Family dynamics can be incredibly complex, shaped by years of shared experiences, emotions, and unspoken rules. As parents, the instinct to protect our children from pain and step in to fix problems is natural. However, sometimes the most loving thing we can do is set boundaries and let go, … Read the rest
Continue readingIf you’ve ever watched a child crumble after getting a 94%, refuse to raise their hand unless they’re 100% sure of the answer, or panic when their drawing doesn’t match what they imagined—it’s not just high standards. You’re witnessing the intersection of perfectionism and anxiety in kids.
What looks like … Read the rest
Continue readingby Katherine Jewett, LMFT
Ever catch yourself in a power struggle with a pint-sized human and think, “Who is this control freak, and why does she look suspiciously like me?” If so, congratulations—you’re officially human! And believe it or not, the culprit behind your mini meltdowns over mismatched socks and … Read the rest
Continue readingChildhood Isn’t Always a Soft Landing
Childhood is often imagined as a season of softness—sticky fingers, scraped knees, and wide-eyed wonder. But what happens when the story is different? When your nervous system learned to brace instead of trust? When connection was paired with confusion or pain?
If you’re nodding … Read the rest
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In our fast-paced society, we often hear about the importance of self-regulation — the ability to manage our own emotions and behaviors. While self-regulation remains crucial, there’s another concept that’s equally vital yet often overlooked: co-regulation. Co-regulation is how we … Read the rest
Continue readingSeparation anxiety disorder causes a person to worry excessively about being separated from someone who’s close to them. For example, someone with this type of anxiety may worry about being separated from a parent or caregiver.
This anxiety disorder most commonly affects children. While it’s normal for infants and toddlers … Read the rest
Continue readingAs a parent or caregiver, it can be difficult to know the right thing to say when kids question what we deem to be adult topics. Broaching topics of sexuality can be awkward for both parties, however, it is a necessary conversation to have.
When it comes to talking about … Read the rest
Continue readingMany parents believe in the same myth: if they do everything right, their children will be happy. But that’s not how childhood works. No matter how much you love your child or how much you give to them in the way of attention and material items, kids are still going … Read the rest
Continue readingParents do their best to shield their children from the harsh realities of the world. But as much of an effort as they put in, parents can’t always protect their children from experiencing the pain of loss. Whether it’s the loss of a beloved pet, a childhood friend, or the … Read the rest
Continue readingDivorce isn’t easy for anyone, but children can take it particularly hard. Many children don’t understand what is happening and many more feel the divorce is somehow their fault.
Here’s how you can help your child cope:
The divorce should be explained in simple and straightforward terms. If … Read the rest
Continue readingWhat makes someone feel they have been born into the wrong body? Gender identity is a prominent topic these days thanks to the transgender movement, yet many people are still uncertain about what causes this issue.
What is it, exactly, that determines whether an individual thinks of themselves as “male” … Read the rest
Continue readingLife hasn’t been the same for any of us for many months now. As we continue to try and adapt our lives to safely deal with this novel coronavirus, it has taken its toll on many, both financially and emotionally.
Kids have been hit particularly hard during this time. At … Read the rest
Continue readingHave you heard the phrase “helicopter parent?” It describes a mother or father that ‘hovers’ around their child 24/7, overseeing their life to keep them from every potential danger, pitfall and mishap. It looks good on paper, but this kind of parenting forgets one important fact of reality: life happens… Read the rest
Continue readingFor many, childhood is the most wondrous and exciting time in a person’s life. But even when a child is growing in a loving and stable family environment, they can feel fear and anxiety.
Think back on your childhood. Everything new was something to be not-so-sure of. It was easy … Read the rest
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