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Let's Be Friends! by David Krasky, author of Raising Future Adults In a world increasingly shaped by technology, automation, and artificial intelligence, one human skill remains irreplaceable: the ability to form and sustain meaningful relationships. As a school psychologist, I often tell parents that academic achievement may open doors, but interpersonal skills determine how far a child walks through them. Relationships will be the most important commodity of the future, no

Written by Licensed School Psychologist and author of Raising Future Adults , David Krasky, Psy.S. Raising a child with a disability — whether diagnosed or still being understood — opens up important emotional moments with your child. As a school psychologist, I want to help you approach these conversations with clarity, compassion, and confidence . Every child is different, and no single script fits all, but what follows gives you a framework to build on, with practical lang

Parenting is a journey filled with joy, challenges, and countless learning moments. As someone who has spent years exploring effective ways to nurture children, I understand how important it is to adopt approaches that foster growth, respect, and emotional well-being. One of the most impactful ways to achieve this is through positive parenting techniques . These methods not only improve behavior but also strengthen the bond between parent and child, leading to better outcomes

By David Krasky, Psy. S., Licensed School Psychologist and author of Raising Future Adults As a licensed school psychologist, I often remind parents that some of the most powerful learning moments for children don’t come from flashcards, apps, or even direct instruction. They come from observation. One of the most developmentally rich—and increasingly rare—forms of observation is people watching . If you were born before the invention of smart phones, odds are you were once a

As a school psychologist, I often remind parents that how we talk to children matters just as much as what we say. Difficult topics—behavior problems, mental health, school struggles, peer conflict, screen use, or safety—can quickly trigger defensiveness in children. When children feel judged, blamed, or interrogated, their nervous system shifts into protection mode. At that point, learning, honesty, and connection shut down. The goal of effective communication is not to “w

The holiday season is filled with lights, excitement, and—if we’re being honest—an overwhelming number of “I want that!” moments. For children, this time of year is emotionally charged, making it the perfect opportunity to teach one of the most important lifelong skills: delay of gratification (unless you have unlimited money and resources...and even if you do, you should still teach this skill to your children). Delay of gratification is the ability to pause, think, and cho

Building Connection, Healthy Habits, and a Balanced Life In my work with families, one of the most common concerns I hear is this: “My child spends too much time on screens. How do I cut it back without a fight?” The truth is that screens are not inherently harmful—many offer educational value, creativity, and social connection. But when screen time crowds out relationships, physical activity, imaginative play, and real-world experiences , children lose opportunities that are

Parents are often surprised—and sometimes frustrated—to learn that the child who earns praise at school for being respectful, focused, and hardworking can become defiant, emotional, or dysregulated the moment they walk through the front door. This contrast is far more common than many families realize. Understanding why it happens is the first step toward creating a calmer, more cooperative home environment. As a psychologist, I see this pattern frequently, and it typically r

Learning isn’t one thing — it’s a set of processes that let kids understand, use, and transfer knowledge, not just repeat facts on command. Below I explain, in plain language, what the science says about how children form durable learning, how you can teach them to become self-directed learners, and concrete strategies to make sure they learn (not merely memorize). Most children, teens and young adults have shared that most of their learning is actually memorizing and event

Parenting a child with ADHD can sometimes feel like walking through a maze—just when you think you’ve found the right path, another challenge appears. Yet, with the right mindset and evidence-based strategies, children with ADHD can not only manage their symptoms but also flourish. The key lies in finding what works and focusing on strengths , not just struggles. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is not a lack of intelligence, motivation, or potential—it’s a di

According to the National Education Association, special education cuts will negatively impact students with disabilities by potentially decreasing funding, leading to fewer teachers and support staff, and reducing access to essential services like therapy and assistive technology. These cuts can also weaken federal oversight, making it harder to enforce legal protections and ensure schools provide a free and appropriate public education as required by the Individuals with Di

As parents, one of our greatest hopes is that our children will grow into independent, socially mature young adults who can navigate relationships, manage responsibilities, and make thoughtful choices. But independence and social maturity don’t develop on their own—they’re learned through meaningful experiences, consistent guidance, and opportunities to practice skills in the real world. Schools' have been focusing more and more on reading, writing and math with increased amo

"I'm fine!" "I'm only upset because you made me!" "Leave me alone!" As a school psychologist, I often remind parents that children “speak” in more ways than just words. Much of what we can learn about a child’s emotional and psychological functioning comes from carefully observing changes in their behavior, tone of voice, and daily habits. When parents tune into these subtle shifts, they gain valuable insights into how their child is feeling and can intervene early when conce