Being a single mom isn’t a personality trait. It’s a full-time job you never clock out from — even on the days you’re running on fumes, guilt, or microwave mac and cheese. This isn’t a “just think positive” list. You’re not here for that. This is a set of emotional survival tools built from experience…
My Teenager Is Acting Suspicious. Should I Be Worried? Does My Teenager Need Therapy? As a parent, noticing changes in your teenager’s behavior can be alarming. If your teenager is acting suspiciously, you may wonder if there is cause for concern. Here are some things to consider if you are worried about your teenager’s behavior….
As a parent, it’s natural to want to protect your child from any harm, including the potential adverse effects of social media on mental health. While social media can be an excellent way for kids to stay connected with friends and access a wealth of information, it can also lead to increased feelings of isolation,…
While social media can be an excellent way for kids to stay connected with friends and access a wealth of information, it can also lead to increased feelings of isolation, FOMO (fear of missing out), and pressure to present a perfect online persona. As a parent, it’s natural to want to protect your child from…
As a parent, it can be difficult to know when it is time to seek professional help for your child’s mental health struggles. On the one hand, you want to be supportive and understanding, but on the other hand, you don’t want to overreact or trivialize your child’s feelings. However, it’s important to remember that…
by Dr. Joyce Carter, Licensed Mental Health Counselor with McNulty Counseling and Wellness Over 40% of teachers report experiencing high-stress levels daily during the school year. Teaching careers tie with nursing careers as far as having the highest stress level compared to any other profession. Many variables contribute to the stress teachers face, including classroom…
5 Reasons Why Your Child May Be Acting Out During the COVID-19 Pandemic Everyone gets angry or frustrated sometimes. Whether you are a child, teen or adult, it’s important to understand that these emotions are normal when expressed appropriately. As we continue nationwide efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19, long-established household routines have been…
The increasing use of smartphones and social media is changing the way kids develop social skills. Technology decreases the amount of face-to-face interaction and increases the amount of communication done from behind a screen. There are pros and cons to this. Technology allows kids to connect with others worldwide, exposing them to a much wider…
Has your child recently come out to you as transgender, but you’re not sure how to react? Do you want to support them, but feel in over your head on gender terminology? Raising any child requires dedication, hard-work, and understanding. It comes with fights, worrying, and other obstacles as you navigate parenthood and do your…
How do I know if I need to be concerned that my child’s worries are more than normal worries? What’s the difference between worrying and anxiety? How do I know when to seek therapy for my child/teenager? Anxiety in Children These are just some of the questions that I am often asked as a therapist….
The hard work and unpredictability that makes parenting so rewarding can also cause a great deal of anxiety. Here are some simple ways to bring yourself to a place of calm. Make a To-Do List Ruminating on worries can cause lots of stress. Clear your mind by making a to-do list. Put down everything that…
Going through a divorce can bring the worst out of a couple that once promised each other forever. Your world might feel like it’s falling apart, and trying to co-parent when you’re struggling to simply keep going can be overwhelming. Learning to co-parent won’t be easy, but it’s not impossible. Use the five strategies below…
Anxiety, School Performance and How to Help According to the World Health Organization, half of all mental illnesses begin by the age of 14. And, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, over 1 in 4 teens between the ages of 13 and 18 have a diagnosable anxiety disorder. This means that by the…
5 Exercises & Tips to Lower Anxiety and Boost Performance for an Exam For many of us, college was absolutely the best time in our lives. The freedom and friendships made those four years incredibly special. But college isn’t bells and whistles. For others, college is a completely different and often negative experience riddled with…
Are you having a hard time distinguishing between your teen having normal teenage stress or clinical anxiety? Are they so stressed out that it’s affecting their grades, social life, and family relationships? How are you supposed to know when to get them professional counseling help? When your child is struggling, it…