Many children go through phases of picky eating. They may refuse vegetables, insist on eating the same foods repeatedly, or become hesitant to try something new. While frustrating, these behaviors are often a normal part of development.ARFID, or Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, is different.Children and teens with ARFID are not simply being selective about food. Their eating difficulties are...[ read more ]
Family meals are often portrayed as an important time for connection. Parents imagine gathering around the table, talking about their day, and sharing food together. When a child has Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), however, mealtimes can become one of the most stressful parts of the day.Parents may find themselves preparing separate meals, negotiating bites, worrying about nutrition, or...[ read more ]
One of the most painful parts of selective mutism is how often children are misunderstood.Because these children may speak freely at home but remain silent at school, around extended family members, or in other social situations, adults sometimes assume they are choosing not to talk. Parents may hear comments that their child is being shy, stubborn, oppositional, or simply needs...[ read more ]
Anxiety is one of the most common challenges experienced by autistic children and teens, yet it is often misunderstood. Parents may notice increasing distress, avoidance, meltdowns, reassurance-seeking, irritability, or rigid routines and wonder whether these behaviors are related to autism, anxiety, or both.The answer is often both.Autistic children and teens can experience the same anxiety disorders seen in non-autistic individuals,...[ read more ]
When a child is anxious, it's natural for parents to want to make that anxiety go away. We reassure them, help them avoid situations that feel overwhelming, or try to solve the problem that's causing distress. These responses come from a place of love. After all, no parent wants to watch their child suffer.The challenge is that anxiety doesn't usually...[ read more ]
Watching a teenager struggle with anxiety can be incredibly difficult. Parents often find themselves searching for the right thing to say, the right solution to offer, or the right way to make the anxiety go away. When a teen is overwhelmed by worries about school, friendships, sports, health, or the future, the natural instinct is to help them feel better...[ read more ]
For many families, the start of a new school year brings a mix of excitement and nerves. For children who have struggled with anxiety, however, returning to school can feel overwhelming. Whether a child experienced school refusal, missed significant time due to anxiety, struggled socially, or simply became accustomed to avoiding situations that felt uncomfortable, school re-entry can quickly become...[ read more ]
Many children struggle with separation from their parents at some point. Whether it's going to school, attending activities independently, spending time with relatives, or sleeping in their own room, separation can bring up significant anxiety. When a child becomes distressed, it is natural for parents to want to make that discomfort go away as quickly as possible. The challenge is...[ read more ]
When most people think about anxiety, they imagine someone who appears nervous, worried, or fearful. While those symptoms are certainly common, anxiety does not always look the way people expect. In teenagers, anxiety often shows up as irritability, frustration, or anger rather than obvious fear. This can be confusing for parents. A teen who seems constantly annoyed, argumentative, or short-tempered...[ read more ]
Many parents are surprised to learn that anxiety in children does not always look like worry. While some children openly talk about their fears or concerns, others experience anxiety primarily through physical symptoms. In fact, many children who struggle with anxiety first come to the attention of parents, teachers, or medical providers because of recurring physical complaints rather than obvious...[ read more ]
