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A fractured parent-child relationship DOES NOT necessarily mean that love has disappeared. More often, it means that frustration, disappointment, unresolved conflict, hurt feelings, unmet needs, or repeated misunderstandings have accumulated to the point that connection has become difficult.

Giving a child a cell phone can be an important step toward independence. But it can also create a completely new set of parenting challenges. How much screen time is too much? Should your child have TikTok or Instagram? What apps should require permission? Should you be checking your teenager's messages? What time should the phone be turned off? And what happens when your child refuses to put it down? Parents don't need to become technology experts to answer these ques

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.

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.

The most effective consequences are those that are predictable, connected to the behavior, consistently enforced, and paired with warmth and coaching rather than punishment. Research from developmental psychology, behavioral psychology, and parenting science consistently shows that children and adolescents are more likely to change behavior when parents combine high expectations with high emotional support (often referred to as authoritative parenting) rather than harsh punis

Learn how Authoritative Parenting 2.0 combines empathy with clear boundaries to raise confident, resilient, emotionally healthy children.

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.

Summer offers something the school year often cannot: time to practice real-life skills in real-life situations. Skills like social confidence, communication abilities, decision making, emotional regulation, independence, organization, frustration tolerance, problem solving, and responsibility are skills children build through repeated experience — not lectures. Like reading fluency or multiplication, these abilities improve through practice.

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.

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.

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.

This article focuses on how parents inadvertently reinforce dependence in children and teens

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

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

Self-motivation is easily one of the best predictors of future success. More than intelligence or academic skills. Think about it. A gifted child who doesn't do his or her work gets failing grades. An advanced reader who doesn't read the assigned novel fails the test.