Since we are all at home indefinitely right now, this is the time to connect with our children more than ever. This is the time they need us and want to be close to us. Use this time with them wisely and grow a deeper connection with them and a stronger, more secure attachment with them! Attachment starts as early… Read More
Top 15 Therapeutic Play Based Ways To Talk to Children About Emotions
With Coronavirus very rampant in our world, this year has stirred a lot of different emotions for children (and adults) of all ages. We have been living in a world of uncertainty and social isolation and many of us are confused, scared, and worried about how to navigate the flood of emotions with our children. That’s why I am… Read More
Childhood Anxiety: Symptoms and Solutions
Have you ever wondered if your child has anxiety? It’s perfectly normal and developmentally appropriate for children to get worried from time to time before a test or when they are starting a new music class for the first time, but what about constant anxiety that doesn’t seem to let up or maybe they have started developing phobias or selective… Read More
How to Teach Children Gratitude on CBS 8
I was so grateful to be invited back as a guest and parenting expert on the KFMB CBS8 Morning Extra on the CW San Diego this week talking about how to teach children gratitude. Since it is the week of Thanksgiving we often think about thankfulness and gratefulness a little more during the holiday season but children can show gratitude… Read More
Let’s Talk About: Bullying Prevention
October is National Bullying Prevention Month and unfortunately it’s relevant and prevalent in our culture among children, adolescents, and even adults. According to the American Justice Department, approximately 1 in 4 U.S. students say they have been bullied by the time they graduate high school. By definition, bullying is unwanted aggressive behavior; observed or perceived power imbalance; and repetition… Read More
Separation Anxiety: Top 10 Solutions and Resources for School Success
Now that school has started, your child may have some anxious energy. Some nerves are expected from young children at any age, but if your child becomes preoccupied with an intensive fear of not being with you or their primary caregiver and has physiological distress symptoms like headaches, stomachaches, excessive crying, defiance, or even panic attacks and or nightmares, they… Read More
Let’s Talk About: How to Utilize Play for Positive Behavior and A Peaceful Home
I have always loved being a public speaker. When I was a senior in high school I used to work for The San Diego County Office of Education and other platforms presenting at school assemblies for students K-12 on a variety of topics including drug and alcohol prevention, eating disorders, and more. As I grew older I did other public… Read More
Let’s Talk About: What Ghosting is Doing to Our Mental Health & Our Children
The phenomenon of ghosting is not necessarily a new concept, but the term is becoming a new word in our mainstream culture’s vocabulary. If you aren’t yet familiar with ghosting, consider yourself one of the lucky ones. Let’s hope that you and or your children will never be ghosted. Ghosting is the cruelest form of rejection. Have you ever had… Read More
Let’s Talk About: The Power of Play with Melissa & Doug
Melissa & Doug toys have been a part of our family’s culture for many years. As a mom of two young children, I value the mission behind the brand, the quality of the products, and the assortment of play options they have for children of all ages. And as a long-time active consumer of the brand, I love that their products… Read More
Let’s Talk About: Suicide Prevention Awareness
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and I would like to offer my therapeutic expertise and help educate you on the risk factors, warning signs and symptoms, and possible solutions and preventative measures of suicide. Did you know that someone in the US commits suicide every 12 minutes? Everyday 123 Americans die each day because of suicide. And… Read More