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There are moments when I look at my teenage daughter and think: "Who is this person, and what happened to the sweet little girl who used to think I was the funniest person on Earth?" There are days when she is thoughtful, funny, affectionate and genuinely wonderful to be around....And then there are other days. Days when I ask a completely reasonable question and receive a look that suggests I have committed a serious international crime.

Few decisions are more frightening for a parent than deciding whether a child needs psychiatric hospitalization. In Florida alone, around 160,000 children and teens were hospitalized due to fear that they might hurt themselves or someone else last year. Personally, I've had to evaluate the risk of a child or teen in order to ensure their safety and proper treatment planning to promote mental wellness, long-term growth all while trying to reduce the negative impacts that hospi

There are few things more frightening for a parent than realizing that their child has been struggling emotionally and did not feel comfortable telling anyone. Teenagers and young adults may experience anxiety, depression, loneliness, trauma, relationship problems, academic pressure, bullying, substance use, suicidal thoughts, or feelings of hopelessness.

The important distinction is between preparing a child for anxiety and repeatedly warning a child about anxiety. The first can build confidence. The second can unintentionally communicate that anxiety is dangerous and something the child needs to fear.

But there is an important difference between protecting a child from overwhelming distress and helping a child gradually learn that they can tolerate discomfort. That distinction can have profound implications—not only for childhood anxiety and resilience, but also for a child's ability to become an independent young adult.

For many young people, entering the workforce has become less about taking a first step and more about believing they must identify the perfect career before taking any step at all. As a result, they become stuck in what psychologists often refer to as the fight, flight, or freeze response.

Data continues to reveal that waiting for children to use social media is often better than allowing them access when they are young

Positive relationships with parents, teachers, and peers provide emotional security and guidance. When children feel understood and supported, they are less likely to engage in risky behaviors.

Lying is actually a normal part of child development. It often reflects immature impulse control, fear of punishment, wishful thinking, social experimentation or underdeveloped emotional regulation rather than malicious intent. Understanding why children lie is one of the most powerful ways to respond effectively and build long-term honesty.

As a school psychologist, I have seen how understanding a child’s behavior patterns, recognizing triggers, and teaching coping skills before a child becomes overwhelmed can reduce the frequency and intensity of meltdowns. This article offers practical steps, phrases, and coping strategies tailored to different ages and settings to help parents support their children effectively.

Children do not outgrow fears simply with time or reassurance. They outgrow them through experience—specifically, repeated experiences of facing something difficult and discovering

Children are highly sensitive to the emotional climate at home. When parents argue, children may feel unsafe, confused, or responsible for the conflict. These feelings can trigger anxiety, which might show up as: Sleep disturbances such as nightmares or difficulty falling asleep; Physical symptoms like stomachaches or headaches without clear medical causes; Behavioral changes including withdrawal, irritability, or aggression; Difficulty concentrating at school or during activ

If you had to hire someone for your company, would you hire the Harvard grad with poor social skills and an inability to collaborate with others or the community college grade who is relatable, socially mature and flexible? Unless those traits don't matter (think of professions with limited social interactions) you're going to want someone on your team who can get along with others, compromise and read the room.

Adolescence is a developmental bridge between childhood and adulthood—marked not only by physical maturation, but by profound shifts in identity, emotional regulation, and social awareness. Romantic and platonic relationships become central during this period, serving as a laboratory for learning communication, vulnerability, boundaries, and self-worth.

Parents today are surrounded by apps, tablets, and “educational” digital toys promising to boost children’s learning and attention. But research increasingly suggests that many traditional toys are actually better for developing children’s emotional regulation, focus, and executive functioning. In my work with children and families, I often recommend going back to the basics.

Parenting is a journey filled with joy, challenges, and countless learning moments. As someone who has spent years exploring effective ways to foster communication, healthy development and social/emotional growth, I understand how important it is to adopt approaches that promote positive change and connection. One of the most impactful ways to achieve this is through positive parenting techniques. These methods improve behavior and strengthen the bond between parent and child

The basic developmental architecture of children's brains has NOT been radically transformed over the past few generations. Children still need attachment, play, movement, sleep, social interaction, challenge, exploration, responsibility, novelty and opportunities to solve problems. What has changed dramatically is the environment in which children's brains are developing.