Preteens are usually portrayed in the media as being bubbly, trend-loving young people who are, for most intents and purposes, still kids. Unfortunately, this image belies the truth of the preteen years; this period is often an incredibly turbulent, confusing time in a child’s life. It’s not exactly smooth sailing for parents, either. In fact, research conducted at ...
One of the greatest challenges of parenting lies in trying to understand the sometimes baffling behaviour of children. When a child suddenly refuses to do something simple and routine, for example, or throws a tantrum with no apparent provocation, we’re left searching for answers. If your child’s odd behaviour isn’t being triggered by something obvious, like fatigue ...
Few traits are as misunderstood as introversion. Introversion is not a childhood phase one is destined to grow out of, nor is it “shyness.” Shyness is a form of social anxiety, whereas introversion is a pattern of social needs and preferences. Contrary to popular belief, introverts are not necessarily self-conscious, awkward loners. They often enjoy the company of others and ...
Few things in life are as frustrating as dealing with an aggressive, unruly teenager. With that being said, however, remaining patient, calm, and empathetic is essential when communicating with any adolescent. Your teenager is dealing with heightened emotions, sensitivity, and impulsivity as a result of changes in his developing brain; as such, he needs level-headed guidance now more than ever. ...
While most of the issues adopted children face while growing up differ little from the challenges experienced by non-adopted children, ...
As a psychologist living and working in Toronto, where 51% of residents were born outside Canada, I deal with immigration related ...
With climate change becoming an increasingly common theme in politics, news, and even entertainment, it’s no wonder more young ...
‘Risk’ is a word that few parents enjoy contemplating. After all, whether it’s realistic or not, we instinctively want to protect our kids from all forms of potential harm. However, while this type of parental care is nothing new, experts today worry that parents are becoming overly risk-averse. Changing social dynamics have left both, parents and their kids feeling ...
According to various studies, emotional and behavioural problems among children are far more common than many of us realize. It’s estimated that currently, 17% to 22% of those under 18 struggle with emotional issues severe enough to hinder their development. Out of all of these issues, anger is the most prevalent. While many children struggle to control their anger at times, kids ...
Many parents who criticize their children have good intentions. They often hope that by pointing out their child’s errors, they can help her (or him) overcome problem behaviours, learn the skills she needs to succeed socially and academically, and develop a strong sense of personal accountability. They intend, at base, to guide their child. Unfortunately, parents don’t always ...
Having a child show deep attachment can be a moving experience. It propels parents to model good behaviour, maintain their child’s trust, and generally be the best people they can be… But at the same time, many parents worry that this level of attachment may not be healthy for their child. In today’s culture, there’s an enduring ...
