Tonya McMurray
I have 20+ years writing and editing experience, and currently do freelance writing along with work as a child and family therapist for a mental health center. I live with my husband, two children, and two slightly neurotic dogs in rural New Hampshire.
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- 13,337
- Content
- 68
- Fans
- 12
- Contributor since
- 5/24/2008
Education/Experience
B.S. and Master degrees in Journalism from the University of North Texas and a Master s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Plymouth State CollegeInterests
psychology, parenting, children, communications, reading, writing, politics/current eventsAffiliations
Mommy Musings
Fans
Displaying Results 1 - 68 (of 68) for All Content
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Promoting Good Mental Health in Young ChildrenThe foundation for mental health begins at birth. The skills that children learn in their first few years are critical to developing an ability to manage difficult situations, which helps eliminate or minimize mental health problems. -
We Need a Few Moms to Solve the Debt DebateMoms know how to deal with whiny, defiant and obstinate children. Let's send the mothers of our representatives and senators to Washington so that Congress can learn how to work together.
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10 Tips for Keeping Tweens and Teens Busy During the SummerFinding good summer activities for teens and tweens can be especially challenging. They still need structure, but are too old for daycare. These ten ideas will help keep your tween or teen active and busy throughout the summer. -
JJ Returns to 'Criminal Minds' to Help Prentiss and BAU TeamActress A.J. Cook returns to her role of Agent Jennifer "JJ" Jareau to help the team tackle Prentiss' Interpol nemesis who is threatening her and the BAU team.
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How to Stop Swearing in Front of Your ChildIf you swear in front of your young child, you'll no doubt hear those words repeated '" often at the most embarrassing times. Here are tips to help you manage your language when your child is around.
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A Behind the Scenes Look at 'The Good Wife': An Inside Look at the Creative ProcessEver wonder how "The Good Wife" writing team comes up with plots each week? Here's an overview of the writing process, based on the writers' blog and interviews with the series creators (who are also on the writing team).
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Arizona Shootings Provide Reminder that We All Need to Practice More Civil DiscourseAn essay exploring how all of us should think more about how we treat those with whom we disagree.
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New Faces for CBS' "Criminal Minds" FBI DramaSpring season of FBI crime drama brings potential love interest for Prentiss and a possible new female cast member.
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Six New Year's Resolutions to Make You a Better ParentA collection of resolutions to improve your relationship with your child in the coming year.
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Role Models Gone BadWhen your child's favorite celebrity engages in bad behavior, it can open the door for a good heart-to-heart talk. Learn tips for talking to your child about bad celebrity behavior.
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Time Out for MomTips and strategies for managing your frustration level when your children are pushing all your buttons.
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A Guide to Resources for Asperger SyndromeAn overview of resources for parents, siblings and those diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome
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Four New Years Resolutions for Better Mental HealthA collection of resolutions to improve your mental and emotional health in the coming year.
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Nearly 1 Million US Children Misdiagnosed with ADHDTwo studies indicate that children who are the youngest in their class are significantly more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD and more likely to be treated with stimulant medications.
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Study Highlights Genetic Components of ADHDAn overview of a study showing genetic abnormalities may be the cause of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The study indicates ADHD may better be classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder (such as autism) rather than a behavioral disorder.
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The Santa TalkTips and strategies for managing the inevitable "is Santa real?" question.
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Simplifying ChristmasStrategies to help your family simplify your Christmas celebration with less focus on material gifts and more attention to family rituals and experiences.
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Understanding the Different Types of PsychotherapistsA quick primer to help you understand the difference between the different types of psychotherapists available. -
Five Ways Parenting Changes Your LifeA somewhat humorous look at the ways your life changes once you become a parent.
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Children's Books that Mom Will Like, TooA round-up of ten children's books that are fun to read aloud.
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Hope for Alzheimer's PatientsA technique used for Parkinson's and other neurodegenerative diseases shows promise for Alzheimer's. A new study looks at the potential of deep brain stimulation for improving memory in Alzheimer's patients.
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Off to School: Getting Your Kindergartener Off to a Good StartTips to prepare your child for the start of Kindergarten. Learn ways to ensure a smooth transition during the first few weeks of school.
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Keep Your Child Learning All SummerFind creative ways to challenge your child and keep them learning all summer.
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Diaper Need: Poor Mothers Often Struggle to Buy Diapers for Their ChildrenNew study identifies difficulty poor mothers have in meeting a basic need for their children. One group is looking to provide assistance to those families experiencing "diaper need."
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Planning a NH Staycation that Will Entertain the Whole FamilyTips for making your staycation a success and for finding activities within New Hampshire and surrounding states.
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Finding a Therapist Who's Right for YouTips for choosing and interviewing a therapist along with explanations for the types of mental health professionals who provide psychotherapy services.
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A Guide to the Best Kids' CookbooksA round-up of some of the best cookbooks designed for kids of all ages.
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Five Strategies to Stop WhiningArmed with a few simple strategies, you can teach your children that whining doesn't work and help them develop better (and more tolerable) communication strategies.
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Summer Camps in the Upper Connecticut Valley of New Hampshire and VermontProvides an overview of day, overnight and sports camps in the Upper Valley region of New Hampshire and Vermont.
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Best Adoption Books for Parents and KidsAn overview of children's adoption storybooks as well as highlights of some of the best books for preparing parents for adoption.
