Topic: emotional issues

Understanding the Effect of Ongoing Parental Conflict on Kids

Dr. Tali Shenfield

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 ...

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8 Ways to Manage Temper Tantrums in Toddlers

Dr. Tali Shenfield

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 ...

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9 Effective Ways to Show Empathy to Your Struggling Child

Dr. Tali Shenfield

Empathizing with your child when his behaviour is frustrating can be challenging, but it’s an essential part of being a supportive, trustworthy parent. When you empathize with your child, you let him know that you respect and value his feelings, even if you don’t always agree with how he handles them. You show him that you care about ...

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What Parents Should Know About Childhood Trauma

Dr. Tali Shenfield

If your child has been through a traumatic experience, as a parent, your foremost thought is probably restoring her sense of safety and emotional security. While these instincts are correct, it’s important to also understand that the aftermath of trauma is complex and often challenging to manage. Without a solid understanding of the many ways trauma can affect children, ...

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Popular Articles

Hypersensitivity: Helping your Sensitive Child

The human brain processes all sensory information whether or not you are fully aware of it. Most children are able ...

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Psycho-Educational Assessments: Guidelines for Parents

You may have been approached by your child’s teacher or you may have noticed yourself that your child is ...

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How to Help Your Child Stop Lying

For parents, even the little white lies that children sometimes tell - e.g., claiming to have completed their homework ...

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Navigating Emotional Challenges: A Guide for Parents of Children with Disabilities

Dr. Tali Shenfield

In Canada, more than 1 in 10 youth are living with a disability, and over half (59.8%) of these youth have a learning disability. Kids affected by physical, mental, and cognitive disabilities have a broad range of experiences, from mild, selective impairment to significant challenges in multiple areas of their lives. When provided with enough support at home and at school, most disabled ...

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What to Expect when Your Child is Grieving

Dr. Tali Shenfield

Watching a child grieve is one of the most painful experiences in any parent’s life. If your child has gone through a difficult loss, you may be concerned that he’ll never return to his normal self. Many parents worry that their child’s grief-related nightmares, social withdrawal, apathy, and emotional issues won’t completely subside with time, but ...

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How Children Feel When Parents Fight

Dr. Tali Shenfield

Every long-term relationship involves a certain amount of conflict. No two people agree on everything, so it’s normal for couples to occasionally argue over matters related to money, personal values, or plans for the future. Indeed, many experts believe that conflict can play an important role in maintaining a healthy relationship, provided that it doesn’t get out of ...

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How to Help Your Sensitive Child Manage Strong Feelings

Dr. Tali Shenfield

The way children react to stimuli is determined by both their genetics and their environment. Research conducted on identical twins has shown that about half of our traits are inherited, giving us our own intrinsic way of looking at the world. Neurodevelopmental disorders, like Autism and ADHD, can also contribute to the formation of prominent innate behaviours. If your child ...

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