Throughout the last few months, we heard from parents in our Scouting family who are navigating the challenges of parenting through the COVID-19 crisis. We posed these questions to independent experts on matters related to youth development to help provide some answers to our community.
Importantly, these answers are designed to provide information and should not be used to diagnose health conditions. Please reach out to a professional health provider for support in addressing concerns you may have.
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A Message From April McMillan BSA's National Director of Program
Too Much Time at Home With Kids?
Jennifer Daer Shields, PhD. – Child Psychologist at the Center for Childhood Abuse and Neglect
Dr. Shields is a Clinical Psychologist and Assistant Professor at the Center on Child Abuse and Neglect at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City, OK. Throughout her time at OUHSC, Dr. Shields has been a part of numerous federally funded studies evaluating child abuse and neglect prevention programs.
Keeping It Together in Front of My Family?
Lori Poland, MA, LPC, RRT, Executive Director – The National Foundation to End Childhood Abuse and Neglect
Lori is a childhood survivor of a high-profile child abuse case and has since devoted her life and career to ending child abuse and neglect, and to healing its cycles and ripple effects. She has spent her career working in mental health and the nonprofit sector as a therapist for children and families.
Disappointment From Cancelled Special Events
Dr. Scott Krugman, MD – Vice Chair Department of Pediatrics Sinai Hospital of Baltimore
Dr. Scott Krugman is a pediatrician in Baltimore, MD and is affiliated with Sinai Hospital of Baltimore. He received his medical degree from Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth and has been in practice 22 years. He specializes in child abuse pediatrics and is experienced in pediatrics, child abuse, hospital pediatrics, and caring for complex children.
Assessing Mine and My Family's Mental Health
Debbie F. Plotnick, MSS, MLSP – Vice President of Mental Health and Systems Advocacy , Mental Health America
Debbie earned a degree from Bryn Mawr College in Political Science. And she holds dual master’s degrees in Social Service (MSS) and Law and Social Policy (MLSP) from the Bryn Mawr Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research. She provides technical assistance to policy makers, government officials and is frequently called up to speak to the press and the general public about what is needed to create a community-based continuum of mental health care, and to challenge entrenched mindsets and misinformation.
Keeping Our Senior Family Members in Mind
Dr. Richard Krugman MD, Distinguished Professor University of Colorado, Pediatrics-Child Abuse and Neglect/Kempe, Dean-University of Colorado School of Medicine – Founder of the National Foundation to End Childhood Abuse and Neglect
Dr. Richard Krugman is one of the preeminent experts and scholars in the field of child abuse and neglect in this country and a protégé of Dr. Kempe himself. Krugman headed the U.S. Advisory Board on Child Abuse and Neglect from 1988-1991. Throughout his career he has authored over 100 original papers, chapters, editorials, and six books.
Feelings of Loneliness or Anxiety
Dr. Christine Moutier, MD – Chief Medical Officer, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Dr. Moutier She has testified before the U.S. Congress and provided multiple Congressional briefings on suicide prevention, presented to the White House and has spoken at the National Academy of Sciences. Throughout her career she has focused on training healthcare leaders, physicians, and patient groups in order to change the healthcare system’s approach to mental health, fighting stigma and optimizing care for those suffering from mental health conditions.
Signs of Abusive Sibling Relationships
Jennifer Daer Shields, PhD – Child Psychologist at the Center for Childhood Abuse and Neglect
Dr. Shields is a Clinical Psychologist and Assistant Professor at the Center on Child Abuse and Neglect at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City, OK. Throughout her time at OUHSC, Dr. Shields has been a part of numerous federally funded studies evaluating child abuse and neglect prevention programs.
Conflict With Going out in Public
Jennifer Daer Shields, PhD – Child Psychologist at the Center for Childhood Abuse and Neglect
Dr. Shields is a Clinical Psychologist and Assistant Professor at the Center on Child Abuse and Neglect at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City, OK. Throughout her time at OUHSC, Dr. Shields has been a part of numerous federally funded studies evaluating child abuse and neglect prevention programs.
We hope these insights provided you with helpful information as you navigate the challenges of parenting during this time.
Importantly, these answers are designed to provide information and should not be used to diagnose health conditions. Please reach out to a professional health provider for support in addressing concerns you may have.
