Separation anxiety in young children (birth-8) has been one of the most common challenges I have worked with in 2021, as a family psychotherapist and early childhood mental health consultant, in the Washington, DC metro area. As we have returned to in-person school, extra-curricular activities and socializing after a year of social distancing, some of…
When my son was 2 years old, he loved letting himself fall forward on a mattress, over and over as he beamed with excitement. His entire body safely bounced up and down. He perfected his technique over the years, and then started teaching it to me. I took these “Lessons on Falling” as a challenge to…
Fellow parents, our new reality of chronic stress and isolation due to the pandemic calls for new parenting approaches. New approaches could be novel or modified ways of being, which stem from thoughtful reflection, rather than actions without a clear purpose. Please notice my emphasis on BEING, rather than DOING. We are spending more time…
Our lives have changed. The rug was pulled from under our feet. We have spent a few months hovering between safety and minimal risk — juggling new roles, learning ways to stay safe, and grieving multiple losses. Now, as we contemplate the possibility of returning to some activities, we wonder, what are we walking…
Upon 20 years as a psychotherapist and 45 years on the planet, I continue finding strength in the Serenity Prayer by Karl Neigbuhr (scroll down). In the past year, significant personal losses brought the value of this prayer to the forefront of my daily coping. I created the following adaptation that I’d like to share,…
In celebration of National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day (May 10), I advocate for the most valuable gift we can give to our children…mindful parents and caregivers!!! Mindfulness does not require meditating regularly (though it is helpful). Mindfulness is a way of being, rather than doing. Being a mindful parent/caretaker means being fully present in the moment,…
Having a place for psychological safety is particularly beneficial during times of stress. Autumn is a season of many transitions that generate anxiety for children: new schools, new classrooms, new teachers, new routines, weather changes, etc. This is a prime time to proactively support our children emotionally. Here is an idea… Have you wondered why children love…
For National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day (May 6, 2019), I make a call to parents/caretakers of young children to roll up our sleeves, get down on the floor and… play! Playing for a few minutes as part of daily routines is one of the best investments we can make in our children’s mental health. I am referring…
Welcome to the holidays! The frenzy of celebrations and anticipation can drive us to overlook the accompanying stress of traveling, logistics, cooking, family obligations, shopping…and affording it all! We may end up not taking time to rest and enjoy with our families. Traditions and the mass media lead us to repeat habits without questioning how much they…
More reflections on capturing the opportunity to grow as parents, while supporting our children’s wellbeing…in my interview for Awesome Women Entrepreneurs Radio Show about my journey becoming an early childhood therapist and consultant.