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Managing ADHD with Simple Behavior StrategiesHaving a child with ADHD can be exhausting and frustrating. Having a few strategies will help you feel in charge and create a nurturing environment for your child.Also published on:
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April is Alcohol Awareness MonthAlcohol abuse has significant consequences for all affected. Alcohol Awareness Month is designed to draw attention to the problems of alcohol abuse and encourage more responsible use of alcohol.
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Fighting Fair: Managing Conflict in RelationshipsAll relationships have conflict - how you manage it is often one of the key differences between maintaining or ending a relationship.
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A Simple Solution to Health Care Woes?A collaboration between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Kaiser Permanente's Health Appraisal Clinic in San Diego found links between child maltreatment and serious health problems, including obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes.
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Relaxation Exercises for Busy DaysA few simple and quick relaxation techniques can help you distress on even the busiest of days.
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Nine Traits of Happy FamiliesHappy families share some common traits. Learn the secrets that happy families share.
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Helping Your Child Get Through Your DivorceDivorce is difficult, and emotions often run high. With a little thought and planning, parents can choose strategies that help their children make the best of a difficult situation.
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Responding to Your Children's Questions About the Easter BunnyWhen you get the inevitable question "Is the Easter Bunny real?," how will you respond. This article provides some tips and advice for addressing this rite of passage for your children.
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Celebrate Spring with Affordable Family ActivitiesFind 14 low- or no-cost ways to welcome spring with your children. -
Five Activities to Keep Kids Busy During Holiday TravelTravel with kids can be exhausting and challenging. These travel games and activities will keep your child entertained during your holiday travel.
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In GratitudeA Thanksgiving poem celebrating the wonder of children.
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Five Ways to Manage Your Fitness Goals During the HolidaysThe holiday season can be a difficult time to manage your fitness routine. Explore five ways you can better manage your fitness goals.
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Holiday Cookie CakeMake a simple, festive cake for your holiday celebration.
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Nine Great Stocking Stuffers for KidsFind new ideas for filling your child's Christmas stocking with fun, practical and affordable gifts. No matter how old you child, a little creativity will give you new ways to stuff the stockings in your home with sure-to-please items.
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How to Stop Junk Mail from Being Delivered to Your HomeYou don't have to put up with junk mail. A little time and a few simple steps can get you off marketers' mailing lists -- and keep you from being added in the first place.
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Five Things to Avoid when Talking with Children About DivorceBecause parents are hurting and are often angry with one another, it's easy to slip into behaviors that increase children's confusion, fear, and sadnes. Avoid these topics when dealing with your children during and after a divorce.
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Eight Tips for Getting Along with Your StepchildrenStepchildren can be challenging, but with time, patience, and realistic expectations, you can develop a friendly, even loving, relationship with your stepchildren.
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Saying GoodbyeA surprising letter triggers memories of a past relationship.
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How to Build Healthy Brown Bag Lunches for Your KidsWith a little creativity, you can create brown bag lunches that will make your kids eager to eat a healthy lunch.
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Swim Lessons in the Upper Valley of New Hampshire and VermontParents have several options for children's swim lessons in the Upper Connecticut Valley of New Hampshire and Vermont.
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Best Mexican Restaurants in Lebanon, NHA quick look at Mexican food restaurants in the Upper Valley of NH and VT.
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Makeup Tips for a Tight BudgetLearn how to slash your beauty budget while still looking great and pampering yourself.
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The Child You're Supposed to Have: An Adoption StoryOne couple's adoption journey.
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The First Family VacationThe first family vacation with a toddler and preschooler in tow turns out to be exhausting and educational.
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A Compliant Temper Tantrum?A toddler's struggle between agreeable compliance and toddler opposition.
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A Letter to President ObamaA letter to President Obama as he takes office.
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From Barbies to BaywatchGirls and women receive many messages from the media and popular culture that lead to negative body image, which feeds low self esteem and eating disorders.
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Top Ten New Year's Resolutions for MomsA mom offers 2009 New Year's resolutions to help us become the type of moms we'd all like to be.
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Preschool PoliticsA mother ponders her young daughter's interest in the presidential race.
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Eight Tips for Talking to Your Teen About Safe SexTips for talking about safe sex and still communicating your values -
A Thanksgiving Guide for Blended FamiliesTips for easing the stress of combining yours, mine and ours at the Thanksgiving table. -
Understanding Focalin Side EffectsProvides an overview of Focalin side effects. -
Understanding Your Ayurvedic TypeAn overview of Ayurvedic Body Types.
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Modern Magic?A mom ponders how to teach values amidst the myriad of media messages that children receive.
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Sharks Tails and Other Wonders of ChildhoodChildren often remind us of the wonders all around us -- even on rainy days. -
Staying Sane in a Crazy WorldStress is a normal response to dangerous or risky situations. But our bodies aren't good at distinguishing between real and imagined dangers, so many of us live in a state of constant stress. Effective stress management can improve both your physical and mental health.
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Never Miss An Online Sale with ShopItToMe.ComShopItToMe.com searches for you so you never miss an online sale of your favorite clothing. And, unlike those times you click on a sale page only to find your size no longer in stock, the online personal shopper sends information based only on your preferences.
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Father's Day Gifts for the Ultimate GeekIf your dad is the ultimate geek, he's probably got all sorts of technical gadgets. This year, surprise him with a high-tech father's day gift that puts a new twist on geeky gadgets.