Living well with ADHD, Anxiety, and Autistic Stress
Advice from our Maryland Therapists for LGBTQIA+ families, neurodiverse families, and YOU
Why Does My Child Argue with Me? A Family Therapist's Answer
Earlier this week I committed the cardinal sin of therapist parenting. I yelled at my child for being anxious. You might think as a child therapist I would be immune to that. I’m not. When my own child runs off the rails sometimes I do too. (I feel you, parents, I really do!)
Let Go of the Mom (or Dad) Guilt
It happens to us all. We learn something new about ourselves or our child and our first thought is “I should have figured this out sooner.” This tendency to self-criticize can be amplified when children are diagnosed with ADHD, autism, or a learning difference that was previously unknown.
The Most Precious Gifts for Valentine’s Day
Though flowers and candy are nice, the best gifts give what your partner and your children want most: you. Try these gift ideas this Valentine’s Day.
Balancing Support and Independence with your Special Needs Child
As soon as we become parents our news feeds fill with articles about how to get it right. We have terms like “helicopter parent” for those who seem to help too much and “free range parenting” to describe a more hands off approach. For parents of children with special needs, it can feel impossible to decipher the messages in these articles and apply them to our own families.
The Gifts We Need the Most
Gift giving season is upon us! At this time and throughout the year, we encourage families to think about what they would truly most like to give and receive. In addition to your holiday lists filled with toys and gadgets (those are fun too), consider asking for just one thing that would truly increase your happiness.
Does My Child Need Therapy? / Does My Teen Need Therapy?
Childhood and adolescence are full of emotional ups and downs. How do you know whether your child is experiencing the usual growing pains or showing signs of anxiety or depression? Our child counselors and teen therapists weigh in.
Raising Mentally Healthy Adults
We teach our children everything we can imagine they might need to know. We focus on nutrition, exercise, study skills, work ethic, and (hopefully) money management. However, few families systematically teach their children about mental health.
Your Relationship Booster, October 2019
Read our Newsletter for October to find tips on how parents can work together to avoid undermining each other, manage homework stress, and avoid frustration.
Why Doesn’t my Partner Respect my Parenting?
Sharing respect and responsibility as parents is a skill that isn’t really taught. We have access to thousands of parenting books and hundreds of parenting blogs or podcasts, but few address partnering as parents.
Overcoming Homework Battles
Try this process from our Kensington, Maryland Family Therapists to help your child get started at homework time!
Helping Your Child with Eureka Math (Common Core Math Homework)
This new approach is about learning to problem solve. A skill that will help your child in more than just math class. So how do you help them figure it out? A child behavior therapist in Maryland walks you through it.
Self Care in Small Doses
It’s back to school time, and we know what that means. Homework time, evening meetings, and after school activities are returning to your family routine. Don’t forget to squeeze in some self care on the busiest days.
When ADHD is Traveling with You (Planning Vacations with Your ADHD Child)
My middle schooler and I recently traveled through Alaska with a school group. This was the first time I brought my child on a trip I hadn’t planned myself, and it was a bit of a shock. Even as a child and family therapist who specializes in ADHD, I somehow neglected to think about the challenges that long hours of scheduled activities and daily packing/unpacking would bring.
Supporting Your Child’s Independence: Summer Camp Edition
You’ve already filled out the forms, paid the bill, and labeled their clothes. Now it’s time to get your children to their summer camps! Whether you’re racing to catch the camp bus, nurturing an anxious child through the transition to a new place, or helping your ADHD kiddo find that elusive other shoe, there’s added stress for parents this time of year.