Parenting
Ten Practical Tips to Prepare Your Child for Back to School
Summer break is winding down and, like it or not, it’s time to start thinking about how to prepare your child for back to school. Whether your child is entering kindergarten or navigating the middle grades, the transition from vacation mode to classroom readiness can be a big adjustment. But with a little planning and…
Read MoreParents and Adult Children: Change the Dynamic, Deepen the Bond
As children grow into adults, the dynamics of the parent-child relationship evolve. Navigating this transition can be challenging for both parents and adult children, especially as expectations, responsibilities, and life stages shift. However, improving this relationship is possible with open communication, empathy, and respect. Here are some practical tips to help strengthen the bond between…
Read MoreTeen Marijuana Use – It Ain’t the Pot from Your Day
As an addiction counselor, I’ve heard all kinds of rationale for using drugs. Some reasonable (“a drink with dinner is relaxing”) and some not so reasonable (“with all my troubles, I deserve to get high”). One rationale I’ve heard many people use about marijuana is, “It’s only pot… it’s natural… like an herb.” Nowadays I…
Read MoreWhen Helping Hurts – Enabling the Addiction of Your Child
When I was a beginning therapist and working in community mental health, I witnessed an example of what happens when families fall victim to enabling the addiction of their children. One of our services to the community was to help complete the paperwork for involuntarily hospitalization for a loved one’s treatment. Two families came in…
Read MoreHelping Our Children Leave the Nest – Parenting Adult Children
I recently read an article about Bald Eagles. The most interesting part of the article was how they raise their young and how their young become independent. Baby eagles remain in the nest for about 12 weeks, with the parent eagles bringing them food. During this time, eaglets gain a pound every few days until…
Read MoreKeeping Cool During a Child’s Tantrums
Tantrums can be so frustrating. It feels like your child is crying and screaming about something so unimportant. You may find it hard to keep your cool when you are so annoyed. Why won’t your kid be reasonable so you can both move on with your day? What can you do to help tantrums become…
Read MoreHelping Transgender and Non-Binary Teens
The first question we typically ask when a baby is born is “Is it a boy or a girl?” Traditionally, we see gender as binary (male or female). We assign a gender to our child based on the genitals that are present at their birth and we expect their gender to remain consistent throughout their…
Read MoreDepression and Other Mood Disorders in Teens
The teen years are a time of intense psychological, cognitive, and emotional change. Your teen’s moods change as frequently as the latest style and crises arise out of nowhere. Sometimes, though, your teen’s moodiness may be a sign ofsomething more serious. How do you know when to let it go and when to get help?…
Read MoreManage Homework Stress
It’s that time of year again! The school year is about to begin here in Marietta, Georgia. Students and parents are getting their supplies together and getting ready to start a brand new year. Many of you are hoping that this year is going to be better than the last. Here are some easy tips…
Read MoreCommunication Tips to Get Your Child Talking
Ever noticed that your child or teen clams up when you ask about their day….their friends…their lives? Learning to be a better listener can help kids feel more comfortable opening up. Here are some tips to get the ball rolling: Take the pressure off your communication Kids often are more open when they are doing…
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