Parenting is one of the most challenging roles anyone can take on. When your child throws a tantrum, talks back, or shows strong emotions, staying calm and supportive can feel nearly impossible. Sometimes, these moments trigger deep emotional reactions that seem out of proportion. This happens because unresolved trauma from your own past may be influencing how you respond to your child. Children’s behavior often reflects parts of ourselves that we haven’t fully healed. When y

Summer break is here, and if you're anything like me, you may already be wondering how you're going to keep your school-aged kids entertained, fed, active, and off screens all day long—without completely losing your mind in the process. The structure of the school year disappears overnight, and suddenly you're hearing "Mom, I'm bored..." before you've even finished your coffee. Sound familiar? As a therapist and a mom, I know the mental load of motherhood doesn't magically ta

Navigating the Busy Season The moment the “ber” months roll in, life seems to speed up. Suddenly, our lists get longer, our calendars fill faster, and our to-dos multiply overnight. Don't get me wrong; I get giddy with excitement for all the fun to come. But it can feel like a lot. By October, the weight really starts to pile on—at least for me. There are birthday parties to plan, Halloween costumes to pull together, school photos and permission slips to remember, online orde

Lately, the heaviness in the world feels impossible to ignore. From devastating natural disasters to school shootings and tragic assassinations—our hearts ache for those who have lost children, parents, friends, or entire communities. Even if the loss is not your own, you may find yourself grieving deeply for others. This kind of collective grief —the shared sorrow we experience when tragedy touches humanity—can feel just as disorienting as personal grief. It reminds us of ho

The start of the school year can feel like a rollercoaster for parents. Just when it seems like your kids are settling in with their new teacher, classmates, and routine—Monday morning shows up. Suddenly, your child is melting down, clinging to you at the door, or flat-out refusing to go at the breakfast table. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many kids of all ages struggle with school refusal—especially after weekends, holiday breaks, or even just a fun family day.

I lost my brother at the tender age of 12. Honestly, I am surprised by how deeply this loss continues to touch my life, my children’s lives, and my role as a mother in ways I never could have imagined. My girls never had the chance to meet my brother. Yet, as they’ve grown older, his absence has found its way into our lives at random moments. My eldest daughter frequently dreams of him and other lost loved ones. These dreams spark conversations about what they were like. The

August 14, 2025 The first day of school can bring out big emotions—not just for kids, but for moms too. For working parents, the pressure can feel even heavier when our schedules don’t allow us to be there for drop-off, photos, or those sweet morning hugs. Cue the mom guilt . Whether it’s the first day of preschool or the first day of middle school, not being there for your kids at that moment can stir up feelings of sadness, frustration with your situation or envy of all th

As backpacks fill and alarms reset, moms everywhere ride a wave of emotions—relief (hello quiet mornings), stress (why that teacher?), or heartache as another milestone sneaks up. It’s a lot to handle. And guess what? Our kids feel it, too. They mirror our emotions through their own worries, resistance, or changes in behavior as they head into the new routine. So how do we manage our own swirl of feelings while helping them start the school year strong? Read below for three q

5 Tips for coping with big feelings during the summer break