Adverse childhood experiences are classified as a form of childhood trauma that can increase our chances of significant mental and physical health problems later in life. Adverse childhood experiences may take the form of parents divorcing, family violence, verbal or physical abuse, a family member’s terminal illness, sibling bullying,…
A recent study showed a connection between monthly cash gifts to low-income mothers and enhanced cognitive development in their infants. Financial well-being can contribute to healthy development in children by alleviating parental stress and the cognitive effects of toxic stress. Children who experience toxic stress are at increased risk for…
Because children grieve differently from adults, they can benefit from bereavement support tailored to their specific needs. Grief camps for kids help children process grief and loss through group and one-on-one counseling, yes, but also through play and art. You can observe the power of children’s grief camps in the…
If you want to get a quick picture of what a refugee or asylum seeker might feel, put yourself in their shoes for a moment: What would you carry if you had to leave your home abruptly, perhaps forever? Everyone is one major humanitarian crisis away from refugee status, no…
While moving can be a positive experience for a family, moving with kids often has some negative implications for the children involved. Moving has the most profound impact on kids over the age of 5, as it’s particularly difficult for them to leave behind friends and adjust in a new…
People pleasers are those who never say “no.” They’re the people who sacrifice their own needs to help others, to their own detriment. If you yourself are a people pleaser, the good news is that you can get out of this harmful pattern and the grips of family members who…
When you lose someone close to you, that grief never fully goes away—but you do learn to cope with it over time. Several effective coping techniques include talking with loved ones about your pain, remembering all of the good in your life, engaging in your favorite activities, and consulting with…
There’s a difference between self-soothing and self-care. The former offers short-term relief while the latter can contribute to greater wellbeing that lasts. Self-care for parents isn’t the same as me-time or self-improvement. It’s sustainable, nourishing, and compassionate. Checking in with yourself doesn’t have to feel like another chore, and you…
A new study finds that fewer than two hours of daily screen time can adversely affect a kid’s life satisfaction. Physical activity is crucial to wellbeing, and sedentary screen time interferes with exercise hours. Screen time guidelines can become more nuanced as children return to in-person learning. Experts recommend separating…
Dads are commonly portrayed in pop culture as oblivious, absent-minded, and detached—in other words, they’re often shown as being incapable of parenting. The laughs are real, but the societal implications are as well. Our favorite shows and media often critique and remark on our social norms and issues. When it…
The mental health of parents can influence their children environmentally as well as genetically. When kids are feeling anxious, it may be time to look at what fearful, overcautious parents are teaching children about themselves. Anxiety is a natural part of life, but anxious parents can model healthy coping strategies…
Click here to schedule online counseling at Thriveworks. Hey guys. Pedro Sam with Thriveworks Fort Lauderdale. I’m a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and I come to you today to just talk to you for a few minutes. As you know, our world is going through so many difficult situations right now. We…