June is convocation month, and all around the world students are celebrated as they make their way out of their post-secondary, and often, personal, nests as they fly toward the next phase of their lives. Most of us watch them cross the stage with joy at the possibilities that we imagine for them, as well…
Just how the family influences a child’s development, the child also has an impact on his/her family. Now, a child with a disability has a special effect on his/her family, as the disability can become a source of stress for the parents, siblings, and the family in general. In such moments, consistent parenting and remaining…
As a psychotherapist who works with children and adolescents, I often hear how their parents are too strict and unfair. Many children and adolescents feel their parents punishments are not appropriate and their parents are out of touch with today’s world. I also hear parents tell me no matter what rules or punishments they impose…
High school and the teenage years can be a very difficult time for teenagers and parents. This time of life has become even more difficult due to social networking, such as Facebook, smart phones and computer technology not to mention the fact that teenagers have easier access to drugs. Teenagers can obtain the typical street…
Being married for many years is hard. Times change. People change. Conflict is part of every marriage. How we handle marital conflict can have a strong impact on children. Parents that fight in front of their children are hurting their children. Children rely on their parents for security and safety. Fighting, hostility, yelling and threats…
We have known for a long time about the cyber bullying epidemic. We are also aware that cyber bullying has resulted in many teens and even college students committing suicide. Suicide is the extreme response to cyber bullying. This action also results in many teenagers dealing with severe depression or turning to drugs or alcohol.…
As a psychotherapist works with teenagers and their parents, I have heard a common complaint from both teenagers and their parents. Both complain about difficulties with communication. Teenagers feel that their parents don’t understand them. And parents tell me they feel like they cannot communicate with their teenagers. I have stated in prior articles that…
As the school year is starting many parents are focused on their children’s transition into High School or Kindergarten. However, there is another important transition for children. Beginning Middle School is a major transition for pre-adolescents. As a psychotherapist who works with adolescents, I am very familiar with what is happening on High School and…
Over the next few weeks, many teenagers will start High School. There will be many changes for them and for you as a parent. As your teen enters high school they are also starting to enter the adult world. This is now a time for them to start to take on new responsibilities and to…
Coco Loco is the new way teenagers have found to get a high. This product just entered the United States. It is not being marketed as a drug so the FDA has no authority over it. Teens assume it is safe because it is chocolate and natural. Since this substance is so new, I have…