Depression hurts. It can make you feel so many emotions or none at all. It can affect one’s energy level and engagement with others. When a parent has depression, it definitely can impact the family. If you suffer from depression, please know that this is not intended to call you out or make you feel …
The Way I Feel by Janan Cain
One of the many things young children need to master in early childhood is how to handle their emotions or what we call, self-regulate. Emotions are a psychological state that is often accompanied by physical sensations or reactions that allow us to express ourselves. These emotions can be beautiful and messy, big and strong, sometimes …
Self-reflections on a new year and new course
Like many of you, the new year inspires us to self-reflect and set new intentions. This is what it would be like…I would start a new habit, like working out for 30 minutes a day, and will stick to it a few weeks or months even…but life happens and sometimes those behaviors just don’t stick. …
Was It The Chocolate Pudding?: A Children’s Book about Divorce
When parents face divorce or separation, it can be very stressful to break the news to children. Last month I had developed a parent-friendly handout on talking tips for parents to help them stay child-focused when facing this particular life change. For readers of my blog, you know I love finding children’s books that help …
What in the World to Do When Divorce Happens: Stay Child-Focused
Sometimes relationships end. It is one of the more common “adverse childhood experiences” that can occur over the course of a child’s lifetime. Almost 50% of all first time marriages will end in divorce within 15 years, according to the CDC . The Truth About ACEs Infographic by RWJF on RWJF.org It is never an …
Parent Talk: Giving Commands So You Get Follow Through
When parents get frustrated about kids not listening or minding them, we often times want to restate the request or think we must get louder to get their attention…but, that often contributes to feelings of upset and resentment for both parent and child. In these moments, I think it is most helpful to remember two …
GUEST BLOG POST: What is Restless Leg Syndrome?
As a behavioral pediatrician I often see children who have sleep issues–whether it be taking a long time to sleep, night wakings or refusing to sleep. One of the first things I must do is to determine whether there is a medical reason for the sleep challenges or if it is purely behavioral. One of …
Don’t lose out on the power of everyday moments!
Right from birth, children are learning to adapt to their new environment with help–most especially from YOU. Because they are dependent on the adults who care for their basic needs, infants must learn quickly that when they are feeling hungry, tired or need snuggles, they need to cry, fuss, or coo at you to get …
Study Opportunity: Understanding how parents use smartphones to learn about child development
Have you ever searched the app store for different apps for yourself or for your child? There are apps for everything! Our group at Indiana University is embarking on a new study to understand how parents use smartphones to learn about child development. If you are a parent of a child 5 years or less …
Unraveling Rose by Brian Wray
It can be really difficult to help children who worry excessively about things. As parents you want to be able to console and comfort them, to wipe away their tears and wish those little minds of theirs could quiet and give them relief from fears, from worries or from struggles. It can be very hard …