Tantrums

Every parent dreads them. The relative peace of your home is shattered by a wail, a cry or a scream. Your child is thwarted in one his or her goals or simply at their wits … Read more

Using Reinforcement to Promote Child Behavior Change

From a behavioral psychological perspective, behavior is maintained by positive and negative reinforcement. This means that behavior is more likely to occur as the result of the consequences that follow it. Positive reinforcement occurs when … Read more

Grief in Development Stages

Grief is a normal reaction to the death of a loved one, which is experienced across cultures. Grief can manifest in many ways, based on the bereaved person’s developmental stage, family/cultural norms, relationship with the … Read more

Parenting in a Pandemic: Bribing and Threatening

Given that families are spending more time together during the COVID-10 pandemic, conversations about the idea of “bribing” or “threatening” children and teens seem to have increased. Many adults struggle with the language needed to … Read more

Coping with Unpleasant Emotions

Coping with Unpleasant Emotions written by Rebecca Suffness, PhD Imagine that your teen is mad that you won’t let her go to a party with friends. Imagine that your child is sad because you stepped … Read more

What is Selective Mutism

Selective Mutism is an anxiety-disorder of childhood where a child demonstrates an inability to speak in certain social environments. A child may have difficulty speaking in one environment (speaks at home, but not at school) … Read more

Is my Teen Just Being a Teenager?

Is my Teen Just Being a Teenager? By Lauren Garfield, LMFT Your teen has withdrawn to their room, the light is off, their face illuminated by the glow of their phone. You bravely pop your … Read more