Tag: family
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School Anxiety in Pre-Teens: What It Looks Like and How to Support Them
If your tween has been more irritable in the mornings, complaining of stomachaches before school, or melting down over homework, you are not alone. School anxiety often increases during the preteen years, and it makes sense when we look at what this stage of life really holds. Pre-teens are no longer just attending school. They…
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How to Communicate with Your Tween Without Triggering Shutdown
If you’ve ever asked your tween, “How was your day?” and received a one-word answer… a shrug… or a quiet retreat behind a closed door, you are not alone. Between ages 9 and 13, kids begin protecting their inner world. They’re becoming more socially aware, more independent, and more sensitive to how they’re perceived. Communication…
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The 5-Minute After-School Emotional Check-In That Helps Tweens Open Up
If your tween comes home from school overwhelmed, irritable, or completely shut down, you’re not doing anything wrong—and neither are they. The transition from school mode to home mode is one of the most emotionally demanding parts of a tween’s day. Even when the school day went “fine,” your child has spent hours navigating expectations,…
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After-School Stress Relief: Why Every Child Needs a Calm Down Kit
The hours after school can be some of the most emotionally charged for children. They’ve spent the entire day following directions, navigating friendships, and processing new information — all of which can create after-school stress and emotional overload. This often shows up as meltdowns, irritability, or withdrawal when they get home. That’s why having a…
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6 Must-Read Books for Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health
Children’s emotional well-being is just as important as their physical well-being. How children interpret and manage their emotions determines their confidence, relationships, and capacity to recover from setbacks in the course of growing up. As parents and caregivers, having the right tools can make a big difference in helping children feel seen, supported, and empowered.…
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40 Screen-Free Indoor Activities to Bring on Joy(Even on Rainy Days!)
Let’s be real: summer days, sick days, or just plain long days have a way of bringing on the dreaded “I’m bored!” chant, leading to a plea for screen time. As a school counselor, I’ve learned the drill of keeping children occupied and emotionally regulated indoors, particularly when you’re attempting to limit devices. But boredom…
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What I Want Every Parent to Know Before Their Child Starts Middle School
I’m a former middle and elementary school counselor, having worked with hundreds of families through one of the most neglected transitions in a child’s life: the transition from elementary school to middle school. It’s a time of change—some thrilling, some frightening—and all too often, parents find themselves scratching their heads about how to better navigate…
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