When your child has learning differences, informal meetings at school can be a good opportunity to discuss educational services for your child. Here are some essential tips on how to successfully negotiate in such meetings: Remember – everyone genuinely wants to support the child. The vast majority of teachers and other school personnel truly love … Read more
There is an ever-growing body of research suggesting that mindfulness can help children improve their ability to pay attention, calm down when they are experiencing strong emotions, and think more clearly to make better decisions. In essence, mindfulness helps with emotional regulation and cognitive focus. Who doesn’t want that for their kids? Children often react … Read more
This time of year, thousands of parents are hitting their local big box stores and checking off their college-bound offsprings’ shopping lists: extra-loud alarm clock (check), shower caddy (check), comfy new sheets and pillows (check), bulletin board (check). In the frenzy of logistics – and strong emotions – that often accompanies leaving home for college, … Read more
Working with parents, I frequently hear myself saying, “You have to love the child you have – not the child you imagined you would have.” And as a parent, I frequently tell myself the same thing. Everyone who has children, is expecting a child, or is even contemplating having a child fantasizes about what his … Read more
Adolescence is a time of change, changes in one’s body, in one’s mood, and in one’s relationships. Helping teenagers form and maintain healthy relationships, especially with peers, is critically important because research has shown that teens who do not have good peer relationships tend to do worse in school and are at risk for behavior … Read more
For many living in the fast paced and sometimes even competitive Northern Virginia area, can often feel like no matter how hard you work that it is never enough. This ranges from the teenager who studies hours for their final quarter exam with the hope of earning an “A,” to the mother who balances her … Read more
1. What are psychological assessments? Psychological assessments are specialized evaluations, conducted with your child by a licensed clinical psychologist. They include interviews with parents, with the child in question, as well as with other adults involved in the child’s life (e.g. teachers, other professionals). Such interviews often also incorporate questionnaires that ask specific questions about … Read more
Even when two adults have the best of intentions, communication can be strained and emotions can run high when they are ending their relationship as spouses. A normal and natural part of divorce is the experiencing of distressing feelings, such as unhappiness, anger, guilt, frustration, and anxiety. If the marriage includes children, these youngsters are … Read more
Here are 10 simple resolutions to consider with regard to your parenting as you enter 2015, in the hopes of raising happy, healthy children: 1. Be present. It’s easier than ever to get sucked into our devices and to let them distract us from human connection. If we want to parent kids who have a … Read more
Families often come to our clinic feeling that they are not communicating well. Everyone is unhappy at the level and frequency of conflict that is present, and no one feels that they are getting their own needs met. Here are 3 steps you can follow the next time that there is a conflict brewing in … Read more
