Listen to my latest podcast episode: 

4 Goals of Misbehavior in Kids [updated!]

4 Goals of Misbehavior in Kids [updated!]

I came across a sheet of paper in my files a while back that has a chart about children's behaviors and parent interactions as a result of those behaviors. [update - credit: Austrian psychiatrist and educator, Rudolf Dreikurs] I actually have no idea where I got it or...

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Five Love Languages of Kids, and How to Show Them Love

Five Love Languages of Kids, and How to Show Them Love

As we approach Valentine's Day this year, I think it is appropriate to consider the ways that our kids need and want to be shown love. While hugs, support, discipline, kindness, and words are all a part of that expression, it is important to know that every person has...

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How to Teach Your Child Effective Communication Skills

How to Teach Your Child Effective Communication Skills

Living in Florida, I extensively and comprehensively understand flip flops. I know which ones feel best, which ones are water friendly, and which kind never to buy. Floridians are also accused of wearing them in the middle of winter, because it is what we do. :)...

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Kids’ Issues: Medication Vs. Play Therapy

Kids’ Issues: Medication Vs. Play Therapy

For more than a decade, parents have come into my office and provided assessments, reports, diagnoses, and treatment plans regarding their children. Most often, they still really aren't sure that they agree or accept everything that has been laid out on the table...

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The Importance of Telling Your Kids the Truth

The Importance of Telling Your Kids the Truth

It is so interesting to observe the difference between adults and children when it comes to telling the truth. Adults are often quick to hide things, especially if they seem unfavorable or hurtful. Kids, on the other hand, are typically honest to a fault (and...

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Why You Need to Listen to Your Kids

Why You Need to Listen to Your Kids

I have been working with more and more teens at my practice, which is interesting for several reasons. First, there has been a major shift in what parents report as concerns regarding their teens. What was prominent several years ago (moodiness, anger, rebellion) has...

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Back to School Adjustments After Break

Back to School Adjustments After Break

For many students like my son, Christmas break is already over and school is back in session. For others, within the next week school buses will once again be crowding highways and car circles will be full. And with the start of school come the challenges - the...

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Kids and Screens: The Unknown Dangers

Kids and Screens: The Unknown Dangers

As kids are in front of screens more and more, researchers, parents, teachers, and therapists are beginning to acknowledge the consequences of that screen time. Data has emerged indicating that children's brains are actually altered when they are exposed to screens....

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Offering Choices to Address Defiant Behavior

Offering Choices to Address Defiant Behavior

I have been working with a three year old who has struggled to control his behaviors and emotions for much of his young life. He has had problems at preschool, at home, and in public. Mom and Dad were at their wit's end with the scathing looks from strangers,...

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Talking to Your Kids – The Effects and Benefits

Talking to Your Kids – The Effects and Benefits

Over the course of my career, and more specifically in interactions with other moms, I have observed a very unique phenomenon about kids and their verbalization. When kids are not spoken to on a consistent, regular, and purposeful basis, they tend not to speak...

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Moving with Kids – My Personal Observations

Moving with Kids – My Personal Observations

Summer is in full swing and I always look forward to my son being home for three months. I love having all day with him so that we can enjoy a more relaxed schedule. However, we haven't had the luxury of lounging by the pool and going to the beach with friends....

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How to Talk to Your Oldest Child About Military Deployment

How to Talk to Your Oldest Child About Military Deployment

For several years, my best friend lived in Snead's Ferry, NC. This happens to be really close to Camp LeJeune, and is predominantly a military town. When I visited, I realized how different military life, culture, and practice really is from civilian family life. I...

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