It can be difficult to find positive messages and role models for kids today. They’re bombarded by social media and celebrities, so it is refreshing to find someone in their peer group creating catchy music and videos that also send a message of inclusion, acceptance, and self-confidence. Check out the … Read More
How Can I Help My Kids Develop Social Skills?
Parents often ask me questions about their kids’ development such as; is my kid talking appropriately for their age and are they mastering life skills as they need to be. However, one area many parents skip right over is their kids’ social development. Social skills, like sharing toys or having … Read More
Emotion-Coaching Parents: Part 3
In The Science of Trust (2011), Dr. John Gottman identified two different types of parents: “emotion-coaching” parents and “emotion-dismissing” parents. Read Part 1 for the hallmarks of emotion-coaching versus emotion-dismissing parents. So, you want your children to have the best shot at emotional intelligence and emotional resilience. You want them … Read More
Pledge to Spread the Word to End the Word
The words we use can be incredibly powerful! Words can make somebody smile. They can change the way someone understands a situation. They can also, unfortunately, be really hurtful. You can pledge to end the use of hurtful words. One of the organizations I’m most proud to support is R-Word, … Read More
How to Talk With Your Kids After an Attack
A therapist friend recently shared this resource with me, created specifically to help parents talk to their kids and help them process in the aftermath of the June 2016 attack in Orlando at Pulse nightclub. Just over a year ago, our country was reeling from the aftermath of this attack; … Read More
X-Plan: The Power of Preemptive Conversation
This blog post about the X-plan has been making the rounds on social media recently. My wife heard about it on the radio. Apparently, they talked about it on The Today Show as well. Parents have had several different responses. Like any good tool, one size does not fit all. … Read More
Marriage Relationships and Their Healthy Characteristics: Part 2
In Part 1, we reviewed characteristics of a healthy marriage. Unfortunately, when these elements break down, the friendship erodes and the relationship can become very negative. The information that I am sharing with you is based on the work that Dr. John Gottman discussed in his book, “The Science of Trust.” … Read More
Leaking is a Toxic Behavior Parents should Avoid: Part 2
As I stated in part 1 of this blog, leaking can have a negative impact on your children’s mental and emotional health. As parents experience the pain, anger, confusion and grief that typically accompany a divorce, children are also experiencing many of those same emotions. Divorce can increase a child’s … Read More
Your Child & A Scar – How to Help Address Differences in Appearance
Recently, I had a mom contact me with a specific scenario in which she needed help for her daughter. Her elementary aged child had recently had surgery and was refusing to go out in public due to her new, very visible, scar. The young girl was worried how people would … Read More
Divorce: Dad or Mom left…now what?
Navigating divorce is difficult. There are many causes for divorce. A few of these are: Affairs Grown apart/fallen out of love Addiction Incompatible Divorce becomes even more complex when there are children involved. Many times, parents become bitter and angry towards each other and it is hard to treat each … Read More
