Anger is a normal and healthy emotion, especially if managed constructively. Anger, however, is complicated and can be confusing, especially for children. Most of the time people think of anger behaviorally and equate it with violence, aggression, hurt, etc. rather than thinking of it as a feeling. While people have behavioral responses to anger it … Read more
Many clients call our practice for psychological testing services, often at the recommendation of someone else, such as a school counselor or physician. Most of the time, a client knows that they need answers about what is going on academically, behaviorally, socially, and/or emotionally, but they’re not clear what “psychological assessment” is or how the … Read more
The cell phone commercial that utilizes the words, “Can you hear me? Can you hear me now?” may resonate with parents in addition to cell phone users. How many of us parents wonder if, in fact, our children hear us when we make a request or give a directive because there is no response on … Read more
Lately, I’ve heard many parents express concern regarding their child’s choices in clothing and accessories, while their child complains that parents simply don’t understand and are being too controlling. While I certainly advocate for kids and teens to have freedom with respect to their choice of attire, I also understand that the concern many parents … Read more
I have a good rule of thumb that keeps positive energy in balance in the world of parenting. It’s as much a challenge in the world of parenting as learning the rules of grammar once was, but also just as rewarding. The I before E rule is simple: Inquire before Evaluating. In other words, take … Read more
Childhood anxiety is all too common in today’s world. Parents often ask me for concrete, practical ideas to help school-age children deal with worries. One of the tools I sometimes use in therapy with children is to create a “Worry-Eater.” To try it at home, tell your child that you have a great idea that … Read more
“They are trying to grow up too fast!” is a complaint that we often hear from parents about their young teenagers. Parents often end up in our offices because their efforts to make and enforce rules with their teens have backfired, and everyone is unhappy. While parents are generally just trying to keep their adolescents … Read more
Find it hard to say no? You’re not alone. At one time or another, we all fall victim to our own ill-defined limits. Whether it is something small, such as lending something that is not returned right away, or something more serious, such as inappropriate remarks from a peer, asserting boundaries can be tricky. That … Read more
An increasingly common topic that I am asked about by parents and school counselors is self-harming behavior among teens. This issue puzzles counselors and frightens parents. It has been estimated that as many as one in five teens have tried self-harming. There isn’t a week that goes by that self-harm does not come up in … Read more
We live in an ever-changing world. As soon as we buy a new computer or cellular phone, there is an update. Our environment, our economy, our health, our family situations are frequently in flux. Our children start new schools, get new teachers and coaches, join new social groups, and must navigate new demands from all … Read more
