The inimitable Fred Rogers often stated: “Anything that is mentionable can be more manageable.” This simple sentiment on the importance of naming emotions has become an important aspect of helping children develop healthfully, productively and creatively. In fact, renowned neuropsychiatrist Dr. Dan Siegel calls it “mindsight.” What Our Children Need According to Siegel, some basic childhood needs …Read the rest…

Each generation is capable of heaping too many expectations upon the youth. However, it’s probably safe to say that the current way young people find themselves striving for perfection is exhausting. Across a broad spectrum of avenues and platforms, perfectionism is being, well…perfected? And the outcomes are widespread and far from positive. Perfection is a …Read the rest…

A teen using social media is often an anxious teen. This is not social media bashing, it’s a research-based reality. And it’s not slowing down. Your teen’s attention is being hijacked and the results are not even close to positive. The good news? You can help turn this trend around. How Your Teen’s Attention is Being …Read the rest…

Plenty of teens will stress over an exam or worry about a first date. Anxiety is much more than that. It is a diagnosable mental condition that can negatively shape a teen’s life. If an over-achieving teen feels pushed or coerced into achieving at all costs, the anxiety quotient increases. There are many factors involved …Read the rest…

Children don’t have to be socially anxious to be considered shy. There are endless factors that can contribute to a child’s interaction comfort zone. We don’t have to force them to “change,” per se, but habitual shyness can dramatically lessen a kid’s emotional and social growth. Striking a balance when addressing a shy child’s need …Read the rest…

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 …Read the rest…

Teenage rebellion is more than pent-up angst or a simple desire to push back against authority for no particular reason. Teens rebel for very specific reasons. As a parent, you are probably either bracing yourself for the teenage years or are already in the middle of them. This can be a stressful time. However, knowing the …Read the rest…

Do you understand your teen? Do you get who they are… or who they want to be? Or have you chalked up their moods and tendency to take risks as a phase of random choices and hormonal drama you must endure until maturity takes hold? Daniel J. Siegel, MD, a clinical professor of psychiatry at UCLA …Read the rest…

Teens and technology seem to be an inseparable couple. In fact, it seems nearly impossible to find a teen anywhere willing to digitally disconnect for very long. Yet, while it can be alarming to see how pervasive the internet and social media have become, the key is to look at your son or daughter’s life in …Read the rest…

Children are curious by nature and as parents, it’s our job to help them comprehend their environment. However, it’s not always an easy task. Some topics are easier than others to discuss. Conversations surrounding children’s mental health are transforming from taboo to acceptable, but with stigma and judgment attached to it, it can be difficult …Read the rest…

Adults tend to think of childhood as carefree. But even very young children worry especially in big cities like Houston. Unlike adults, children don’t have the experience to evaluate the causes of their worries or the words to talk about them. Yes, stress in children is real. Stress in Children Is Real Some kid stress …Read the rest…

The Nervous Child We must often calm our children’s fears, especially in a world that seems to have gone haywire. But if you are the parent of a nervous child, you may find that reassurances like “there’s nothing to worry about” don’t help. What do you do when your reassurance does not reach your nervous …Read the rest…

If you have more than one child, you’re dealing with sibling rivalry. The constant fighting may often be a cause of stress and frustration for you. But how severe the conflicts are and what long-term effects they will have on your children depends much on how you’re dealing with sibling rivalry in your home. So, …Read the rest…