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Staying in control of our emotions and not letting them control us is a challenge. Let’s face it – many adults still haven’t figured it out, yet we expect our kids to! Emotional regulation and self-control are learned behaviors that require teaching, understanding, and practice for little ones. Play therapy addresses this skill in two […]

I came across a sheet of paper in my files a while back that has a chart about children’s behaviors and parent interactions as a result of those behaviors. I actually have no idea where I got it or who might have given it to me, but I found myself reading it and thinking, “Wow, […]

As we approach Valentine’s Day this year, I think it is appropriate to consider the ways that our kids need and want to be shown love. While hugs, support, discipline, kindness, and words are all a part of that expression, it is important to know that every person has a preferred love language, including your […]

Living in Florida, I extensively and comprehensively understand flip flops. I know which ones feel best, which ones are water friendly, and which kind never to buy. Floridians are also accused of wearing them in the middle of winter, because it is what we do. 🙂 However, I was surprised to hear about emotional flip […]

For more than a decade, parents have come into my office and provided assessments, reports, diagnoses, and treatment plans regarding their children. Most often, they still really aren’t sure that they agree or accept everything that has been laid out on the table about their child, but they are coming to me for help. Many […]

It is so interesting to observe the difference between adults and children when it comes to telling the truth. Adults are often quick to hide things, especially if they seem unfavorable or hurtful. Kids, on the other hand, are typically honest to a fault (and sometimes to the embarrassment of their parents!) and speak frankly […]

I have been working with more and more teens at my practice, which is interesting for several reasons. First, there has been a major shift in what parents report as concerns regarding their teens. What was prominent several years ago (moodiness, anger, rebellion) has become self-harming, withdrawal, and suicidal thoughts and attempts. Second, teens are […]

For many students like my son, Christmas break is already over and school is back in session. For others, within the next week school buses will once again be crowding highways and car circles will be full. And with the start of school come the challenges – the temporary pains of a new routine and […]

As kids are in front of screens more and more, researchers, parents, teachers, and therapists are beginning to acknowledge the consequences of that screen time. Data has emerged indicating that children’s brains are actually altered when they are exposed to screens. Not only is this impacting development and functioning, there are implications for behavior, emotions, […]

I have been working with a three year old who has struggled to control his behaviors and emotions for much of his young life. He has had problems at preschool, at home, and in public. Mom and Dad were at their wit’s end with the scathing looks from strangers, embarrassment of not being able to […]