Growing in Independence

Independence is a valued characteristic and behavior for many families and individuals. From infancy to toddlerhood, parents actively work to reinforce successive approximations of independent behavior. Parents are aware of the important developmental milestones and are discussing concerns with pediatricians when their child is struggling in an area. Caregivers cheer and celebrate when kids learn to walk without assistance, use a fork to feed themselves, or communicate their needs with a growing vocabulary. As kids mature, they gain more skills rapidly and a desire to do things on their own that continues to grow inside them through adulthood. From a parenting perspective, this can feel scary when our kids want to take age-appropriate risks like climbing a playground structure or walk to a friend’s house in another area of the neighborhood by themselves. Parents often experience stress when their kids want to “help” in the kitchen or with chores. These behaviors are actually excellent for childhood development and require parents and caregivers to allow their kids to try something new on their own and experience the natural outcomes whether it is success or failure. Adults may want to rescue kids by challenging a teacher on a grade, having conversations for their teen rather than the teen doing it themselves, or, yes, even emailing college professors to ask for help instead of their own young adult college student.

The Let Grow movement is an excellent resource for schools and families to gain ideas for building childhood independence skills. Excitingly, there is also an emerging research-based treatment called Independence Focused Treatment for Childhood Anxiety that shows promise for helping kids overcome anxiety with independence activities. These available resources can help to support adults allow the children they care for to grow and flourish and build up their independence.

Building independence is a common therapy goals in my practice. As a psychologist, I can also provide help utilizing Independence Focused Treatment for Childhood Anxiety. Feel free to contact me for more information.

Enjoy letting go and letting grow by letting your children play and challenge themselves! You will be amazed and they will be too!

Understanding Technology Guidelines for Youth

 As there are more opportunities for the use of technology, there is an increased need to understand the benefits and risks associated with children and adolescents interacting with the variety of programs they have access to. These include, but are not limited to smart phones, social media, video content, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems. In my role as a psychologist and as a mom, I strongly encourage parents to be fully informed about what their children are engaging with.  

Previously, guidelines were more focused on limiting the amount of screen time. Now with the very quickly advancing developments of AI systems, there is a need to re-address guidelines so parents, teachers, and professional practitioners can help keep kids and teens healthy and flourishing. 

This is an article from the American Academy of Pediatrics to help understand the new guidance for media recommendations. Please review, share, and utilize the helpful resources provided.  

Helping Kids Thrive in a Digital World: AAP Policy Explained

Self-Care or Distraction?

Ever wonder if your nightly ice cream, time with streaming services, exercise, or book reading is serving you well and nourishing you or distracting you from living a full life? In our culture, there are many behaviors that we engage in that may be categorized as self-care. I challenge you to consider your time spent with certain activities and how that experience serves you.  

This article explains more of the science behind self-care, distraction, and how to know the difference between the two. 

Are We Getting Self-Care Wrong?

Connection with Others

 Connection is an important aspect of living a full and meaningful life. Experiencing shared emotional states with others is a healthy way of connecting with others. Consider the friendships and bonds you have created over time with shared experiences. Shared memories can remind us of our relationships, protecting us from a feeling of loneliness.  

I am sharing a review of a recent study that explored the benefits of sharing emotions with others.

The Surprising Health Boost of Feeling Happy With Someone Else

Enjoy! 

Holiday Thriving

Happy Holiday Season!

While the month of December can be merry and bright for some people, we recognize that this is not true for everyone. There are a variety of reasons why we may have difficulties over the holidays, and each can be impactful to varying degrees. These reasons can include financial stressors, difficult personalities, strained relationships, health issues, anxiety, mental health problems, weather delays, or travel difficulties. This non-exhaustive list can contribute to our experience of the holiday season. 

 

When we understand the relationship between our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and how these dynamics influence our experience of the world and ourselves, stressors can impact differently.   

I am sharing this resource to help you thrive during the holidays:

Greater Good Resources for Thriving Over the Holidays 

Best wishes for a healthy and loving holiday season! 

Coping with Uncertainty

 When there are unexpected changes in our lives, it can be difficult to adjust. People may experience heightened fear and worry, have difficulty sleeping or concentrating, and may feel more irritable. Embracing uncertainty can help face challenges and build resilience. We grow from our discomfort! 

I am sharing an article from the American Psychological Association with specific strategies to help manage and accept uncertainty. 

Happy growing! 

Cell Phones and Schools

 Happy Fall! 

Now that school has been in session for several weeks, I wanted to touch on the recent changes with the use of cell phones in schools. From a psychological perspective, the use of cell phones during class time has been problematic across multiple domains, including students and parents reporting difficulty with focus, less social interaction, reduction in grades, and reduced ability to handle discomfort. 

I am sharing an article from the American Academy of Pediatrics detailing some helpful strategies to help adjust to the change in cell phone access and use during the school day. I am eager to see how successful students will be at the end of this academic year! 

If your child is having difficulty adjusting, reach out to a mental health professional for treatment and guidance.