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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 […]

Over the course of my career, and more specifically in interactions with other moms, I have observed a very unique phenomenon about kids and their verbalization. When kids are not spoken to on a consistent, regular, and purposeful basis, they tend not to speak themselves. So much so in fact, that I have had quite […]

Summer is in full swing and I always look forward to my son being home for three months. I love having all day with him so that we can enjoy a more relaxed schedule. However, we haven’t had the luxury of lounging by the pool and going to the beach with friends. Instead, we have […]

For several years, my best friend lived in Snead’s Ferry, NC. This happens to be really close to Camp LeJeune, and is predominantly a military town. When I visited, I realized how different military life, culture, and practice really is from civilian family life. I was struck by how brave, strong, and resourceful both the […]