Facing Fears – How to Use Halloween to Teach Bravery

As Halloween approaches, many children look forward to dressing up, trick-or-treating, and celebrating with their families. However, Halloween can also introduce some fear and anxiety due to spooky decorations, costumes, and unfamiliar situations. As parents and caregivers, Halloween offers a unique opportunity to help children face their fears in a safe, supportive environment. By guiding them through these experiences, you can teach valuable lessons about bravery and resilience.

This month, we explore how you can use Halloween to help your child build bravery, overcome challenges, and feel more confident. With the right approach, even the spookiest parts of the season can become stepping stones to emotional growth.

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Felicia Diazparents
A Parent's Guide to Embracing Radical Acceptance

Parenting is a journey filled with highs and lows, and one powerful tool to navigate this path is “Radical Acceptance,” a core concept from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Understanding and applying radical acceptance can significantly enhance how you and your child manage life’s challenges. In this article, we will discuss what radical acceptance is and how you can utilize this approach with your children.

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Empowering Parents to "Check the Facts" with Tweens and Teens

Navigating parenting a tween or teen can be both rewarding and daunting, especially when faced with challenges like anxiety or depression. In these moments, understanding how to support your child effectively becomes crucial. One invaluable tool that can make a significant difference is founded in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), called "Check the Facts." This skill empowers both you and your teenager to be a “detective”, looking at the evidence to confront overwhelming emotions with a clear, objective perspective. In this article, we'll explore how you can integrate "Check the Facts" into your interactions, helping your teen navigate their emotions more effectively and fostering a stronger connection between you both.

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What is "Neurodivergence"?

In recent years, the concept of "neurodivergence" has surged into the forefront of discussions, capturing widespread attention among parents, teens and professionals alike. Yet, amidst the buzz, clarity remains elusive for many, with interpretations varying widely. Delving deeper, this article aims to unravel the intricacies of neurodivergence, providing a comprehensive understanding while shedding light on the diverse groups it encompasses.

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What is OCD?

There are many misunderstandings of what OCD is (and is not), which makes actually identifying OCD difficult. Many, if not all of us, have heard someone say “I’m a little OCD”,  but what does that really mean? This article will discuss obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), breaking down intrusive thoughts, obsessions, and compulsions.

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IEPs vs. 504 Plan: What’s the Difference?

If your child has academic, emotional, or behavioral challenges they may benefit from supports in the classroom. There are two options for support for your child in the classroom: an individualized education program (IEP) or accommodations through a 504 plan. This article includes a discussion of what an IEP and 504 plan are, how they’re different, and considerations for what maybe best for your child.

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Teaching your Child to STOP

Many people have moments where they feel like their emotions are in the driver’s seat, whether they’re yelling in rage or acting impulsively when excited. For children and teens, moments where emotions are in control may be dangerous or lead to conflict with others. In this article, we provide you with acronym STOP to help your child pause and regain control of themselves in the moment.

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Building Confidence: Thoughtful Challenges for Children and Teens with Social Anxiety

Does your child struggle going to lunch or approaching groups of people, fearful of how they will be received? Are presentations always a struggle because your child is convinced they will do something to embarrass themselves? Many children experience thoughts like these, which can lead to avoidance of these and other social situations. This article will tell you how to support your child in approaching these situations, helping them face their fear and reengage with school and peers.

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Using Coping Skills: Common Challenges and How to Address Them

“Coping Skills” is a term that you have probably heard on social media or used by your child’s therapist time and time again. But what does that mean? How does it work, and why does it seem to not work for my child? In this article we discuss what coping skills are, where things go awry, and how to optimally use them.

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Catching School Refusal Early: Common Signs to a Bigger Problem

Is getting your child to school every day a struggle? Is your child consistently calling from school to go home early? Are they having outbursts that have them removed from class? These behaviors, and more, may be the beginning signs of a larger problem: school refusal.  Recognizing the signs early on is crucial in providing timely support and intervention to ensure a child's healthy school experience. In this guide, we'll explore key indicators and strategies to identify school refusal behaviors before they escalate into more severe issues.

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How to Talk to Your Child about Seeing a Therapist

Are you a parent who is struggling to decide whether or not your child should see a therapist? If so, you are certainly not alone. As parents, we want our children to be happy and healthy. Seeking professional help for mental health issues can feel like an intimidating step, but talking to your child about the possibility of seeing a therapist doesn't have to be as scary as it seems.

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ParentsAimee Kotrba