Butterfly Beginnings Counseling

Play Therapy and Counseling for children and families in Davenport, Iowa

Promoting Empathy in Your Child: 9 Practical Tips

May 12, 2025

As a parent, it’s natural to worry when your child refuses to eat certain foods or seems overly focused on their eating habits. You might wonder, “Is this just a phase, or could it be something more serious?” As a play therapist, I’ve worked with many families facing this very question. Let’s explore the difference between picky eating and an eating disorder—and how you can support your child.

Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health: A Guide to Being Involved Without Overstepping

May 5, 2025

As a parent, it’s natural to worry when your child refuses to eat certain foods or seems overly focused on their eating habits. You might wonder, “Is this just a phase, or could it be something more serious?” As a play therapist, I’ve worked with many families facing this very question. Let’s explore the difference between picky eating and an eating disorder—and how you can support your child.

Navigating Mealtime Struggles: A Play Therapist’s Advice for Parents

April 29, 2025

As a parent, it’s natural to worry when your child refuses to eat certain foods or seems overly focused on their eating habits. You might wonder, “Is this just a phase, or could it be something more serious?” As a play therapist, I’ve worked with many families facing this very question. Let’s explore the difference between picky eating and an eating disorder—and how you can support your child.

Navigating the Challenges of Adolescence: Parenting Strategies That Work

April 7, 2025

Parenting teenagers can feel like navigating uncharted waters. Adolescence is a time of rapid change—physically, emotionally, and socially—which can leave parents unsure of how to support their teens best. The good news? With the right strategies, you can build a trusting relationship while guiding your teen through this transformative stage.

What is Sandtray Play Therapy?

March 31, 2025

Sandtray play therapy is a therapeutic technique that allows children to express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences through the use of miniature figures and a sandbox. This form of therapy is particularly effective for children who may have difficulty articulating their emotions verbally.

The Effects of Highly Critical Parents

March 24, 2025

While every parent wants the best for their child, the approach taken can significantly impact a child’s development and well-being. One such approach that can have profound effects is being overly critical. In this blog, we will explore the effects of highly critical parenting and offer insights into fostering a more supportive environment.

Recognizing Signs of Stress in Children

March 18, 2025

In today’s fast-paced world, children are not immune to stress. As parents, it’s crucial to recognize the signs of stress in your children to provide them with the support they need. Stress in children can manifest in various ways, and understanding these signs can help you address the underlying issues effectively.

Fostering the Crucial ‘C’ of Connect in Your Child

March 3, 2025

Fostering a strong connection with your child is one of the most rewarding and impactful aspects. The concept of the “Crucial C’s”—Connect, Capable, Count, and Courage—developed by Dr. Betty Lou Bettner and Dr. Amy Lew, emphasizes the importance of these elements in a child’s development. In this blog, we will focus on the first “C”: Connect.

The Role of Empathy in Parenting: Building Stronger Connections

February 24, 2025

Parenting is a journey filled with joy, challenges, and countless learning opportunities. One of the most powerful tools in a parent’s toolkit is empathy. Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of another, plays a crucial role in building strong, healthy connections with your children. Here’s why empathy is essential in parenting and […]