Play Therapy and Counseling for children and families in Davenport, Iowa
Introduction: Leaving your child home alone for the first time can feel like a big step—for both you and your child! As a play therapist, I know this milestone is filled with questions, excitement, and maybe a little anxiety. How do you know when your child is ready? What can you do to make the […]
As parents, we all want our children to feel loved, understood, and supported. One of the most powerful ways to nurture your child’s emotional well-being is by creating a safe space at home where they feel comfortable expressing their feelings. Here’s how you can foster an environment that encourages open and healthy emotional expression, with examples for every age.
As parents, we want the best for our kids. We want them to feel loved, safe, and supported. However, sometimes our well-meaning efforts to make life easier can inadvertently make it harder for them in the long run.
As parents, we all want to foster deep, meaningful connections with our children. One of the most effective—and enjoyable—ways to do this is through playtime. Play is more than just fun; it’s a powerful tool for building trust, communication, and emotional security.
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.
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.
Parenting is a journey filled with joy, challenges, and—let’s be honest—a fair share of self-doubt. Every parent, at some point, wonders if they’re doing enough, doing it right, or simply doing it well. If you find yourself struggling with parenting insecurities, know that you’re not alone. Here are some practical tips to help you cope and build confidence in your parenting journey:
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.
Parenting teenagers can be a rollercoaster ride, filled with moments of joy, frustration, and uncertainty. One of the most debated topics among parents is whether it’s ever acceptable to snoop on their teen. As a play therapist, I understand the delicate balance between respecting a teen’s privacy and ensuring their safety. In this blog, we’ll explore this sensitive topic and provide guidance to help parents navigate these tricky waters.
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!).