Considering Child Therapy So you’re considering therapy for your child. Reaching this point can bring up a lot of difficult feelings for you as a parent. You are likely feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, confused, guilty, or all of the above. Reaching out for help is acknowledging that you and your child have the potential to thrive […]
As a parent, it is natural to feel a heightened sense of concern when your child is having problems. You want to be in the best position to make the right decision for your child, so you may be researching safe and effective treatments. Especially, when it comes to your child. You may have been […]
Yes, it’s frustrating to live with food allergies. No, this is not a personal choice of yours to avoid certain foods. Going to parties, restaurants, and get-togethers can be anxiety-inducing for many reasons. When you live with food allergies, you may be wondering what you’re going to eat and if the food will be safe. […]
Since the pandemic, therapy services are in high demand for all ages, but especially for children and youth. With the school year or extracurricular activities in your child’s life, it can feel difficult to balance all of the priorities for the wellness of your child. You want what’s best for them. You want them to […]
After the recent shooting in a grocery store in Buffalo, NY it is all the more imperative to discuss racially motivated violence with our kids. 1 in every 1000 violent crimes is related to bias. 62% of those crimes are specifically related to race and ethnicity. 50% of racial crimes are directed at individuals with […]
In my last blog, “Could Your Child Be Experiencing Selective Mutism?“ I discussed the details of selective mutism: what symptoms to look for, the causes of selective mutism, and when to seek out professional help. By now you’ve met with your child’s pediatrician and discussed your concerns. They will refer your child to a mental […]
What is Selective Mutism? Selective Mutism (SM) is an anxiety disorder that is characterized by an inability to speak or communicate in certain situations. It is usually first diagnosed during childhood. Children with selective mutism appear to develop typically and speak normally in certain situations. However, they fail to speak in public situations where speaking […]
High profile acts of violence, especially school shootings, can be frightening and confusing to children. Even well-intentioned safety measures like ‘active shooter drills’ at schools can also amplify intense worries in children who fear their friends or loved ones’ safety. Step 1: Reassure your child that they are safe. Emphasize that schools are very safe. […]
In my last blog post, I talked about food allergies and anxiety in parents. Along with what healthy vs unhealthy anxiety looks like. In this post, I’m going to talk about my top three ways to manage anxiety as the parent of a kiddo with a food allergy. These three takeaways are to have a […]
As a food allergy parent, there are many valid reasons to have anxiety. Food allergies and anxiety seem to go hand in hand. However, there is a difference between healthy anxiety and unhealthy anxiety. In this first part of my Parent and Food Allergy Anxiety blog series, we will discuss two topics. First, we’re going […]
Tips to help your child sleep through the night. We’ve all been there as parents; bedtime comes and the nighttime routine is complete. You slowly make your way out of the dimly lit room and just when the door is almost closed you hear it. “MAMA/DADA!” Your heart sinks and the pattern starts: “I need […]
The words “you are now being judged” echo over the loudspeaker and all eyes are on your rider. You’ve worked tirelessly to get them where they are today. You’re there to cheer them on no matter what happens in the arena. You’re there supporting them alongside their parents/guardians. Is the rest of the team showing […]
Let me introduce you to Jess* and Bosco… Jess was 12 years old when she got her beautiful pet rabbit, whom she named Bosco. To her, Bosco was perfect with his gorgeous black fur and little twitching white nose. Jess would spend time snuggling and playing with her rabbit. She loved him very much. However, […]
Your child did something unimaginable. Now, you’re shocked, angry, confused, and sad. You’re a good parent, you taught your kid right from wrong. But they still made a bad choice. Their poor decisions throw you for a loop. After all, you likely didn’t see it coming. You feel hurt and blindsided. But when the […]
Going back to school in normal times is already stressful for kids. But, going back to school amid a global pandemic is even more challenging. COVID-related restrictions have lessened in the state of New Jersey. Yet, the Delta variant presents new fears. What will life look like as people venture out and the schools re-open […]