This is the second post in the series about strategies to help kids to calm down. If you haven’t already seen it, be sure to read the post on Belly Breathing. This second technique is more helpful if kids can already do slow, deep breaths. The second helpful technique for teaching kids (and teens and adults) to calm down is Progressive Muscle Relaxation. Although I tell kids the real name of this technique when they learn it, we usually end up calling it “Tense and Relax.” Th

Are you worried that your child doesn’t stand up for themselves when there is a problem? Or concerned about a kid that yells, bosses others around, or demands to get their way? Or have you wondered if there is more you can be doing to build healthy self-esteem in your child? These are common concerns that a lot of parents bring up when they bring a child to counseling. Although there are many different possible reasons for these challenges, teaching your child to be assertive

As we enter 2016 and you’re thinking about New Year’s Resolutions, it can be a great time to consider your parenting and look at some strategies for a more peaceful year with your child. Here are five resolutions to consider making to be a more positive parent. 1. Focus on feelings: If asked whether they care about their child’s feelings, most parents would say that of course they do. But does this really come across in the way that you talk to your child everyday? Do you fal

Parents frequently want to know how they can build their child’s self-esteem. Low self-esteem can manifest in different ways. It can look like the child that is constantly seeking praise and reassurance from you, showing off or asking if you like what they’ve done. Or a child that never seems to feel like they are good at anything, putting themselves down or comparing themselves to others. Or a child that has an extreme reaction and meltdown to any criticism or perceived insu

For many children, the end of summer vacation brings normal nervousness about the beginning of school. However, for some children, this anxiety can be more overwhelming and they may need some extra support from caregivers (and therapists/counselors). Remember that your goal should always be to help your child get through the situation that is causing anxiety; allowing them to avoid the anxiety trigger will only lead to greater problems later. Here are 15 strategies that may h

I hope that you've had a chance to see the movie Inside Out (and if not, I definitely encourage you to see it soon). It does a wonderful job of teaching kids about their mind and their feelings. And most importantly, it teaches them that all of our feelings should be listened to and serve a valuable purpose. Parents can help to reinforce this and to build emotional intelligence in their child by helping their child label and express feelings, reflecting and validating these f

Parents often wonder how to know when they should seek therapy or counseling for their child. They may think that problems are not serious enough or hope that it is just a phase that their child will grow out of. Here are some common signs that your child may need some behavioral or mental health intervention: Sudden changes in appetite or hygiene Increased irritability or anger outbursts Frequent crying spells Frequent negative statements about self Increase in nightmares, p