Parents today too often find themselves speaking to their children about the violence that seems to permeate the news. The recent massacre in Las Vegas raises questions for kids of all ages and has triggered many parents to ask us how to talk to them about it. First take a moment to consider your own…
DetailsCan you teach empathy? I get this question a lot from friends, parents, and parents of patients. The answer is not that simple. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. Some kids just seem to be born more empathetic than others. These kids are the ones who cry because someone…
DetailsIf you are a parent of a 6th grader or older teen in Middle or High school, then you should probably know about the Netflix TV series, “13 Reasons Why.” If you are a parent and don’t know about this Netflix show, this will be an eye-opener! “13 Reasons Why” premiered on March 31, 2017 and…
DetailsOver the years I have encountered many people suffering and struggling with grief and grieving in my work and in the greater community. Historically, there has been conflicting information available about how “best” to do this, from cultural and scientific perspectives alike. For example, those in mourning may have heard, “cry, men shouldn’t cry, go…
DetailsAmong psychotherapists, it is a widely held belief that women are more inclined to pursue psychotherapy than are men. While likely true, that is not always the case. When a man’s penis is no longer functioning as he would like, or as he thinks it should, he is highly likely to seek professional assistance. At…
DetailsSchool projects, soccer practice, music lessons, doctor appointments, two careers, childcare arrangements, carpools, meal preparation, chores, battles over screen-time…family life can be quite stressful. Finding time to connect has become increasingly challenging and instituting a weekly family meeting can help provide a remedy to this seeming chaos. There are numerous potential benefits of holding family…
DetailsThere’s no debate that we live in an age where more and more options for after-school activities and areas for specialization exist. Budding rock climber? Sure – http://brooklynboulders.com/brooklyn/; the next Steve Jobs? Try this – https://coderdojo.com/. Possibilities are endless, but also potentially overwhelming, and it’s impossible to try it all. So what do we tell…
DetailsIn a couple of days, millions of people across the United States will be coming together with family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving. This year the inevitable political discussion will likely pop up around dinner tables all over the country. Given that this election has been one of the most divisive in recent history, it’s…
DetailsNavigating food choices during the holiday season often presents challenges, especially if you’re trying to lose weight. Delicious holiday treats are hard to resist. Decisions about what to eat and not eat at holiday parties can induce anxiety, shame, frustration and guilt. Studies show that depriving ourselves of the foods we love can lead to…
DetailsWhen I was pregnant with my first child, a friend offered me a pearl of wisdom that has not only stayed with me as a parent, but that I have used many times in my work as a psychologist. “Don’t get too comfortable with anything,” she said. “Just when you think you’ve got it all…
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