Author: Alex

Top 10 Signs Your Child May Have Depression

Disclaimer- although I am an Independent Marriage and Family Therapist, please understand I am not your child’s therapist, and none of what I say below should be construed as a diagnosis. If you have concerns about your child after reading this, I encourage you to contact your child’s pediatrician, school counselor, or local therapist as… Continue reading Top 10 Signs Your Child May Have Depression

5 Ways to Teach Gratitude to Kids

Why Teach Gratitude to Kids? According to the Mayo Clinic it’s been shown that expressing gratitude is associated with a host of mental and physical benefits. Studies have shown that feeling thankful can improve sleep, mood and immunity. Gratitude can also decrease depression, anxiety, difficulties with chronic pain and risk of disease. It’s a simple… Continue reading 5 Ways to Teach Gratitude to Kids

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Categorized as Parenting

Kids Are Stronger Than You Think

Over the last couple weeks, I’ve seen a theme developing with the parents I work with. They’re afraid to let their kids be uncomfortable after being disciplined, and are struggling with watching their kids experience difficult emotions. My message to them is simply this: Your kids are stronger than you think. It’s OK for them… Continue reading Kids Are Stronger Than You Think

Published
Categorized as Parenting

Raising Resilient Children

Raising Kids with Resilience and Self-Control I like to think of raising resilient children as the opposite of helicopter parenting. If we give kids space, we are showing our kids we have confidence in their ability to problem-solve and cope with tough situations. By teaching resilience, and allowing our kids to struggle that just-right amount,… Continue reading Raising Resilient Children

Preparing for Parent-Teacher Conferences

I know I’m not the only one bracing myself for the worst when it comes to parent-teacher conferences.   I love my kids, but there’s a certain amount of breath-holding and worrying about what the teacher is going to say about any one of my sons.  “Mrs. Cooper, he’s that kid.”  “He’s never quiet in class,… Continue reading Preparing for Parent-Teacher Conferences

Does My Kid Have ADHD? (What Else Could It Be?)

Does my child have ADHD or not? It’s no secret that kids are being diagnosed with ADHD in the US more and more frequently. Depending on which study you read, somewhere between 5-11% of children across the US are diagnosed with ADHD. And there’s been an increase of over 3% in just 8 years!  BUT-… Continue reading Does My Kid Have ADHD? (What Else Could It Be?)

28 Fun & Easy Summer Activities {Free Printable}

Great Summer Activities for Kids = Great Summer Memories Kids laughing together with neighborhood friends, running through sprinklers, glasses of lemonade. Those are the images of summer I hope for. Needless to say, 2020 is going to be a little different. But kids still deserve to have a great summer full of wonderful memories- and… Continue reading 28 Fun & Easy Summer Activities {Free Printable}

How to Address Re-Opening with Your Family

And now re-opening, instead of shutting down, feels like a loss. A loss of leisure time. A loss of safety and sense of control. Even going back to familiar places, without the crowds, and with everyone in masks feels like a loss of normalcy. But most of all, a loss of time spent with people you love the most.

55 Activities To Do at Home with Kids (With Almost No Screens!)

Suddenly stuck at home with kids? Hear me out- I’ve always felt the role of “cruise director” is the most analogous to the lives of moms. We orchestrate everything- from figuring out what everyone is eating, to the schedule of activities for the day, to monitoring the sickbay. And now we’re going to have to… Continue reading 55 Activities To Do at Home with Kids (With Almost No Screens!)

Autism and Wandering: 13 Tips to Keep Kids Safe

Wandering. Eloping. Running. Whatever you call it- it’s a terrifying part of many kid’s lies. Most commonly, it can impact kids with Autism, but it can also affect kids with other special needs, and even ADHD. Strategies to keep kids with ADHD, Special Needs, and Autism from Wandering The strategies to address wandering are unique,… Continue reading Autism and Wandering: 13 Tips to Keep Kids Safe

33 Self Discovery Journal Prompts for Teens

Journaling is possibly the best tool there is for getting to know yourself better. It helps you slow down, and reflect on what’s been running through your mind. When you consolidate all those bits and pieces, it helps you discover the patterns and themes in your life.