The thing that your kids (and teens) need the most right now is you. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or trusted adult relative or friend to a child or teen, you are more valuable and needed than you may realize. The pandemic has caused significant changes in most of our kids’ and teens’ lives. For […]
parenting
Why It’s Important for Kids to Have Self Compassion
Self-compassion is an important concept that we don’t hear a lot about, and one that most of us don’t practice enough. Both kids and adults need self-compassion What is self-compassion? Self-compassion means understanding your emotional state in a non-judgmental way, to be able to turn understanding, acceptance, and love inward. Our outlook and goals are […]
What Parents Should Know About Bullying
Seventy-five percent of bullied kids and teens have not told their parents. In fact, they haven’t told anyone. Most parents think they’ll know when and if their child becomes a victim of bullying. But the truth is, most don’t. Other parents feel their child is not at risk. The child has a good group of […]
The Ways that Media Can Have an Effect on Bullying
It’s in the news, popular TV shows, and social media. Heavy topics such as bullying, suicide, drugs, vaping, and shootings are inundating our media. Sadly, these topics are realities for many people, especially teens. You may wonder if media affects bullying and other teen issues. The answer is absolutely; however, the effects can vary by […]
Why Other Adults In Your Child’s Life Are Important
Sometimes, a parent may feel like they’re doing everything right but despite their best efforts, their child or teen continues to not listen, has behavioral issues or is still struggling with an issue that the parent has been trying to help him or her resolve. I often hear parents say: “I’m doing everything that I’ve […]
Dear Evan Hansen: What it’s about and why parents and teens should watch it together
Dear Evan Hansen is a riveting stage musical, based on the book by Steven Levenson. The musical covers common issues faced by today’s teenagers: social anxiety, depression, suicide, disconnection from social media, deception and trying to “fit in.” It tells the story of Evan Hansen, a 17-year old high school senior who has severe social anxiety and finds […]
How To Reconnect With Your Teen With The “Three E’s”
It seems to happen with a blink of an eye. The daughter who used to beg you to play Barbies with her now wants nothing to do with you. Or, the son who used to come greet you at the door now stays stationed in front of his video game when you get home from […]
How to Help Your Child More Confidently Start The New School Year
The first few weeks of school are an emotionally trying time for nearly all students. A change of routine, new teachers, having different or no friends in class, fear of not fitting in or even being bullied can cause anxiety for many kids and parents. Some short-term nerves and anxiety can be normal. But, anxiety […]
Should Your Teen Watch The Second Season of 13 Reasons Why?
Season two of the Netflix series, 13 Reasons Why has just been released. As a therapist and with much hype for this successful and controversial series centering around a teenager’s tragic suicide, I am often asked for my perspective on if and how this series should be watched by families and teens. Before exploring why […]
When Exclusion and Gossiping Become Painful Bullying
The types of bullying that are characterized by mean social posts, name-calling or brutal beatings may be the ones that most often make news headlines. But, there is another type of bullying that can be just as painful and devastating. This type of bullying is often the one that happens at schools, camps and other […]