Regardless of which generation you’re from, most people are familiar with social media. It’s morphed over the years, but the idea is the same—be seen and connect with others. Social media can be great. I’ve been able to keep in touch with people from years ago. I love seeing old roommates, friends, coworkers, and family […]
Violence has become all too real in our lives. Mass shootings at public places, schools, suicides—it’s all become terrifyingly common. We ask, “Why do these things keep happening?”. It doesn’t seem to make sense. While we cannot reconcile the horror of these events, the truth is that we can try to make sense of it. […]
Supporting children and teens with mental health concerns can feel like a tremendously daunting task. Nothing is quite like the sense of powerlessness that comes with watching your child struggle and not having a road map for what supporting them should look like. There’s no question that children and teens today are facing new challenges […]
The vast majority of kids and adolescents are on social media. In some ways social media creates an outlet for creativity, connection, and fun. At the same time, social media comes with some downsides, whether it’s in regard to physical safety or mental health. Rates of anxiety and depression have always been higher in the […]
It happened again, the meltdown over homework. But I don’t just mean tears and whining, I mean a fit to end all fits. The screams pierce your ears, things are being thrown, the book is being torn. The snack you offered is now all over your shirt. It’s one thing when a three-year-old has a […]
No, listen, that’s not gibberish. I was recently in Napa and while I was there, not only did I learn how they make sparkling wine using the same method as those in Champagne, France but I also learned about how it’s important to not water grapes. It may not be true for all vineyards, but […]
Co-regulation The say the eyes are the window to the soul, but I’d have to say they’re the mirror. Ever heard of mirror neurons? They’re interesting little guys. I’ve heard there are a few versions of the story of how they discovered these neurons, but basically, they were studying monkeys and their brain activity. During […]
Re-dos Did your mother have a phrase she used when you were a kid that has become engrained in you? The phrase that comes to my mind literally makes my skin crawl. “I don’t know who you think you’re talking to…”. I just shivered. While maybe I wouldn’t go with the same phrasing, I do […]
Playful REDIRECTIONs One of the biggest reasons kids end up in counseling is because of fits. The knock-down, blow-out fit that takes parents, teachers, and caregivers by surprise. Because one minute they’re fine and the next, well…they’re not. They’ve flipped the switch. Nothing’s getting through and everyone is hanging on for dear life. Fits derail […]
Relationships can be so challenging. Obviously—I know. But the reality of that has been hitting close to home recently. One of my very best friends and I have had a really difficult season of friendship. I know so often we talk about romantic relationships and parent/child relationships, but for many of us, our friends become […]