Counseling and therapy is a mixed bag as far as solutions go. There are more than 200 types of counselors and therapists. Trying to find the right one can be overwhelming or end up a waste of time. There is also a great deal of similarity between some counselors and some therapists. Counseling is not therapy. Counseling usually results in a realization, a plan or a decision. A therapist provides an environment of activities that bring about change – almost like exercise. There are no simple words of advice or a formula that will absolutely insure that your family or child will find the right person. Trial and error may be required. But there are four guidelines that have been shown to increase the likelihood of success. Become invested. Educate yourself, gather information and become actively invested in understanding the problem and selecting a counselor or therapist. – Learn how it works. Don’t select a particular counselor or therapist unless you believe they can clearly describe the problem, how their approach to therapy or counseling works, and how that approach will resolve the problem. – The relationship heals. The relationship you and your child have with a counselor or therapist as well as their approach are equally important. Work with people you and your child trust, like and believe is competent. – Get references. Ask for the names of other parents or professionals who can recommend a potential counselor or therapist. There is no better reference than a credible recommendation and past success with similar problems. Medications. The use of medication can present a real solution and a real problem for most parents. Medications can have a powerful effect on the mood and behavior of children. For parents who have tried â€Å"everything else†, medications can make the difference between a life lost and a chance to become a reasonably successful adult. There are certain realities when one decides to use medication. For one thing, psychiatric medications for behavioral and mental health problems will treat the symptoms and not the cause. Medications do not cure psychological, emotional and behavioral problems. Psychiatric medications that are used to treat depression, anxiety, mood swings, attention deficits, hyperactivity and disorganized thinking always affect another part of a child’s body and brain. These â€Å"side-effects† are not clearly understood and the long term impact on growing children is still uncertain. Law suites are surfacing and legislators are proposing legislation to address recognized dangers in the wrongful medication on children. While one should be cautious about the use of medications to treat behavioral problems, there is certainly a place for these drugs. In severe cases, and cases where parents cannot afford therapy and special schools, medications can bring hope to an otherwise hopeless situation. In some cases, children may require medication to simply participate in school, family activities and counseling or therapy. More importantly, a child’s personality and attitude in life will be damaged if that child is left in a depressed, anxious or otherwise dysfunctional state for an extended period of time. Medication can be a â€Å"life boat† and deterrent against psychological and social trauma that come from serious but temporary problems that would otherwise destroy a child’s attitude toward life. But before you start any medication, ask your pharmacist for information on the side effects. The Power of Parenting and Family. Parents and family members can have the most powerful impact of a child’s behavior, attitude and approach to life. Put simply, children are persuaded and impressed by the people they spend the most time with and the people who matter most. That should be the child’s parents and family. Why? Because a therapist can only provide an exceptional environment, relationship and activities for an hour or so a week. Individual counseling and therapy may not be enough for most children – especially if that child is facing social pressure, temptations, painful experiences and inappropriate role models during the remainder of the week. In most cases, individual therapy or counseling without parental or family involvement is not enough. In some cases, therapy and counseling can result in a child developing unrealistic expectation of their parents and family. It is easier to be a therapist than it is to be a parent. This is why family education and involvement in counseling and therapy may be essential. Therapy and counseling should never replace the essential role of parents or a family. It should support those roles. But if parents are unwilling or unable to become involved with their child or in therapy, then therapy can provide the support that some children desperately need. Peers and Social Pressure. At a very early age, many children are profoundly influenced by their peers. It has been repeatedly observed in social science that children learn behaviors and will adopt the attitude of children they are emotionally bonded with. As children begin to bond with other children, they seek approval, advice and even direction for their life. The struggle for independence and separation from parents is a natural process. However, problems will invariably surface, attitudes may become hostile, and values can become lost when parents become less involved with their children. Social pressure is a powerful tendency for children to imitate and adopt the behavior and emotional sensitivity of others. Children begin to think the way they talk with their friends. Children tend to become what they think about.

