Parenting
-
Children of Divorce are Not Doomed
This article was written by Brittany LaFleur, LCPC-S, RPT. Brittany is a child & adolescent therapist, parent-coach, divorce coach and mediator & child specialist in collaborative divorce cases. Links to some of the research: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1207/s15374424jccp1901_4 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2300522/ https://www.jstor.org/stable/24576133 https://www.apa.org/topics/divorce-child-custody/healthy#:~:text=When%20kids%20are%20involved,marriages%20instead%20of%20splitting%20up. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/is-divorce-bad-for-children/
-
Getting a Divorce? Don’t Rush to Put Your Child in Therapy.
A parent’s number one worry is their child(ren). In the case of separation or divorce, the worries about their child(ren) are often exacerbated as they face a big change. They agonize over how it will affect them and if they are doing the right thing. They lose sleep over the fear mongering statistics telling them that their child(ren) are doomed for mental health, behavioral and relationship issues in the future. As proactive and loving parents, what do they do? They sign their kids up for therapy. In a shocking twist, as a therapist, I’m here to tell you two things: Divorce does not necessarily mean your child needs or will…
-
Nurturing Sports Performance: Addressing Anxiety & Perfectionism in High School Teenagers
Understanding Sports Performance Anxiety Sports performance anxiety is common among high school athletes, as they face numerous pressures to perform at their best. This anxiety can stem from fear of failure, the desire to meet expectations, or the pressure to gain recognition from peers, coaches, or colleges. Therapeutically addressing this anxiety involves helping teenagers understand its origin, develop coping strategies, and cultivate a healthy mindset. The Perfectionism Trap Perfectionism is another common issue among high school athletes. These young individuals may set excessively high standards for themselves, believing that anything short of perfection is a failure. While striving for excellence can be motivating, perfectionism can lead to unrealistic expectations, self-criticism,…
-
Why Extracurricular Activities are Imperative
Extracurricular activities are any activity a child participates in outside the typical school curriculum. They can be based on a goal and often serve a specific purpose. These activities include sports, competitive teams, clubs, volunteer programs, or performance art activities. Most schools offer extracurricular activities, but they can also be found in your community! There are many reasons why getting your child involved in extracurriculars is so important for their growth and development. Let’s take a look at the top five! Better Physical and Mental Health Physical extracurriculars like sports and clubs can motivate children to exercise and stay active. These clubs can…
-
8 Damaging Phrases Parents Say
Children often look towards their parents to find truth and safety in the world. You have great power over your children’s self-esteem and mental health - and your words are no exception. Let’s take a look at some of the most damaging things parents say to children, and what can be said instead.Â