What is Intergenerational Trauma?
Intergenerational trauma is broadly defined as the trauma that gets passed down from a trauma survivor and affects the well-being of subsequent generations. Intergenerational trauma is also referred to as transgenerational trauma or multigenerational trauma. Traumatic experiences can be systemic (e.g., war, genocide, poverty, natural disasters, etc.) and can also occur on a micro-scale (e.g., […]
Pros and Cons of Social Media Usage
Approximately 7 in 10 Americans utilize a social media platform (e.g., TikTok, YouTube, Instagram). People spend approximately 2.5 hours on social media daily. Given the increasing popularity of social media platforms, researchers have turned their attention to the possible consequences of social media. Research indicates that there are benefits to social media use, including opportunities […]
Resilience, and Why It Matters Now
Things are pretty stressful right now – and likely, that is an understatement. Worries about health, the economy, logistics related to school and work, adapting to a brand new work style and environment, and major routine disruptions have rapidly become our new normal, and coping is probably at the very bottom of everyone’s to-do list. […]
Aggression in Children
Children who are aggressive often have parents who are left bewildered and distressed about the repercussions and reputation that their child and family may face. While there may be plenty of reasons why children who experience trauma may demonstrate aggression, other times an aggressive behavior or series of behavior may actually be clues about a […]
What Is Self-Compassion? How Can It Help?
The idea of self-compassion is one that may generate an eye-roll. Coming from a culture that prides itself on bootstraps, resilience, and strength, the term “self-compassion” may feel too soft and fluffy – or may be linked to self-esteem – though the two terms are not synonymous at all. Enter researcher and professor Dr. Kristin […]
Parents Just Don’t Understand: The Teenage Years
To say that the teenage years of raising children can be challenging would be an understatement. Even with all of the technology available to make communication easier, you may be wondering, “Why doesn’t my teenager want to talk to me? Why does my teenager stay in their room or only talk to their friends?” You’ll […]
How To Help Kids Deal With Bullying
Bullying continues to be a major factor in schools and child environments. While policy makers, schools, and parents have increased efforts to prevent bullying and respond quickly, the increase in technology and the ever present power dynamics and hierarchies that exist within social structures means that bullying will continue to be a factor for children’s […]
Raising Girls
In our last post, we discussed the differences that male identified children have as compared to female identified children. We reviewed some of the structural brain changes, as well as some of the societal and cultural norms and expectations that male children cope with, and the need for emotional support and understanding for male children. […]
Raising Boys
On the surface, raising a child with an identified gender of male should be much the same as raising a female identified child We are thankfully moving past strict gender guidelines, and no longer are toys considered “boy toys” or “girl toys” (for the most part). However, there are societal differences and expectations that do […]
How To React When Someone Comes Out
Coming out – the process of revealing your sexual or gender identity to others around you – can be terrifying. Yet in an effort to live authentically, congruently, and freely, it is necessary to divulge certain very personal pieces of information with loved ones. We unfortunately live in a “heteronormative” society, which means that others […]