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Share your opinion and get a FREE Kid Counselor Video Training (valued at $47)

The Kid Counselor will soon be releasing a Video Training that addresses the ten most pressing concerns parents have about parenting and their children’s behavior. The Kid Counselor will provide solutions to these parenting problems from a Play Therapy perspective in a two-hour online video training. This forthcoming Video Training will be valued at $47, but if you help us with our research and
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Ten Ways to Play With Your Kids

Since we have officially reached the summer months, I thought it might be appropriate to address what seems to be on every parent’s mind: What am I going to do to keep the kids busy all summer? Here are ten easy, fun, low-cost ideas that are based on the principles of Play Therapy to give you a start. In all of the ideas, the
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Real Questions from Real Parents #7 – Therapist’s Role in Divorce

Several parents have raised similar questions regarding a therapist for children in the specific context of divorce. The role of a children’s therapist should be very clear, and there are issues that arise when parents are no longer making joint decisions for their children. If you are a parent facing or post-divorce and are pursuing therapy, here are things that you might find helpful.


Real Questions from Real Parents #6 – Anxious Behaviors in Kids

I have been asked by several parents about varying degrees of anxious behaviors in their children. Although I can not give anything other than thoughts and suggestions, I think it is important to have objective opinions and thoughts when facing something that is difficult to assess.


Parental Responsibility for Children’s Behaviors

I read a quote this week that jumped from the page into my reality in such a way that I felt compelled to write an article about it. There are times when the written word read in the right way at the right time, can make you feel like it is meant specifically for you. This week, that quote for me was: “If there
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Real Questions from Real Parents #5 – Parental Guilt

I have received several questions from parents who are questioning their decisions or actions, and therefore feeling very guilty and ashamed. The situations have been very different, from work issues to depression, but the common theme was the “I feel like I am a horrible parent” sentiment. Here are my thoughts.


Stop Negotiating with Your Children

One of the most common destructive patterns of parenting that I observe is negotiating with children. This can come in many forms, frequently in an attempt to be a kind parent rather than a dictator. The problem is that there is a multitude of negative outcomes when you make a habit out of negotiating with kids. I’d like to share some examples and insights.


Are Americans Weak Parents?

A recent book written by Yale professor Amy Chua, Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother, brings to light the difference between American parenting and Chinese parenting. She claims that tough parenting is the only way to create Grade A children, compared to the lax style of Western parenting.


Differentiating Between Children and Their Behaviors

I believe it is so crucial to keep in mind that your child is more than their behaviors. It is easy to latch on to consistent patterns and generalize them into a schema under which you categorize them. Unfortunately, this is detrimental to their exploration and growth and limits your capacity to encourage their development. Let me share a few thoughts and examples.


10 Things Not to Say to Your Kids

When I think about all of the phrases, anecdotes, and sayings about the power of the spoken word I am reminded of how I changed my way of communicating with children upon learning Play Therapy principles. I realize that using Play Therapy based language is a learned and practiced skill that requires time and effort, so I thought it would be helpful to share ten commonly used phrases parents say to their kids. I will also give the Play Therapy based alternative with a short explanation of why it is more effective.
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