Last time, we talked about young children with food allergy related anxiety. In this third article in our series, we look at teens with food allergies who start to experience heightened anxiety. Adolescence is full of changes and adjustments that create additional stress for teens. Peer dynamics shift, thinking becomes more complicated, and teens crave […]
In the first part of our series, we discussed what anxiety related to food allergies may look like. This time, we look at the unique ways elementary school children show anxiety and how to help. Signs of anxiety in young children Repeated reports of headaches, stomachaches and other physical pains Clinginess including unwillingness to separate […]
In the part three of my blog series I talked about grief from death. Today, I’ll be talking about ways you can help your child transition into a new school. Think back to the last time you started a new job. Or the last time you moved to a new home. How did it feel? […]
“Grief is the last act of love we can give to those we loved. Where there is deep grief, there was great love.” —Unknown In the second part of supporting kids through tough transitions series, I talked about divorce. This time, I will share tips that might be helpful in getting your child through the loss […]
In the first part of my supporting kids through tough transitions series, I talked about helpful tips to keep in mind during transitions. In this part of the series, I will provide you with tips on how to support your child during this difficult time. It’s no secret that divorce can turn a family upside […]
“Change is hard at first, messy in the middle, and gorgeous at the end.” —Robin Sharma Have you ever asked yourself how you handle change? If you haven’t, take a moment to think about this. Some say change is an added benefit to their lives; those who welcome change view transitions as exciting opportunities […]
As you may remember from Part 1: Is your anxiety making your kid anxious?, kids can easily pick up on the anxiety that we are experiencing. It is your job as parent to understand what is triggering your fears, own them, and respond appropriately. You can manage your anxiety so your children are less […]
You may be wondering if your anxiety and worry is making your kids worried. Perhaps, your spouse has told you that your child is so worked up because you’re so worked up. You’re making him crazy Secretly, you might wonder if you are. You might also think that your spouse minimizes the […]
Teens get into bad situations. They are at an age where their brains are wired to try out new things without being overly concerned about the consequences. This is why they are able to accomplish so many things that would send adults into state of overwhelm. Imagine changing schools, starting more than one new job, […]
Does your child/teen suffer from less-than-optimal shut eye? Is he or she glued to the late night glow of their tablet? Have you seen bags under their eyes? Sleep is crucial for teens Most tweens and teens do not get enough sleep. According to the National Sleep Foundation, it is recommended teenagers get […]
Today Brave Minds invited Lauren L. Drago, MSEd, LMHC, LPC, the founder of Lauren Drago Therapy in Old Saybrook, CT, to provide us with some tips for connecting with teens. _____________________________ Having a teen can be tough. If I had a quarter for every time I heard, “Help! My child feels like she’s been replaced by an […]
mom… Mom.. MOMMMMMM!! I need a bandaid. I need one more kiss. I’m not tired. DON’T GO!!! This is how it would go with 9 year old Hardy*, ever since school ended. His parents were initially compassionate. Then annoyed. Eventually, they were sleep deprived and had lost much of their patience. So goes the story […]
We all experience anxiety and stress from time to time. Teens are not exempt from this! With various and increasing academic demands, extracurricular activities, social engagements, etc., teens may experience stress. While anxiety in your teen from time to time is normal. Persistent and longstanding worry may be an indication of generalized anxiety. Common signs of anxiety […]
Living with food allergies is like entering an alternate reality. You continue to live right next to everyone else, yet your whole experience has changed. Most of those around you cannot completely understand the fears that occupy you daily. Fears that one wrong morsel could create a life-threatening reaction. It doesn’t end there. Navigating this alternative […]
We can all agree that chores are good for kids. A consistent, yet manageable list of chores for children increases their sense of responsibility, improves their work ethic, and helps them contribute to the household. Furthermore, completing chores is an opportunity for your child to feel accomplished and appreciated (even if they don’t […]