One of the biggest complaints I hear from couples is that the communication in their relationship is in dire need of fixing. I am often told from my couples that it seems as if their partner no longer “gets them” and they feel as if...
Graduating from middle school and entering high school can bring about a mix of emotions. For some, this new chapter brings excitement, a sense of adventure, and ample opportunities. For others, the start of high school provokes anxiety, can seem overwhelming, and feel a bit...
Can you believe it’s already Thanksgiving? Are the kids ready for a few days off? This is the time of the year where families come together to celebrate one another and give thanks for what we have. You might be wondering how to get your...
Halloween: Help Your Child Include OthersI am the founder of North Shore Family Services and began working with kids, teens, parents, and families in 1994. In my early years of my career as a licensed clinical social worker, I worked in foster care with teenage boys and as a case...
Are your kids scared of fireworks? While the beautiful explosion of colors in the sky are wonders for all to see, kids are often very scared of fireworks because of the loud boom that accompanies them. Have no fear- Here are 6 tips to help with...
The founder of North Shore Family Services, Dori J. Mages, MSW, LCSW was interviewed by Jackie Pilossoph of the Chicago Tribune about "13 Reasons Why", a popular Netflix series among pre-teens, teens, and parents where a 17-year-old high school student, Hannah Baker, dies by suicide...
5 Tips for a Successful Prom by Elyse Dombrowski It's in the details. Prom is a time for celebration and excitement. For your teen, that means finding a dress or a tux, a date, and getting ready for the big dance, however, those things do not just come together on...
February is the month of LOVE, highlighted by a culture-bound (and Hallmark-enhanced) national “holiday” that can mean different things to different people, depending on the state of relations at that moment in time. Valentine’s Day spells out, in no uncertain terms, the absence or presence...