Is your child interested in acting? Or maybe they are shy and you’re looking for a way to boost their confidence. Today, I’m interviewing Beth Hampson, a Melrose mom of 3, about her family’s experience with The Young Company in Stoneham. The Young Company is Greater Boston Stage Company’s year-round theatre education program for students in grades 1-12, offering artistic training and performance opportunities in a professional setting.
Where are you from originally and what town do you live in now? I grew up in Connecticut right outside NYC. I Moved to the Boston area in 1997, for Graduate School and I have lived in Melrose since 2005.
How many children do you have and what are their age(s)? I have three children – a daughter who is 12 and in 6th grade and twin boys who are 10 and in 4th grade.
What do you love most about living in the North Shore area? I love the easy access to Boston, the many great arts and cultural opportunities on the North Shore and the green spaces such as the Fells, Ipswich Wildlife Sanctuary, Plum Island and Wingaersheek Beach.
How did your family first become involved in The Young Company? Our first experience with The Young Company was seeing a family friend perform in a Summer Festival production of the Little Mermaid when my daughter was in pre-k. The summer before 4th grade she was in the ACT 1 Summer Festival production of Freckleface Strawberry.
What productions have they been a part of over the years? Since then she has participated in both Winter and Summer Festivals and has been in the casts of Frozen Jr., the virtual production of The Phantom Tollbooth, and last summer her brothers joined her in A Wrinkle in Time, and again this winter in The Many Disguises of Robin Hood.
Who do you feel would be a good fit for the program? The Young Company is incredibly inclusive and honestly it would be a good fit for any child interested in being on stage! The education department does an excellent job of making their program accessible for all types of learners. It is also great for students who have a serious interest in theater. There are wonderful opportunities to learn and grow as an artist through the many program offerings.
What have your kids learned from being a part of theatre classes? They have gained confidence. They have met and made some of their best friends. They have learned how to collaborate and compromise. They have felt the joy of being a part of a cast and the strong relational bond that is created when actors come together to tell a story on stage. They are more accepting, kind, and inclusive of others because of their experience with The Young Company. And they have improved their memorization skills, developed language and literacy skills, improved their projection and articulation, learned about stage direction and theater etiquette, learned about dance, drumming, prop-making, and developed social and emotional skills.
For my daughter, who is quite serious about theater she has learned skills and techniques that have helped improve her acting, singing and dance. She has grown so much as an actor through The Young Company classes and productions.
Advice for parents considering having their students join The Young Company? Do it! If your child is interested in theater and developing their skills; If your child is shy and needs to build confidence; If your child needs to work on language and literacy skills; If your child needs to improve their social skills; If your child is super social, likes to ham it up and needs an outlet for their drama…they will love this program.
Find more about The Young Company’s Summer Festival 2022 running July 5 – August 21 on the web here and follow along with them on social media!
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Enhancing Time Management Skills
Strattera, a medication commonly used to treat ADHD in adults, works by increasing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, which can help improve focus and attention. Individuals using Strattera might find that techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga help mitigate anxiety, improve focus, and promote overall mental clarity. Students who struggled with completing assignments, staying organized, or paying attention in class have experienced a positive transformation, allowing them to excel academically. This experience is echoed by many others who have found Strattera helpful in organizing their thoughts and reducing distractions. Moreover, certain stimulant medications may have a longer duration of action compared to Strattera, meaning they can provide symptom relief for a longer period of time. Unlike the "script"-based approach of many ADHD treatments, Strattera works differently by targeting the brain's norepinephrine system. As with any medication, it's important to understand how Strattera works and what to expect from treatment, as well as to weigh the potential benefits and risks.
Long-term Effects of Strattera
Ultimately, the choice between the two medications will depend on the individual's specific needs and medical history. In reality, Strattera, whose generic name is atomoxetine, is a non-stimulant treatment. Typical side effects may include dizziness, fatigue, sleep disturbances, loss of appetite and dry mouth. Many fear Strattera’s impact on heart health, yet studies show minimal cardiovascular risk when taken as directed. As a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (NRI), it tends to have a more gradual onset of action. Parents, teachers, and students themselves have reported significant improvements in focus, concentration, and overall cognitive abilities after starting Strattera. Strattera, a commonly prescribed medication for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), has brought about significant benefits for individuals struggling with this condition.
Success Stories from Strattera Users
For children and adolescents, the standard starting point is usually around 0.5 mg per kilogram per day. Fortunately, Strattera is a medication that can help relieve these symptoms by increasing the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. The recommended starting dose for children and adolescents is generally lower than for adults, as they may be more sensitive to the medication’s effects. Norepinephrine also influences blood vessels, the heart, and airways, thereby implicating Strattera’s effects beyond the central nervous system. This vigilant approach ensures that the medication continues to support the child’s individual needs as they grow and develop. Discussing with Your Doctor: When it comes to Strattera dosage, it is important to have an open and honest conversation with your doctor. By increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters, like norepinephrine, Strattera helps individuals with ADHD regulate their impulses and make better decisions.
