“Only-child syndrome” is a popular but controversial term used to describe a set of traits or characteristics thought to be common in children who grow up without siblings. These traits, often painted in a negative light, can include selfishness, loneliness, introversion, difficulty sharing, and an overdeveloped sense of independence. However,…
It can be tough to know what’s going on in your child’s world. Little kids may not have the language to name their feelings, while older kids and teens may be resistant to opening up. As both a counselor and a mom, I recommend checking in with your children regularly….
Your 8-year-old suddenly refuses to go to birthday parties. Your teenager has started coming home from school and immediately disappearing into their room. Your preschooler, who used to hop out of the car at daycare, now clings to your leg every morning. If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not…
Parent-child relationships play a crucial role in shaping a child’s development and can influence their lives well into adulthood—sometimes positively, sometimes negatively. While most parents strive to do their best, they are human, and the challenges of raising children often lead to mistakes. As a result, conflicts and unresolved issues…
Parenting can be a joyful experience, but it’s not without its challenges. Parents often struggle with burnout, anxiety, and even depression. But with the right support and treatment, these conditions are highly treatable. Read on to find out what depression in parents looks like, how it can impact children and…
Anxiety is a natural part of life, but when anxiety goes beyond standard stress or fear, it can have a negative impact on life and relationships. Those with untreated anxiety might withdraw from or get irritable with their friends, and anxious parents might model fears and worries to their children. …
Parent-child relationships aren’t always easy to navigate, and they can become fraught with tension when past conflict goes unresolved. When someone has issues with their mother, it can be difficult to know how to change things. When managing conflict in any relationship including with one’s mother, it’s important to prioritize…
Physical touch, whether it’s a hug, a kiss, or even just holding hands, can feel great from those we love. However, it’s also possible to receive too much and become overwhelmed by touch. Many people, especially mothers, can start to feel “touched out” when their sense of physical touch is…
The transition from the laidback days of summer back to the structured environment of school can often be a challenging one for children. Just as adults might take a while to readjust to work after a vacation, children also require time to settle into their school routine. Dive into these…
When it comes to being a parent, many may feel the expectation to be bullet-proof, tireless, and a fearless leader of their household. But the reality is that parents are human—and will struggle like anyone else. And if pushed beyond their limits, parental burnout can occur. Parental burnout is a…
As much as we might try, no family is without its share of problems. But for teens who are particularly vulnerable to mistreatment as minors, or who may feel resentful and rebellious as they form their own identities in adolescence, it’s normal to wonder, “Do my parents hate me?” The…
For those of us who aren’t stay-at-home moms, we may marvel at how they’re able to run an entire household. And for some, especially those on the cusp of motherhood or who are contemplating life after pregnancy, being a stay-at-home mom may sound unfamiliar, or even scary. Besides the struggles…
