The COVID-19 pandemic has caused widespread school closures and thrust children everywhere into an at-home learning situation. Parents, guardians, and children are struggling to adjust to a new normal. For some parents, this may mean juggling a career, housework, and now, a new level of responsibility for their child’s education. At-home learning during a pandemic…
When your child begins to have a meltdown, parents are often lost in how to effectively handle the situation. Parents can learn to help their child cope with big and overwhelming feelings. I reached out to our child and play therapist, Shannon Guinther to get her advice on how parents can teach their child to…
When people think of children with autism, their minds immediately go to behavioral symptoms- but that’s not all that autism is. Children with autism have many fights to go through in life, but parents can help make it easier for them. One of the biggest struggles that most people don’t know about is the change…
It’s not uncommon for children to be scared about things from time to time. The world is a new, big, and often exciting place. And the unknown can be scary for anyone. Kids often look to their parents for comfort and security. While it’s important to assure them of their safety and reduce anxiety, you…
We are all adapting to the changes in our daily lives because of this virus. Most parents are working from home adjusting to video or telephone conferences. Children are home all day adjusting to online learning and younger children are no longer in daycare/preschool. They don’t understand why they can’t play with their friends or…
If your child comes out as transgender, the most important thing you can do is love them—unconditionally. That might seem like a bold statement to start with, but if nothing else, showing them your love and acceptance can make a huge difference in their lives. With that said, even if you are genuinely accepting, a child…
Guided by adults, you almost certainly took precautions as a child. You buckled your seat belt upon entering a car. Wearing a helmet was the norm when riding a bike. You looked both ways before you crossed the street. The list goes on and many items on that list became second nature as you grew…
Despite change being a part of life, dealing with it can be challenging. Children especially have a difficult time coping with change because it can shake their sense of security. As a parent, it’s your privilege to help your child deal with change and manage associated stress and anxiety in a positive way. Yet, this…
Just because something is a cliché doesn’t mean it’s not also true. Every day, we are bombarded with more evidence that our tech has taken over our lives. Getting outside is no longer a given. As we read such updates (on our phones, of course), how often do we ponder the role modern technology plays…
During childhood, we each experience countless events. These can range from mundane to extreme. The events that fall into an extreme category can play a major role in how we live our lives. When such events are negative or traumatic, they are known as adverse childhood experiences or ACEs. Every child has ups and downs.…
Parenting styles may vary widely over the years — and from culture to culture. The variations are far too numerous to detail but some common threads exist. One of the most important and enduring foundations involves connections. Healthy parenting involves discovering how to connect with your kids and how to maintain a secure and strong…
Parenting a child who struggles with anxiety can feel overwhelming at times. It’s important to understand that your child is no different from any other, and their anxiety isn’t a reflection of poor parenting. Sometimes, though, you can feel helpless when witnessing their worries and anxious feelings. Thankfully, there are things you can do to…
Guest contribution by Rachael Pace Parenting tips abound online about how to raise a happy child, how to be a better parent, and how to nourish a child’s mental health. And it’s no surprise, as the World Health Organization reports that issues of mental health now affect one in four people – including children. As…
