Netflix launched a new show at the end of March 2017 called ’13 Reasons Why” that has drawn a lot of buzz in therapy circles and parenting groups. Like most popular culture, it succeeds at keeping you in suspense enough to watch multiple episodes in a row. In fact, your teens are probably staying up […]
Is Music.ly Safe For Teens?
Music.ly (pronounced as if there were not a period), is a video social media platform based around (you guessed it) music and marketed by the company as a way to “live with passion, live music.ly” It has been one of the most popular topics among teens in my office. And…one of the most concerning sites […]
When Do You Take A Suicide Threat Seriously?
A suicide threat is probably one of my least favorite parts of therapy practice. How do you know when to take these threats seriously and when can you chalk it up to teenage melodrama? As much I would like to give you an easy answer, this one is just plain complicated. And, unfortunately, actual completed […]
Valentine’s Day and Teenagers: Dealing with Dating and Also Still Being a Parent
Valentine’s Day between couples is something that I have never really celebrated. I always thought it was silly. And, Valentine’s Day was my Mom’s birthday and so I never really considered it anything but that. (Happy Birthday, Mom!) But, when I had children, I felt obligated to make sure that they had what they needed for […]
I’m Bored: How To Respond When Your Child Can’t Entertain Himself
What can you do when your child complains of being bored? Well, it’s January-we are all bored! It’s cold and rainy here this week and the opportunities for outside recreation are limited to say the least. Despite the piles of new toys from the holidays, kids quickly resort back to feeling bored at home. For […]
Top 5 New Year’s Resolutions for Busy Parents
January is coming, do you make New’s Years Resolutions? Well, I love resolutions and I am really good at keeping them. Really good. Last year my resolution was to try new things. (Being in a practical baby jail with3 very young babies, it was difficult to do more than my weekly Target trips for diapers). […]
How To Keep Teens Off Their Phone During Holiday Breaks
Does anyone is your family have nomophobia? What the heck is that, you ask? Nomophobia is a term coined to describe the anxiety that people feel when they do not have access to a mobile phone. It is closely related to FOMO (fear of missing out). Although not an actual mental health disorder, it does […]
Consequences: Change Your Words To Change Behavior (Part 2)
Want to learn how to impose consequences without being “the Bad Guy”? Here’s another simple language tweak that can have a big impact on behavior. We already talked about the simple language tweak to Eliminate Bribes by using three simple words to encourage responsibility and promote compliance with rules. But what if that technique doesn’t […]
Bribes: Change Your Words To Change Behaviors (Part 1)
Do you offer bribes to your child to get good behavior? Parents often feel guilty about “using bribes” to get their children to comply with rules. I hear it all the time. They will say, I bribed my kid with video games to get him to take his medicine. Or, I bribed my little ones […]
My Ex is An Alcoholic? Should My Child Still Have Visits?
Managing parent and child visits when drugs or alcohol is involved can be tricky. Sadly, drug and alcohol abuse is a factor in over 30 million homes (according to Narc-Anon). And, too many of those homes involve children. If you are dealing with a spouse or an ex that has a drug or alcohol problem, […]