The Power of Play Time
Many children are involved in increasingly rigorous academic programs. Parents who want their children to have a better life often focus intensely on academics and neglect play. Neglecting to prioritize play can have the opposite effect that parents want...
“Will My Child Grow Out of It?” The Crucial Role of Early Intervention for Young Children with Behavior Issues
As parents, we often find ourselves wondering whether our child’s challenging behavior is just a passing phase or something more significant. The common belief is that children will grow out of biting, defiance, tantrums, destructive, aggressive, hyperactive, or anxious...
My Child is Struggling with Their Body Image – How Can I Help Them?
Sarah Mixson , M.S.W.
Anyone can struggle with body image; Research shows that children as young as 3 years old can have body image concerns. As a therapist who works with children and teens, this question comes up a lot from parents. And...
Monkey Bars and the Normal Grief of Living Well
Alice D. Hoag , Ed.D.
In playgrounds, there used to be a structure called the Monkey Bars. I believe they’re too dangerous to be included in most public spaces anymore, but they were the test of endurance and strength (and bravery) for an entire...
How to Support Your Child’s Behavior Over Holiday Breaks
Allison Bates , M.S.
As the holidays are fast approaching, one thing parents often state their frustration about is behavior regression or increased outbursts during breaks from school. Children thrive when they understand expectations and know boundaries and limitations. The holiday season can...
How to Support Students Facing Academic Pressure & Stress
Alyssa Kiss , M.A.
As we approach the fall, school begins picking up and the weight of different responsibilities can begin to feel overwhelming. Many of our students deal with high levels of school anxiety and academic stress. They are being asked to...
Co-Parenting Through Divorce: Prioritizing Your Child’s Well-Being
Aleisha Parker , M.Ed.
For parents going through divorce, it is a challenging time of transition. I understand that sometimes it can be extremely difficult to control your own emotions and words shared to each other while together in the same household until...
5 Effective Ways to Encourage Your Child to Open Up and Communicate
Communication is a vital skill that empowers children to express their thoughts, feelings, and needs effectively. As parents, we play a crucial role in nurturing this skill and creating a safe environment for our children to open up and...
How to Fight Boredom with a Summer Routine
Bailey Smith , M.Ed.
Like many of you, I have been hearing a chorus of “I’m bored” from my school-aged clients recently. Without the structure of a typical school schedule, many teenagers get out of the routine of doing anything at all during...
How to Help Your Child Use Their Wise Mind
Shaquanta Danjoint , M.S.
First, it is helpful to understand the mind in three parts and the advantages vs. disadvantages of these parts, then explain them to your child. Part 1: The Rational/Reasonable Mind: This is the mind that pays attention to logic and...
Your Child’s Anxiety: Signs and Strategies for Calming Their Mind and Body
Did you know that anxiety disorders are the most common type of psychological problem that children experience? One in eight children suffer from a significant anxiety disorder (Wang, 2017). In an average sized classroom of about 25 school-aged children,...
Setting Screen Time with your Kids and Teens
Maddie McGarrah , M.Ed.
Screens are now an essential part of our daily lives whether you are an adult or child. Children and teens now must use either computers or tablets while at school to get work done, do learning activities, and turn...
3 Steps to Help Kids Overcome Anxiety
Shaquanta Danjoint , M.S.
Opioid Use, It’s Effects on Children, and How to Identify Misuse
Allison Bates , M.S.
On average, 130 Americans die from opioid overdose (including prescription- Oxycodone, Codeine, Morphine, and Fentanyl, and illicit opioids- heroine) EVERY DAY. This statistic affects the children in our community, as 2 million children annually have a parent who uses...
How to Help Your Child Manage Anxiety & Disruptive Emotions
Stephen Walters , M.Div., M.A.
4 Things to Know Before Your Child Begins Therapy
As a parent, it can be difficult to navigate the world of therapy when your child is struggling. But with the right information and support, you can help your child get the most out of therapy and make meaningful...
What Should Parents Do When Their Child is Having Behavior Problems?
When children have frequent behavioral challenges that affect their ability to function at school or within the family, parents are often left feeling helpless. When children struggle with frequent temper tantrums, defiance, aggression, hyperactivity, or emotional outbursts that seem...
10 Tips to Boost your Child’s Self-Esteem
Sarah Mixson , M.S.W.
Wanting your child to grow and develop into a happy, confident individual is normal for many parents. Though this is a common goal for most parents, it’s not always clear how to help your child build their self-esteem. Put...
Why Play Therapy
Maddie McGarrah , M.Ed.
If you have a child who is elementary age or younger and may be struggling with behavioral or emotional challenges, play therapy is likely the best fit for them. Play Therapy has been developed over the years as a...
What is Attachment Theory?
Janet Fluker , M.Ed., M.S.
John Bowlby, a British psychologist, was the first to develop the concept of attachment theory. He described attachment as a “lasting psychological connectedness between human beings”. His primary interest was in understanding the bond between children and their primary...