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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Why Your Teen’s Self-Esteem is Important Good self-esteem can help tweens and teens try new things, be more likely to help and encourage others, take healthy risks and solve problems. It provides a strong foundation for making good decisions, and not being held back by fear or giving into peer pressure. Strong self-confidence can also […]
To say that recent technology has changed the way that many tweens and teens socialize, may be an understatement. For many, social media is a way of life. It’s how they share and communicate with their friends. Although social media may be the norm, parental boundaries and open communication are essential to help your child […]
As kids get older, their friendships may change. It’s not uncommon for parents to hear their kids say, “we’re no longer friends” or to start talking more about new friends. Kids, especially those between the ages of 11 and 14, are the most likely to experience a shift in friendships. Normally, the coming and going […]
As quickly as the holidays come and go, so do school winter breaks. And, like the way many adults feel about going back to work after time off or a vacation, many kids also don’t look forward to returning to school. This is normal. But, some kids also experience anxiety over the thought of leaving […]
The month of December is a hectic time for many families. Lack of patience and sleep is often the result of overloaded schedules that are full of holiday parties, shopping, baking, traveling, and more. Add busy work and school schedules to that and you can have one stressed out family. But, despite the craziness, this […]
Nearly every day, we see news headlines with the word or a variation of the word, “bullying.” Most commonly, these reports involve students between the ages of 10 and 17; however, there are many accounts that also feature political figures, workplaces and even professional sport teams. The fact is, bullying can happen anywhere and can […]
When bullying occurs, there is a bully and a victim, but there are usually other people who are standing by – witnessing, participating, or standing up against what is happening. These bystanders, depending on how they behave, will either negatively or positively affect how the bully reacts. The bystander will either join with the bully […]
