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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.

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.

Social anxiety is one of the most debilitating forms of anxiety and can negatively impact children's social lives, connections with peers and important experiences that help with future independent skills

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.

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.

At its core, sensory play refers to any activity that engages a child’s senses—touch, sight, sound, smell, taste, movement, and body awareness (proprioception and vestibular input)

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.

by David Krasky, Psy.S. Licensed School Psychologist and author of Raising Future Adults As a school psychologist—and a parent—I often remind families of a simple but powerful truth: children do best when they know what’s coming . This is especially true during fun activities like vacations, trips to the store, birthday parties, or special outings. Ironically, the moments we expect to be joyful are often the ones that unravel the fastest when expectations are unclear. Excite

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

"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