Healthy boundaries in relationships are clear limits that help you communicate your needs, protect your emotional and physical well-being, and maintain mutual respect. Effective boundary setting means identifying what is important to you, expressing those limits clearly, and taking consistent action when those limits are not respected. While you often hear people talk about the … Read more
When a child experiences emotional dysregulation at home, parents often feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and unsure of what to do next. Big emotions can quickly turn into yelling, shutdowns, aggression, or complete emotional overload for both the child and the parents trying to help. In these moments, many parents instinctively try to reason, correct, or discipline. … Read more
All students struggle from time to time, but if your child is working hard and still falling behind or if school is becoming a source of frequent frustration, it may be a sign of something deeper. Your child may process information differently, or there may be an underlying learning or attention issue. Here are some … Read more
Those of us in Northern Virginia have a recent memory of a tornado watch. Schools let out early because of a worrisome forecast of strong storms, high winds, and the possibility of tornadoes. Not too much seemed to come of it, thankfully, but it was likely the first of a series of tornado watches for … Read more
Many busy adults find themselves in a stage of life called the “sandwich generation”. This term refers to a period of time in which parents are simultaneously caring for their children and their aging parents. They are “sandwiched” between two generations who need time, money, and emotional support. For example, a parent might spend the … Read more
Instead of drifting peacefully to sleep each night, do you or your child find that bedtime announces a daily battle with unwanted thoughts and worries? You won’t be able to remember everything for the test. Your friend was mad at you at lunch. You are so worried about a person you love, you don’t know … Read more
The holiday season brings a mix of joy, connection, and hopeful anticipation for many people, but the holidays also can bring packed schedules, family pressures, disrupted routines, financial stress, loneliness, and memories that stir up emotions. It’s very common to feel pulled in many directions at once, and just as common to notice that your … Read more
As we approach this season of thankfulness, I have been thinking a lot about how we can teach our children the skill of gratitude. As a therapist, I often work with parents and children on managing big feelings like anxiety, anger, and frustration. However, one of the most powerful and proactive tools for building childhood … Read more
The world recently learned of the death of Jane Goodall, who has long been an inspiration to me personally and to millions around the world. She was a seemingly tireless scientist, conservationist, and activist, passing away at age 91 while traveling on a speaking tour. Dr. Goodall’s last book, published in 2022 (when she was … Read more
As the seasons change and the leaves begin to fall, I was thinking about what it means to “turn over a new leaf.” Making positive behavioral change is often very difficult, and making lasting change is even more so. What does it take to start and commit to a new habit? Start Small. Starting small … Read more
