Grief, Loss and Death
The cliché that there is nothing more certain than death and taxes – and taxes can be cheated – is a morbid but true fact of life. We all will face death, and yet despite the inevitability, there is a deeply ingrained psychological fear that makes talking about this morbid topic a taboo. Yet, death […]
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 […]
Social Media and Teenagers
Whether we like it or not, technology is an ever present force in an adolescent’s life. Probably accompanying this technology is involvement in social media. Social media is used for a variety of reasons, from reconnecting with old friends, finding new friends, sharing information, or receiving feedback. For teenagers and young adults in particular, social […]
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 […]
All About Parenting Styles
While the relationship within families, and between parent and child are unique and special to each relationship, researchers have been able to determine distinct and separate parenting styles that have historically fallen into four different categories. Previously, parenting styles could be considered permissive, authoritarian, authoritative, and un-involved/neglectful. The parenting styles were described in terms of […]
What Happens When Kids With Autism Grow Up?
When Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is discussed, a major emphasis on childhood and early intervention is usually a part of this conversation. This is great news, as there is endless support and evidence for the need for early intervention for toddlers and young children with the diagnosis, as early intervention improves prognosis and outcomes. Yet […]
Facts About Autism
Autism prevalence rates are growing. Most recent estimate from the Center for Disease Control is 1 in 68 children impacted by an autism spectrum disorder. Autism is almost 5 times more likely to be found in boys, at a rate of 1 in 42 boys. Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability in the United […]
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 […]
When Should Parents Get Involved With School?
0Being a parent is a constant tight rope balance between support and enabling. The goal is to eventually launch children into the world as productive and independent as they possibly can be – with all of the help and scaffolding they might need along the way. It can be challenging along the way to know […]