When teenage boys isolate, it is often misinterpreted as independence or defiance. In reality, it’s more of a protective response to the stress they are feeling inside. They don’t withdraw because they don’t care, rather because they don’t feel safe expressing what they are experiencing. Let’s look at what isolation really means and how...
The Hidden Self-Criticism Teenage Girls Carry
Teenage girls can quietly carry a persistent self-criticism that others can’t see from the outside. They may appear to have it all together, but internally they question their worth, don’t acknowledge their strengths, and assume they are falling short. Because this struggle is mostly internal, it is usually missed or misunderstood. So let’s talk...
When Everyone Else Seems to Get Pregnant Easily: Managing Comparison, Fear, and the Unknown
If you are struggling with infertility or pregnancy related challenges, watching others get pregnant quickly can be a tough terrain to navigate. There is no right or wrong way to feel, but sometimes negative feelings can take over and that’s normal. Let’s talk about why this happens. The emotional impact of others’ pregnancy announcements...
When Big Feelings Show Up as Anxiety or Anger: Understanding Emotional Overload in Tweens
As a parent, you might notice a lot more irritability, defiance, or meltdowns with your tween, which can be really disruptive. In dealing with that disruption, and everything that triggers for everyone else in your house, it’s hard to remember that those mood swings and that attitude might actually be masking anxiety, depression, or...
When Confidence Starts to Dip: How to Help Your Child Navigate Self-Esteem Changes in Late Elementary and Middle School
If you notice your child suddenly self-conscious, saying “I’m not good at anything,” and comparing themselves to their friends, this might seem out of character and concerning. You should know this is not a failure in parenting, it’s actually a common developmental stage. That doesn’t mean it’s easy to watch, but there are things...
Perfectionism + IVF; Are you falling into the trap?
If you’re on a fertility journey and you’ve embarked on IVF, chances for perfectionism to show up are abundant. If you’re doing IVF, you know that your mental health and your stress levels are important. AND, you also have likely read so many social media posts, books, threads in support groups or on...
A Therapist’s Advice for Kids Sleepovers
Summer is in full swing and sleepovers can become a big topic for families. So let’s talk about some things to consider before sending your kid on a sleepover, what to consider if you don’t, or they have challenges around sleepovers. Sleepovers can be beneficial for kids and we know they can bring up...
3 Signs your Child Needs Attention Instead of Discipline
As a parent, you are constantly having to make decisions about what is best for your child and what they need. When it comes to certain behaviors and situations, the decision may not always be cut and dry, and your first thought about what they need may not be the right one. If they...
Tap outs or Therapy for Kids, what’s more helpful?
If your child is having consistent emotional, behavioral, or social challenges that interfere with their daily life, well-being, or development then it may be time to look into getting some professional help for them. As a concerned parent you will want to do some research to see what is best for your child. So...
3 Reasons Why Summer is an Ideal Time for Kids to be in Therapy
I know it seems counter intuitive, but summer is actually the ideal time for your kids to start therapy. When you or your kids are experiencing the stress of school, you might feel the urgency to find a therapist to help with that stress. And that’s totally valid. When the need is high, your...
