Many times in my office parents say their goal is for their child to be happy. As a therapist, I have to wonder if being happy is really what we want? When are our children happy? When they get a birthday present; get a cookie they wanted; win at a game. If life consisted of… Read more »
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When a study group recently asked kids to answer how they could tell if a couple was married, one answer that kept arising was “If they are arguing, then they are probably married.” This response might seem comical if it were coming from an adult, but coming from a child whose intentions are far from… Read more »
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From the moment our children are born and the doctor takes them to be weighed, measured and bundled, their health becomes one of our very highest priorities. As parents, most of us are instinctively attuned to every sneeze, scratch and sleep disruption. We are careful to never miss a check up or ignore a cough…. Read more »
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Family vacations have long been the subject of sitcoms and PG comedies, each following more or less the same predictable plotline: hopeful parents force resistant children into some mobile form of a bonding opportunity. They then undergo several slapstick disasters before everyone simultaneously recognizes the importance of family and enjoys a Brady Bunch-style, fun-in-the-sun finale…. Read more »
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Early on, many of a child’s emotions are chalked up to physical stages of growth; Tempers are attributed to teething and the “terrible twos,” whining is associated with tiredness or tummy aches, irritability is associated with learning disabilities or adolescent hormonal shifts. While biological phases do have a great impact on a child’s development, how… Read more »
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What is attachment and why is it important? Attachment refers the particular way in which you relate to other people. Your style of attachment was formed at the very beginning of your life, during your first two years. Once established, it is a style that stays with you and plays out today in how you… Read more »
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The great TV debate has long lingered on the minds of concerned parents. The effects TV can have on child’s brain development and learning abilities are worth considering. The social, physical and educational woes that can result deserve even more attention since the release of a new study reported by CNN that links TV time… Read more »
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We know what breaking up means for adults. In fact, most of us are all too familiar with the critical thoughts that tell individuals who have just split up that they are failures, that they will never meet anyone or that they are unwanted or alone. But what effect does a break-up or divorce have… Read more »
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The age when children begin to take their first steps toward independence happens to be the same age when they are just taking their first steps. With toddlers, this new combination of strong curiosity and shaky coordination can keep a parent literally on their toes. Whether eating off the floor or reaching for something hot,… Read more »
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Having a child who is hurting or depressed is one of the toughest struggles a parent can face. Overlooking our kids’ mood swings or listening to the advice “It’s just a phase” are never the right reactions to warning signs of depression. Instead, we must learn how to recognize these signs and understand how to… Read more »
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