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family therapy

Understanding and Managing Big Emotions in Children

By a Professional Play Therapist Introduction: As parents, we’ve all witnessed those moments when our children’s emotions seem larger than life. Whether it’s a meltdown over a broken toy or tears at bedtime, big feelings can be overwhelming for both kids and adults. The good news? With a little understanding and a few practical strategies, […]

How Music Supports Emotional Growth in Children

Music is more than just entertainment for children—it’s a powerful tool that nurtures emotional development and well-being. As parents, understanding how music impacts your child’s emotions can help you foster a supportive and joyful environment at home.

Trust Through the Years: Nurturing a Strong Parent-Child Bond

Trust is the foundation of every healthy relationship, and the bond between parent and child is no exception. As children grow, their needs, perspectives, and independence evolve. Nurturing trust through each stage of development is essential for fostering open communication, emotional security, and lifelong connection.

The Hidden Costs of Permissive Parenting: Why Saying “Yes” Isn’t Always Best

Parenting styles play a crucial role in shaping a child’s development, self-esteem, and future relationships. Among the various approaches, permissive parenting is characterized by high responsiveness but low demands. Permissive parents are nurturing and communicative but tend to set few rules and rarely enforce consistent boundaries. While this style may seem loving and supportive, it can have significant drawbacks for children as they grow.

Facing Fears Together: How Parents Can Help Kids Handle Phobias

Phobias are more than just everyday fears—they’re intense, persistent, and can interfere with a child’s daily life. As a parent, watching your child struggle with a phobia can be heartbreaking and sometimes overwhelming. The good news? With understanding, patience, and the right strategies, you can help your child manage and overcome their fears.

Should Parenting Always be a 50/50 Effort?

Parenting is often described as a team effort, but what does that really mean? Should parenting always be a 50/50 split, or is there more to the story? In this blog, we’ll explore the dynamics of shared parenting responsibilities and how families can find balance in their unique situations.

Parental Projective Identification: Understanding and Supporting Your Child’s Emotional World

Hi there, wonderful parents! I’m so glad you’re here. Today, I want to talk about something that might sound a little technical—“parental projective identification”—but I promise, it’s a concept that can make a big difference in how we connect with our kids. As a play therapist, I see this dynamic pop up in families all the time, and understanding it can help us nurture our children’s emotional health (and our own!).

Are You Hovering? Key Signs of Helicopter Parenting

Helicopter parenting is a term used to describe parents who are overly focused on their children. These parents typically take too much responsibility for their children’s experiences and, especially, their successes or failures. While it’s natural to want the best for your child, hovering too closely can have unintended consequences.

Nurturing Resilience: Helping Kids Develop Strong Coping Skills

Raising resilient children is one of the most valuable gifts we can give as parents. Resilience helps kids navigate life’s challenges, bounce back from setbacks, and develop confidence in their ability to handle difficult situations. Here are some practical ways to help your child build strong coping skills…