From time-to-time, I hear some variation of, “My child is so manipulative. She’s only cutting herself and saying she is depressed for attention. She’s not really that depressed.” When manipulation is suggested, there are several points I typically make to parents: 1) … Continue reading
Category Archives: parenting
Reader Asks: My stepson’s father sucks.
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Reader Asks: I have a step son who while isn’t “special needs,” he has anxiety and general effort issues. He certainly requires more time and energy than my kids to motivate and disciple. That however is not why I write … Continue reading
Teach your anxious child to be a “thought detective.”
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So I came across this old article on Huff Post about things that a parent can do for an anxious child, and I loved all of it. Especially the part about telling them why it’s good to worry (anxiety can … Continue reading
Reader Asks: My kid says she hates herself! What do I do?
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Question: The other day my six year old fell riding her bike. When I went over to her to comfort her, she was crying because she skinned her knee, but she was also saying she hates herself. I didn’t know … Continue reading
Tips for Parents of Anxious Kids.
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Anxiety is the most commonly diagnosed mental illness in America. As of 2000, 8-10% of children were diagnosed with some form of anxiety disorder. Many parents have asked me what they can do to make their anxious child feel less worried, fearful, and panicked. Of … Continue reading
What to do if you think your kid is being bullied.
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Ask yourself: IS THE OTHER KID BEING REPEATEDLY CRUEL? If you answered YES: This is bullying. Empathize calmly, not dramatically. (Don’t emphasize how much of a victim your kid is. Do not inadvertently solidify his identity as helpless or hopeless … Continue reading
Dear Friend, Sorry But My Mom-Mobile is Too Dirty For You to Enter.
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Dear neighbor who recently made the innocent mistake of asking to ride in my car to our mutual destination, I apologize for my deafening and abrupt “NO.” I noticed that my intensity caused you to pause and blink, rightfully bewildered. I’m also sorry if I involuntarily … Continue reading
You set the tone (for your young kid’s sense of fear/tension)
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When I first heard that my husband scheduled a work trip the week our youngest was getting minor surgery (ear tubes), this was me: But then, I remembered one of my favorite Dr. Psych Mom articles, and had an … Continue reading
Reader asks: My toddler keeps hitting other kids!! Help!
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Question from a reader. Answered without the fluff.
A new resolution for wives: Chillax already.
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Before you assume I am a biased, raging sexist, I am directing this post toward women as opposed to men for three reasons: 1) Of the six people who told me their 2015 New Year’s resolution was some version of … Continue reading
ON THE YELLOW COUCH 