The human-animal bond is so deep-rooted and self-evident that most scientists neglected to study it for decades. We now know that the loving relationships between domesticated animals and humans are bidirectional, bestowing health benefits on both man and beast. Though only some pets are officially called emotional support animals (ESAs),…
I was talking to my sister the other day (I grew up an only child, but luckily got step-sisters when I was older). We haven’t seen each other in a while and were catching up on life. During our conversation, she said something that caught my attention: “You know how…
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…
Whether your toddler has received an autism diagnosis, or you suspect your young one is on the spectrum, there’s a host of activities you can use at home to keep your child both active and engaged. Homeschooling your autistic toddler may seem complex, but you don’t have to feel overwhelmed…
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…
The children of depressed parents could be at an increased risk of developing depression or other mental health disorders. Our external environment, in addition to our parent’s own experience with mental health conditions, may set into motion subtle shifts in our genetics; one allele, in particular, might leave kids vulnerable…
Even if you can’t relate to the sports fanatics who paint their teams’ colors on their bellies and go on week-long alcohol benders when their teams lose, you can still identify with the tragedy writ large on 7-year-old Prince George’s babyish features when England lost to Italy in the Euro…
If you’re a parent, you’re probably wondering (and worrying about) how your kids are doing post-pandemic. While virtual learning enabled kids to continue learning amid Covid-19, experts say they may need some extra time and space to re-adjust before they head back to the classroom. Whether you have younger or…
Click here to schedule online counseling at Thriveworks. Hey there, I’m Joy. I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor at Thriveworks in Chesterfield, Virginia. I absolutely love working with families. Families have drama and excitement. Highs and lows in the context of family is where we really live, where our true self…
We are living in historic times. As a society, we are scared, overwhelmed, tired, confused, and impatient. And it’s only been a few weeks. We are all settling into the certainty of uncertainty. So many of us aren’t sleeping well, we’re not eating well, and we’ve lost many of the…
You’re seconds away from declaring your grocery run with your 5-year-old a success when they start screaming. They beg for a candy bar and flail their arms in protest when you say no. What now? It all depends on how you respond to your 5-year-old’s temper tantrum. Here are four…