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What Do I Tell My Kids About Santa? Tips for Tough Conversations
With Christmas right around the corner, I have found myself having this conversation with multiple clients recently. “How do I explain Santa to my literal child with Autism?” “I don’t want to lie to my child who has experienced trauma, but I also want to keep the magic of Christmas alive for them.” “My child is afraid of Santa, how do I navigate that in my house where other children still believe?” There are no hard rules when it comes to Christmas “magic,” and I encourage everyone to think about what is best for the children in their household, even if it doesn’t look like the Hallmark movies. Below are…
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Parenting Teens in Today’s World: How to Build Trust & Connection
Raising a teenager is tricky. Today’s parents face new challenges. Teenagers experience more stress than ever. Social media, academic pressure, and global uncertainty add to this tension. Supporting their mental health is now a key responsibility of modern parenting. The good news is that parents can make a real difference. Staying connected and creating safe spaces for conversation can help teens. Modeling healthy behaviors also supports their growth during this important time. Let’s explore some key parenting tips to support teens as they navigate today’s world. Understanding the Teen Landscape Teenagers today grow up in a very different world from their parents. Seeing these challenges helps your teen feel understood.…
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Why Autism Symptoms Can Be More Noticeable in Teens: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers
As a parent of a 14-year-old recently diagnosed with Level 1 Autism, I’ve come to understand that autism isn’t something that suddenly appears. Sometimes, it’s been there all along, just quietly woven into the fabric of your child’s being. For years, my daughter was seen as a quirky, bright, hilarious, and compassionate kid. And she is all those things. But behind that brilliant mind and so much empathy, is a nervous system constantly bombarded by stimulation, demands, and unspoken expectations. Internally, it can feel like she’s on fire—overwhelmed by noise, social complexity, and the invisible rules of the world that she often doesn’t understand. It’s hard to watch your child…
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Parenting with Pride: Navigating Your Teen’s Journey with Love & Understanding
Parenting a teenager is a journey full of growth—for them and for you. When your teen begins exploring or questioning their sexuality or gender identity, it can bring both beautiful moments and complex emotions. Whether you fully embrace your teen’s identity, or find yourself struggling to understand it, remember this: your love and support can be life-saving. So, let’s explore helpful tips and resources to support you in walking alongside your teen—and parenting with Pride. The Risks Are Real — But So Is the Power of Support According to The Trevor Project’s 2023 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health, 41% of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the…
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How to Help Your Child Overcome Separation Anxiety
Practical strategies for parents separation anxiety can be a challenging emotional hurdle for children, especially in times of transition, such as a parent’s illness, changes in the environment, divorce, etc. Sometimes separation anxiety can appear like not wanting to go to school, wanting to stay close to the parent no matter where they go, not wanting to sleep in their bed alone, and many more. As parents, understanding how to support your child through these tough moments is crucial. Here are some practical strategies to help your child navigate separation anxiety effectively. 8 Steps to Support Your Child Through Separation Anxiety 1. Acknowledge Their Feelings One of the first steps…
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Does My Child Need Counseling?
When you see your child struggling, it can be hard to know what to do as a parent. In those moments you may wonder, “Are they going through a phase or is this something more?” Most of the time it’s not always clear as to what is going on or what you should do, leaving you with the question, “Does my child or teen need counseling?” There is no parenting manual I often ask parents when they come into my office if they ever received the manual on how to deal with all the challenges parenting throws their way. Out of the hundreds of parents I’ve asked over the course…
