Separation anxiety is a state of mind characterized by distress as a result of being apart from loved ones or worrying about being separated from them. Adults, teens, and children can all experience separation anxiety–and when this state of mind becomes persistent, a mental health evaluation may classify it as…
Father’s day is focused on celebrating the bond between fathers and their children. However, Father’s Day is also a time to understand the science and psychology that creates such a special connection. From changes in brain chemistry to long-term emotional well-being, father-child connections are complex. Becoming a father drastically alters…
Teaching kids the fundamentals of self-care can help sustain mental well-being across the lifespan. Lead by example to help kids learn best practices; be a role model for positive self-care habits like eating well and exercising. You can improve children’s emotional intelligence by helping them build their emotional vocabulary. Children…
Abandonment issues are a coping mechanism that often forms during the course of a stressful or traumatic childhood upbringing. Although abandonment issues are often formed in childhood, the full extent and damage of their long-lasting impact are often not presented until the individual attempts to form interpersonal relationships in adulthood. …
People don’t sever family relationships casually; it’s usually a long, painful process of recognition and internal struggle. Family estrangement is often caused by the negative behavior patterns of toxic parents, which can include manipulation and mockery. The decision to cut off toxic parents is a heavy burden, and it brings…
Stress, poor sleep, and a shortage of alone-time can all be creativity killers–and it’s a rare artist who doesn’t feel stuck, frustrated, or burnt-out right now. But the creative brain is characterized by its ability to widen its perceptual field and invite new experiences. The creative brain draws meaning from…
A division of the School of Medicine at the University of Virginia has conducted extensive research into the “past life memories” of children. These spontaneous child “reincarnation” stories usually have elements in common, like the violent death of the previous personality and intense emotions. Some critics use psychological explanations like…
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 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…
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…
Nowadays, a child will spend over six hours a day in front of a screen. That’s around 45 hours a week! Let me put this into perspective for you: you probably work a 40-hour week. The average child spends more time looking at a screen then you spend at work…
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…