Research shows that kids who do chores grow up to be happier, more successful adults. When kids pitch in around the house, they feel competent and valuable, which facilitates the development of healthy self-esteem, confidence, and resilience. Kids also learn practical skills by doing chores, including organizational skills, time management skills, and the ability to complete tasks independently. Unfortunately, getting ...
Occasionally testing limits and boundaries through acts of defiance is a normal part of child development. Most kids break the rules to define their social role and express their desire for autonomy, which is why rebellious behaviour occurs most frequently from ages 2-3 and during early adolescence. For kids with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), however, being hostile and uncooperative isn't ...
When we think of the type of parental conflict that psychologically damages children, we envision screaming fights and physical violence. However, research shows that ongoing, poorly-resolved ongoing conflict between parents is often equally harmful. Simple everyday arguments, parents giving each other the “silent treatment,” and acts of passive aggression can significantly impact kids’ social and emotional well-being. Chronic parental conflict ...
Temper tantrums are a normal - if frustrating - part of child development. Most children begin throwing tantrums at 12-18 months of age and stop at around age four (hence why the phrase “terrible twos” is often applied to toddlers). Tantrums arise from the emotional challenges kids in this age bracket face, so they shouldn’t be misinterpreted as rebelliousness ...
Not every relationship works out. This is true whether the relationship in question is a friendship, romantic relationship, or the ...
With climate change becoming an increasingly common theme in politics, news, and even entertainment, it’s no wonder more young ...
As a psychologist living and working in Toronto, where 51% of residents were born outside Canada, I deal with immigration related ...
There’s no definitive guide to being a single parent; no matter how you approach it, raising a child on your own comes with unique challenges and rewards. Single parents have greater control over some aspects of family life than dual-parent households, but the responsibility of being sole provider and decision-maker can feel overwhelming. Though lone-parent families now make up 20% ...
When bullying happens at school, most parents immediately recognize it as a problem. Bullying that occurs at home between siblings, on the other hand, is often normalized. Many parents aren’t sure where to draw the line between typical, minor sibling conflicts and genuine abuse, while others are unaware of the long-term damage sibling bullying can cause. Due to this ...
Have you ever wondered why some kids are more prone to tantrums than others? Or why some children control their impulses with relative ease, while others struggle to restrain inappropriate comments and behaviour? How is it that two equally intelligent kids sometimes demonstrate such marked differences in their ability to plan, stay on track, and overcome frustration? Though we often ...
Having well-developed social skills is fundamental to achieving personal success and happiness. Social skills help kids express themselves, advocate for their needs, collaborate with others, and establish strong, fulfilling relationships. Without adequate social skills, children often become isolated and prone to emotional and behavioural problems, which may lead to more severe issues later in life. Kids learn the bulk ...
