Exploring and understanding reasons for a teen's reluctance to therapy - from fear of judgment, pride, or feeling forced by an adult, to prior negative experiences in therapy, disinterest, or confusion about the process - can help prevent mislabelling teens as treatment resistant. Dr Amanda Plokar shares pointers for parents to consider that can help...Continue Reading
School is where young people form relationships and learn lessons that will impact their futures but for children and teens in some situations, going to school can also be a major stressor. Can taking a break be a help or a hindrance to their well-being? Short answer: it depends. Dr. Sara Colalillo takes a look...Continue Reading
This is an intimate and beautiful observation from Connecte psychologist Dr. Simcha Samuel which speaks directly to the tender and complicated parental journey of discovery that happens between ourselves and our kids.Continue Reading
Stéphanie Correia introduces us to The Circle Of Security, a great tool for parents and caregivers to better understand children's attachment needs as they navigate the world around them. Mapping the flow between a child's dual needs for independence and safety, this beautifully mindful approach helps parents find the sweet spots for responding to those...Continue Reading
Validation is a term we hear more and more these days, and in therapist Candace Kensley's work with couples and families, it is something that comes up in almost every session. What does it mean, why is it important, and how can we use it to build better relationships? Let’s talk about it!Continue Reading
“People sometimes worry that if we offer comfort when children are upset, we are saying I accept your behaviour. What we are really saying is I accept your emotions.” - J. MilburnContinue Reading
As parents we don’t need to be perfect to be enough - there is a lot of value in being a “good enough” mom. Kids don’t need perfect parents. In fact, there is some evidence that helicoptering over our children makes it harder for them to learn valuable lessons about independence and making mistakes. Kids...Continue Reading
Our kids practice setting boundaries with us from a young age, to assert themselves through stages of growing independence, and also to learn what limits will be respected based on how we react. These transition times can be scary for parents, as we struggle with feelings of inadequacy, loss or rejection. But when we handle...Continue Reading
As parents, we want our kids to be healthy, body and mind, but sometimes we feel like we have little control or influence. We want them to learn how to take care of themselves in a healthy way, without developing an unhealthy preoccupation with their eating or body image. So, how can we help our...Continue Reading
Let us take a moment to reflect on the concept of discipline. What does discipline in your home look like? Read on to learn about "No-Drama Discipline", discipline with a goal of teaching your child.Continue Reading