Laugh, live, Smile.. today.. for who knows there may or may not be a tomorrow

Around some eighteen years ago, a miracle happened and a guy was born, yes u guessed it right, that guy was me. I was born in a town called Kanpur. Kanpur is my maternal place. I have lived most the summer vacations during my childhood over there. Since my father has a transferable job, I got to live in various cities, explore different culture and make tons of friends. I started my schooling from a school called National Convent School, Mirzapur. I did my LKG and UKG over there. Then I along with my mom, shifted to my Aunt’s place in Haridwar. She used to treat me like her own son.She was the one who recognized the hidden talent of singing in me. She sent me for the formal training in vocal music to a music teacher whom I consider my guru. I have always been a lazy lad, to overcome my laziness, she then sent me to the Taekwondo sessions in the evening. She is a lady of values & virtues. Discipline is in her blood. I have learned a lot from her. As she was an extensive travele r, I got to travel & explore the hilly regions of Uttarakhand. After the two amazing years in Haridwar,I along with my mom shifted to Kanpur and we started living with my grandparents.I took admission in DPS Kanpur and my mother was a teacher in another school. An year passed and I got promoted in fifth standard. Now here comes an interesting phase of my life. It was during the starting of the new session,I still remember the sequence. I was sitting forward in the extreme left row and then came a girl whom I had never seen,she came inside the class and went towards my parallel row and sat at the back bench. Now she bacame the first crush of my life,officially! Her name was Samya. †When she was around,I could just feel myself blush, the adrenaline in my blood was such a rush†!As time passed,our relationship changed from just friends into best friends. Even though, I was the most notorious element of the class, my teachers still used to love me a lot. My favourite teacher was Monica ma’am who was also our class-teacher. I still remember an incident when in class sixth,a mate asked our class teacher that â€Å"When all the naughty elements were eliminated ,then why did u still keep Tanay in the section? †Ma’am clearly replied†Because he is my favourite and I love him a lot! † It were the summer vacations of class sixth when came a point that I had to shift to Agra where my Dad was already posted.I was very desperate to move back with my Dad since it had been four long years I had been living away from him. But at the same time leaving the school without meeting anyone unexpectedly was a disheartening moment too. I missed them a long time and I am still in touch with them. Although my span of stay in Agra was short, but I have had a wonderful time there. With my Dad’s transfer came the most amazing city of my life. This time it was Banaras!! Banaras is a place where I turned from a child to a teenager to almost a n adult!My major upbringing happened to be in Varanasi. My mom got me admitted to DPS Varanasi which was the seventh and finally the last school of my life. I spent five most amazing years in my last school. When it comes to academics, I have always been a mediocre, even though I did achieve full marks in Maths, once in class Eighth, second time in class Tenth. My list of friends is quite long to describe. During this six years of my stay in Kashi,it has given me a lot,one of them is Ashu whom I often refer as Mota-Bhai who is not just a friend but a brother in literal.I usually don’t call every second friend of mine as bro,but when I do,mind it,I mean it!! It was the pre-sports day 2008. After I got selected for the long jump,I saw a pretty girl who was already staring at me. The moment I saw her,I was just astonished. Later on I came to know about her easily via different sources as I was quite social among the seniors. So yes,my first love was an year senior to me. The res t part of story is past. All I know is that feeling never came ever and I still respect her as I did once. One always remembers his first love. Its an out of this world feeling.When she was gone,I was heart broken. This incident has taught me that life goes on,no matter who comes,who goes. We make life harder than it to be. The difficulties started when†¦ conversations became texting, feelings became subliminal, the word ‘love’ fell out of context, trust faded as honesty waned, insecurities became a way of living, jealously became a habit, being hurt started to feel natural, and running away from it all became our solution. Stop running! Face these issues, fix the problems, communicate, appreciate, forgive and LOVE the people in your life who deserve it.The best part of my life started after entering into Symbiosis. I always wanted a sister,I asked for one and Symbi gifted me two real sisters from non-biological mothers! One is Honey,my besty who is a careless craz y freak and a party animal like me,a complete replica of my personality but has a delicate heart. Ridzi,d other one,d sweet one is a complete contrast of me and Honey. She treats me like her younger brother. We often dance on ‘‘shinchan shinchan† together,Ridzi being into the character of Himavari. We do not remember days, we remember moments.Too often we try to accomplish something big without realizing that the greatest part of life is made up of the little things. My way is to live authentically and cherish each precious moment of my journey and live life to its fullest core. I wanna fly high and live while I am young. I believe that if I will seek for peace,happiness will automatically follow my way. Because when you finally arrive at your desired destination, u don’t remember the destination,you remember the journey. So for today I ll laugh,I ll live and I ll smile for who knows there may or may not be a tomorrow.