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 My child feels like she’s been replaced by an […]
In Star Light, Star Bright, Please Go to Bed Without a Fight, we saw how bedtime can be a challenge for anxious children. Let’s now dive into the key ingredients for creating the perfect recipe for your child’s bedtime routine. Consistency One of the most important components of a bedtime routine is a consistent, predictable, recurring […]
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 […]
Welcome to the club. You’re human. It’s hard to like anyone 100% of the time, even people we love. “But doesn’t that make me a ‘bad’ parent?“ No. It makes you a honest parent. A human parent. Have you ever wondered to yourself, while struggling with your child, “What’s wrong with my child?!?” Or as […]
Embrace my kid’s shortcomings and failures? This may seem counter-intuitive but the truth is that failure precedes success many times over. How many times did your child fail off her bike before she could ride it. Many! Has your child ever refused to try something new because they were sure they would fail? It is […]
We love our families, but let’s face it: sometimes speaking with our loved ones is extremely challenging. Whether resolving conflict, discussing a difficult topic, or reconnecting with one another, we sometimes feel lost and defeated. We all have different ways of communicating which can make these conversations difficult, especially when emotions are high. Indeed, learning […]