Pre-School

Q+A: What Is Separation Anxiety Disorder?

My 4-year-old was just diagnosed with Separation Anxiety Disorder. What is it?

You may already have guessed from the name of the diagnosis that separation anxiety disorder has something to do with the anxiety a child feels when separated from parents or caregivers.

Q+A: Should I be nervous? My preschooler’s teacher recommended I have him evaluated for an anxiety disorder..

My 3-year-old son Justin has been in preschool for five months and he won’t stay unless I sit in the classroom with him. His teacher told me today that this isn’t fair to the other children and that I need to get him evaluated for an anxiety disorder.

Why Chores Are Important for Kids

Chores.

We all remember them.

Some were associated with allowance, others simply mandatory. For many kids, and I bet for most of us, they were often an intrusion on other more important things to do.

Q+A: How Do I Find a Therapist for My Child?

My child has anxiety and I’m looking for a therapist. How do go about finding a good one?

This is an extremely important question, and while there are no absolute rules, here are some guidelines that can help inform your process:

Word of mouth is often the best source of information.

Exploring Gender Dysphoria

Note: On May 25, 2019, the World Health Organization approved revisions to the 11th edition of its Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) to move gender incongruence out of mental disorders and into sexual health conditions.

What Does It Mean to Be “Gifted?”

Giftedness. It’s such a loaded word.

Almost all parents think their children are gifted. And in a sense, they’re right. Watching a child grow from an infant into a human who can read, complete math problems, and have friendships seems miraculous. No wonder many parents think this way.

A Closer Look at Autism

Autism, more formally referred to as autism spectrum disorders (ASD), are conditions where individuals struggle with social relationships and communication. People with autism also often face challenges in handling changes to their normal routines, or attempts to expand their usually narrow range of interests.

Q+A: Are Behavioral Issues Among Kids as Common as They Seem?

Question: It seems like every child these days has some kind of problem. ADHD. Anxiety. Depression. Are these things as common as they seem?

Answer: Are behavioral challenges among children as common as they seem? Well, it’s difficult to say because the line between normal and abnormal behavior is often a matter of degree.

How Scary Is Too Scary?

Intro music written and performed by Dr. Gene Beresin.Outro music arranged and performed by Dr. Gene Beresin.

Here is my most vivid memory of Halloween as a child:

I’m 8 years old.

How Parents Can Promote Mental Wellness in Children

Parents are the true experts when it comes to knowing their children, and often the first to notice any changes in their kids’ behavior:

Colin was a happy youngster. He had friends, did well in school, and got along with his siblings and parents at home. But in recent months, mom noticed that Colin seemed more distant.