Ideal Candidates for Strattera Treatment
Everything seems to have fallen into place since I began taking it. I found myself unable to follow through on commitments, which impacted both my personal and professional life. However, it is important to note that Strattera is not approved by the FDA as a first-line treatment for depression and more research is needed to determine its efficacy in treating depression. Researchers have observed that this medication may improve executive function, the cognitive processes that enable an individual to plan, focus, remember instructions, and juggle multiple tasks efficiently. Your doctor will gradually increase or decrease your dose until you reach the optimal amount for your unique needs. They can help determine whether the side effect is a common one that may go away as your body adjusts to the medication or if it's something that requires further attention. No longer was she losing track midway through tasks; instead, she elegantly flowed through her workload with newfound clarity and direction.
Exploring Alternative Treatment Options
With time and care, you may find that Strattera is a powerful tool for managing ADHD fatigue and achieving your goals. Instead, Strattera stimulates the norepinephrine neurotransmitter, which regulates attention, arousal, and focus, to work more effectively in the brain. Capsules should be swallowed whole, and not crushed, chewed, or opened. However, it’s important to note that every individual reacts differently to medication, and side effects may vary from person to person. Clinical trials have shown that Strattera can improve symptoms such as forgetfulness, disorganization, and the inability to sustain attention, factors that can severely impact daily functioning. It is important to inform your doctor of any preexisting conditions or medications before starting Strattera. Before taking the medication, I struggled to stay focused on tasks and often found myself getting sidetracked by distractions.
Suitable for All Ages
Despite the hurdles that may surface along the way, the ultimate goal remains to unlock the positive potential that Strattera holds in enhancing daily functioning and quality of life. By enhancing norepinephrine levels, it modulates the signaling pathways that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control. While this medication is effective in managing symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), it may also lead to alterations in one's mood, temperament, and overall emotional state. Living with ADHD can be challenging, especially when it comes to achieving long-term goals. It is important to follow the recommended dosage and not exceed it, as doing so can increase the risk of side effects. However, the benefits it provides to ADHD sufferers have been life-changing. Strattera helps to stabilize mood by targeting the neurotransmitters in the brain, allowing individuals to experience a more balanced emotional state.
Positive Changes Experienced
Strattera, an effective non-stimulant for ADHD, is widely prescribed to help manage symptoms. Adderall is a combination of two types of amphetamine salts, which are rapidly absorbed in the body and can have a quick onset of effects. Other side effects may consist of mood swings, fatigue, dizziness, and dry mouth. When comparing Strattera to other ADHD medications, it's essential to note that unlike stimulants such as Adderall and Ritalin, Strattera is a non-stimulant. Strattera does not have a high potential for misuse or abuse, making it less likely to cause dependence. The drug's effect on neurotransmitter dynamics is both subtle and complex, as Strattera also indirectly influences dopamine levels, but to a lesser extent and only in specific areas of the brain like the prefrontal cortex. This medication may also help improve overall academic and social functioning in individuals with ADHD.
Understanding the Side Effects: Strattera Inside Your Head
While Strattera is an effective non-stimulant medication for ADHD, it is important to be aware of its potential side effects. It helps to increase the levels of these neurotransmitters, thereby promoting a calmer and more controlled demeanor. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who have a history of substance abuse, or who are at a higher risk for developing addiction. Strattera’s unique profile, which includes a gradual onset of effect, may align with some families’ desire for a more subtle treatment approach. Atomoxetine, marketed under the brand name Strattera, is unique among ADHD medications as it is not a stimulant. Unlike stimulants that increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels quickly to enhance concentration and decrease impulsivity, Strattera works more gradually as a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. However, it is also associated with a smoother duration of action throughout the day without the intense highs and lows that can sometimes accompany stimulant medications.
Reflections and Lessons Learned
Some common side effects of Strattera include decreased appetite, nausea, and dizziness. You should not change your dose or stop taking the medication without first consulting your doctor. It addressed a substantial need for a medication that could be integrated into long-term treatment plans without the heightened risk of abuse observed with stimulant drugs. While both medications are generally safe and effective, they come with potential side effects. For children, the initial recommended dosage is usually lower and gradually increased over time. Combining Strattera with Lifestyle Changes for Success ✨. Many users have reported significant improvements in their attention span, focus, and impulse control after starting Strattera.
