Parenting decision making
Making Halloween Fun for Every Every Neighbor in the Kentlands and Lakelands
Halloween in the Kentlands and Lakelands is one of the most joyful nights of the year. Families fill the sidewalks, kids proudly show off their costumes, and porches glow with pumpkins and laughter. For many, it’s pure fun. Yet for some, especially neurodiverse children, teens, and adults, the sights, sounds, and surprises can be overwhelming….
Early Brain Damage in Contact Sports: What New Study Reveals About Risk to Young Athletes
In 2018, we wrote an advice column addressing a parent’s concerns about long-term brain damage that can result from contact sports. Now, with new research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Boston University, it’s time to revisit this critical topic. A new study published this month reveals that even young contact-sport athletes show…
Why Limiting Smartphones and AI in Middle School Is Worth the Fight
As parents, we all know how quickly childhood changes, especially during the middle school years. Although learning to navigate a bigger school and multiple teachers grabs our attention, under the surface, quietly, the refinement of social skills, the development of identity, and the management of emotions take center stage for them. New research shows that…
Should Your Child or Young Adult Take a Stimulant Vacation This Summer?
Summer break often brings changes in routines for families. For parents of children, teens, and even young adults on stimulant medications, a common question is whether to take a stimulant vacation. At Kentlands Psychotherapy, we understand your concerns and aim to guide you through this decision. Understanding a Stimulant Vacation A stimulant vacation is a…
Not Fair! Pool Guest Pass Negotiations
Question: We’re organizing a pool party for my daughter’s birthday, and I’m stuck in a family debate over the guest list. I’d prefer a small gathering of five kids, but my daughter wants to use our entire pool punch card to invite more friends. Her siblings feel this is unfair, arguing they won’t get to…
Is My College Freshmen Depressed?
Q: Our oldest is in his first semester of college. In many ways, it appears to be, “So far, so good.” At least academically, that is. But we’re worried. He doesn’t seem to be making friends. When we ask him how things are going, he just talks about classes and band practice, which are “fine.”….
Schizophrenia, Recreational Cannabis Use, and Medical Marijuana
By Kentlands Psychotherapy Intern Schizophrenia is a disorder that affects a person’s ability to think, feel, and behave. The two main symptoms are delusions and hallucinations. The exact cause of schizophrenia is unknown. However, there are emerging studies that show that marijuana use could be one potential risk factor for schizophrenia, especially in young men….
Will My Girls Ever Be Close?
Q: I’m very close with my sister. I was sure my girls would be the same. Sadly, they’re not. It’s fighting, ignoring, and avoiding. My husband says not to sweat it, but I can’t help but wonder if they will ever be close. A: Your children’s relationship saddens you, but remember, sibling rapport is intricate…
The Correlation Between Marijuana and Educational Outcomes in Teens
As teen marijuana use is on the rise, parents all over the country are worried about how their teens’ marijuana use could impact their education. The human brain continues to develop until the age of 25, and research suggests using marijuana can interfere with this development, affecting how connections are formed in the brain. Studies…
Less Yelling in 2023: Steps for Better Communication With Your Kids.
Q: As I am thinking about New Year’s Resolutions, my goal is to not yell at my kids as frequently. As a working mother, it has been challenging to give my kids attention. By the end of the day, I lose my temper and yell at them. I later felt guilty and eventually apologized to…
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.