We knew there was a storm brewing from the moment my daughter woke up. Crabby isn't the right word. We'll call it "off," just not right. It was a walking on eggshells kind of day. Still, we had errands to run, so we headed out to the mall, hoping things would blow over. And then...it happened. The public meltdown. She began to spiral … [Read more...]
Showing Your Child Support with Silence
Out of the blue, my daughter announced: "Ashlyn and Tyler don't talk to me on the bus." Shocked and caught off guard, I accidentally made a great parenting decision: I didn't say anything. She continued, "I know I'm quiet. Maybe they don't hear me talk, but I feel left out." I glanced her way to let her know I was listening but stayed … [Read more...]
Loving Your Anxious Child
Another day, another fear. Spiders, making a mistake on a math test, wearing the wrong socks. If you live with a child who suffers from anxiety, you know this all too well. Some days it feels exhausting. Some days you feel like yelling, "IT'S NOT A BIG DEAL! GET OVER IT!" Even though you know it's not that easy. You love your child, you … [Read more...]
How to break the cycle of anxiety in your family
You call out to your toddler who is scrambling up the jungle gym, "Be careful, honey! Watch out!" He decides it is too scary to climb and decides to go to the sandbox instead. You check your teen's grades online and realize there is missing work, "Don't you have math homework to do? Colleges look at these grades, you know!" She makes excuses and … [Read more...]
Help Your Child Express their Mixed-Up Feelings
If you've ever been the guest of honor at a surprise party you can relate to mixed-emotions. The flood of feelings can be overwhelming...surprise, joy, excitement, maybe shy because you didn't expect it or even a little upset that your friend didn't tell you. As adults, we understand that mixed-up feelings are part of a surprise party. In … [Read more...]
Helping Kids Manage Anxiety with Art
I'm so excited to have Amy Maricle, a licensed mental health counselor and art therapist, share a simple technique that you can use to help your children manage big feelings such as, anxiety, irritability, fear or frustration. Get out the paint smocks! There are lots of ways that you can use art to help your kids manage anxiety. … [Read more...]
Is Your Child Stressed?
It's hard to imagine a 4-year-old feeling stressed. Why would they experience anything other than pure happiness - playing all day, snacks, nap-time!? Sounds like a great life. But think of all the challenges in your child's daily routine. They are constantly learning - socially, emotionally, physically, and mentally. And with learning … [Read more...]
Anxiety: Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway
Anxiety is a master at making us run away from our fears. It's like the wrong side of a magnet, the closer we get, the more we try to push away. It's no surprise, really. No one wants to feel uncomfortable. We don't want to sweat or panic or forget our lines or fail. It's way easier to hide behind feelings of worry, fear and … [Read more...]
9 Communication Tips to End the Grunts, Groans, and Eye-Rolls from Your Kids
Do you ever feel like talking to your kids is harder than it has to be? You: "How was school?" Your Child: "Fine." You: "So, what did you do?" Your Child: "Nothing." You: "Come on, I know you did something." Your Child (rolling his eyes): "Come on Mom. Leave me alone." Ugh. Round and round you go, and it always ends the same … [Read more...]
7 Questions to Ask Your Kids Instead of “Why?”
You walk into your child's room. Toys are EVERYWHERE. Your son forgot the book he needs for his homework...again. Your daughter refuses to go to her school dance. After you bought the dress. A very normal response to these infuriating situations is to ask: "Why?!?!" "Why did you take out every single toy you own?" "Why did you forget your … [Read more...]