parenting decision maing
Camp, I’m not going back!
Q: My child came home from camp declaring, “I’m bored and have no friends!” Now she’s begging to stay home, but I’ve paid for the entire session and need camp for childcare. Help!” A: Our parenting psychologist, Dr. Jill Jacobson, recommends the following: First acknowledge your feelings so you can support your child most effectively….
Child Middleman for Parent’s Communication
Q: My parents got divorced a few months ago, and our family life has been a mess ever since. When they first separated, my mom started communicating parenting logistics to my dad through me. I didn’t mind at first because it meant they wouldn’t fight, but then my dad started doing the same. It grew…
Unwelcome In-law Opinions
Q: I am a stay at home mom and my eight-year-old son, Sammy, has some behavioral issues. He gets upset very easily and lashes out unpredictably. Through a lot of work, and therapy, he has gotten much better. My wife and I have learned that when he has a meltdown he is too upset to…
Growing Up Too Fast
Q: I’ve noticed my 14-year-old daughter is choosing clothing that, in my eyes, is meant to be worn by older women like crop tops, short shorts, tight-fitting shirts, and everything in between! When I express my concern, she accuses me of not wanting her to be proud of her body. Her friends dress like this, too. As Halloween…
Kindergarten and Covid Concerns
Q: School is starting soon, and I’m really worried for my 5-year-old daughter. I’m just not comfortable sending her, unvaccinated, to a new school. Let’s be real; we know kindergarteners are not going to keep their masks on. But she’s bored at home. I know she needs more than a weekly playdate pod. She missed her preschool friends…
COVID under 12-years-old
Q: School is ending. Half of our kids are now vaccinated! Woot woot!! We are so grateful to see what we hope is the forever end of Zoom school and kids being kids again. That said, we have children under 12 who aren’t vaccinated yet, and I’m torn. Everyone wants to get back to normal,…
Summer Vacation during COVID
Q: Normally, around this time of year, our family starts planning our summer vacation. Of course, the kids haven’t been vaccinated yet (and may not until the fall), and I’m worried it’s not safe. The whole thing has the family split on what to do. I say skip it this year, but my husband and…
Navigating Back to School Backlash
Q: Schools are beginning to reopen and I’m thrilled for my kids. A bunch of my friends on Facebook have very opposite feelings. I feel like I can’t speak freely. The topic feels unavoidable. Everyone is talking about it and I don’t want to ruffle feathers. A: These are interesting and challenging times indeed!…
Co-Parenting
Q: My ex drives me crazy. He looks for ways to disrupt my life and make things difficult for me. We have a custody arrangement but he constantly breaks rules and tries to renegotiate agreement details. It’s expensive to have my attorney involved at $400 an hour. Now he’s trying to change upcoming holidays. Honestly…
It's not an easy time to be a kid. Perhaps it never is, but now it's especially true. Let us help you understand and support your child's needs.
Is your teen struggling with school, in their relationships with friends, with you? Do they seem irritable, withdrawn, unmotivated, sad? Our therapist know how to help.
Are you looking to make some aspect of your otherwise good relationship better? Maybe you’ve tried all the strategies that make sense to you.