COVID-19 has forced many of us to change our behaviours – for children and youth in crucial developmental stages, the pandemic has also had a devasting impact on their social development. In light of the health crisis and keeping people safe, many of us who work on the frontlines of the mental health field are starting to see the effects … Read More
How to Prepare Children for Going Back to School During COVID-19
Many children are about to go back to school after months of being at home with only parents and siblings to socialize and learn with. Each province and state has their own standards for what constitutes safety regarding COVID-19. A new way of socializing including staggered days and extended recess and outdoor times are just some of the ideas that … Read More
Supporting Your Family During COVID-19
COVID-19 has created a time of uncertainty, overwhelm, and family isolation. As parents, we put pressure on ourselves to work, parent, and homeschool, all while trying to keep ourselves mentally well. In the midst of the current pandemic, we are in a position where we must support our children amidst our own struggles. Here is what I have noticed in … Read More
5 Tips for Supporting Anxious Children
Pax woke up each morning to his father calling his name from the hall. Pax often woke breathless, unsure about what. They had visited the family physician, who could not find a cause for Pax waking this way. Pax would sit in bed paralyzed and could not move, despite wanting to. He knew his parents would be upset with him … Read More
How to Help Motivate a Child with ADHD
Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often have trouble paying attention and managing impulsive behaviour. This is why motivating a child with ADHD to succeed in school can be a tough task. How do you help them find their homework, much less complete it? As a psychotherapist and teacher, I’ve worked with numerous students and parents to help alleviate … Read More
How to Help Kids Keep Calm
“Where’s my backpack?” “I lost my permission slip!” “I didn’t finish my project!” “I got suspended for punching Joey.” Sounds chaotic. Sounds frustrating. Sound familiar? If so, your child may have difficulties with executive function (EF). Executive functions are brain-based skills that help us perform certain tasks such as holding information in memory long enough to use it properly (working … Read More
5 Tips for Supporting Your Socially Anxious Teen
“I refuse to eat at school because I don’t want anyone to look at me and think I look gross,” a 14-year-old young woman shared with me during our counselling session. Social anxiety is the fear of being scrutinized and humiliated in front of others to the point of severe distress or avoidance. It can cause people to worry about … Read More
7 Strategies for Surviving Your Child’s Adolescence
It seems to happen overnight – one moment we are tucking our child into bed with a cuddle and a bedtime story – the next they are seemingly intent on rejecting everything we learned about them over the past decade! Surviving adolescence requires more than sheer luck and good fortune. As parents, we need a whole new plan of action … Read More
4 Tips for Dealing with Family Conflict
Families are often considered to be a safe place and quiet refuge. Although conflicts may happen from time to time, when they are a common occurrence – or there’s a particularly intense conflict – the family relationship of trust, safety, and support can break down. What follows are 4 tips that can help you move through family conflict. For this … Read More
4 Effective Ways to Help Children Cope with Loss
Years ago our family took a trip. Four of us left for Toronto. Three of us returned. My son Nicholas’ (age 2 at the time) favourite stuffy – Tbear – unexpectedly found a new home after he was accidentally left behind in the twisted bedding of our hotel room. So began Nicholas’ relationship with loss. He was devastated. Flowing tears … Read More
