Parents do their best to shield their children from the harsh realities of the world. But as much of an effort as they put in, parents can’t always protect their children from experiencing the pain of loss. Whether it’s the loss of a beloved pet, a childhood friend, or the loss of a family member, young children are often unequipped to deal with the feelings of grief and sadness.Here are some ways you can help your child cope with loss:Share What They Can HandleChildren have very big ...read more
How to Talk to a Loved One About Their Anger
Anger is a normal emotion; one that everyone experiences from time to time, and one that’s healthy when expressed appropriately. However, for some people, anger is an emotion they express far too frequently, and in harmful and hurtful ways. Their anger gets out of control, and begins to seriously affect their life negatively.If you have a loved one whose constant outbursts of anger can make them unpleasant to be around, you may be wondering what, if anything, you can do. There are ways you can ...read more
How to Help Your Child Transition into a 2-Home Scenario After Divorce
Going through a divorce can be a tumultuous time for any adult, and for children it can feel like their world is falling apart. It can be confusing for children to have two homes, particularly in the early stages of divorce. But there are ways to bring positivity and excitement to this change, while reducing your child’s stress significantly.Provide StabilityHelp your child adjust to the changes in your family by providing as much stability as possible. Having established routines and continuity ...read more
Signs of Narcissistic Personality Disorder in Mothers
A heavy diet, The Great Depression, and jumbo shrimp are all examples of oxymorons that are often used. These terms, characterized by two conflicting ideas being presented side by side, are sometimes humorous. In other instances, such as that of the narcissistic mother, this juxtaposition paints a dark picture of the potential for harm that these individuals possess.The description of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) in the 5thversion of the Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM-5) includes ...read more
How to Tell if Your Child has Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Almost every child displays defiant behavior from time to time, but there are some children who display it more often and to a higher degree. It’s possible that these children have a condition called oppositional defiant disorder, or ODD for short. How does typical defiant behavior differ from ODD? What do both look like so you know what you may be dealing with? A young child who tiptoes downstairs in the middle of the night to raid their Halloween candy stash, even though they have been ...read more
Just Plain Ol’ Boyhood or Oppositional Defiant Disorder?
The old expression “Boys will be boys,” describes types of behavior that may not be appreciated by parents (or sisters). These behaviors, though typically unwelcomed, are rather benign in cause and effect. For instance, a typical boy might think it’s funny to put a frog in his sister’s bed. Two young boys might decide their older cousin’s wedding is the perfect place to show everyone their underwear. Typical boyhood behavior can generally be described as silly, energetic, curious, and ...read more