Blog
Social media has been full of “ideas” on self care. Many parents roll their eyes at the thought and so do I. But there is validity in attempting to manage your mood to be a better parent. Take 5 minutes and listen in on how to attain self-care in a simple way.
My children started virtual school last week. Last week before they began, I cried because I was thinking about what they are missing out on. I remember 7th and 10th grade and what it meant for me.
But there's an important rule in parenting;
We are at a phase of these pandemic times in which decision making has become a burden and a cause of anxiety. Most of the questions I am getting from parents are around how to make the best decision for their children taking into account their children's health and their emotional well being.
Let’s talk about consequences. One of the most frequent questions parents ask me in workshops and consultations is what is the consequence to a child’s challenging behavior. Most ask that question because they have an inappropriate goal. They've been told that the right goal is for your child to feel bad when they're not listening or when they've made a mistake. I want you to wonder: When was the last time that you learned anything while feeling bad?
I’m crying again. I am watching another episode of a competition show, but it's not the show that makes me weep. My crying is a ritual that has developed since the quarantine began in early March. Sunday has become my day to allow my feelings to flow freely without logic. I cry freely without explanation. I let tears flow because it is what my body, my mind, and my psyche need. I try not to put a story to them. I remind myself of what I say in so many of my workshops and parenting trainings: our feelings have no logic. Do not judge them. Do not tame them.
My daughter is a soccer player. She began while only four years old, and she is still at it now. It has been breathtaking to watch her take on something that she loves and works at strenuously. However, while I am out at the games I get distracted at times by what I see on the spectator side. I understand the mood swings of the parents and family members. A sporting event is both socially and emotionally triggering, but as parents it is important to keep our children front of mind even while in the stands. The following are suggestions on how you can enjoy the game and also parent your athlete:
Our culture is cluttered with messages on how to be male or female. Our children look to us, their parents, and to the world around them to make sense of how to express gender. Are you sure that you are not perpetuating old fashion ideas and stereotypes around gender? Not sure? Take a look a this quick video for one easy tip to stop!
As a mental health professional, I am alarmed that our government is dividing families. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is currently separating migrant children from their parents at the border and reneging on their past promises of safety to DACA recipients. These are unnecessary policies that will cause more trauma to already traumatized children and families seeking refuge in the U.S. We need this to change.
Most parents fear their children could fall in the trap of misusing drugs and alcohol. This video helps you find answers to avoiding this fate.
#FidgetToys are all the rage right now- Why? How do they help your child? Is it a distraction or a benefit for the classroom?
