How SPACE-informed parenting can make transitions feel more manageable Why Busy Seasons Are Challenging for Kids With Anxiety Busy seasons often bring a rush of schedule changes: school breaks, family events, travel, different routines, and unpredictable transitions. For many kids, these moments feel exciting. But for children with anxiety, even small shifts can feel overwhelming. A predictable routine provides a...[ read more ]
It’s easy to label certain behaviors as “defiant” — the teen who rolls their eyes and storms off, the child who refuses to get out of the car, or the adult who snaps when asked a simple question. But sometimes what looks like defiance isn’t defiance at all. It’s anxiety. At its core, anxiety is the body’s alarm system, designed...[ read more ]
Being self-sufficient means juggling life’s various aspects: finances, work, daily tasks, and social life. Picture it as a growth journey with three stages: Dependence (relying on others), independence (handling things solo), and interdependence (balancing autonomy with support). The ultimate goal is interdependence; it’s about thriving within a community. Parents often wonder why their intelligent, capable young adult seems to be...[ read more ]
Most infants under six months adjust easily to different caregivers, often leaving parents feeling more anxious than their babies! As long as their needs are met, these tiny babes are content, with little understanding of absence. Between 4 and 7 months, babies begin to grasp “object permanence.” They realize people and things exist even when out of sight. Without a...[ read more ]
Children are more perceptive than we often realize. They notice when something serious is happening - whether it’s a family illness, divorce, a tragedy in the news, or even tough subjects like death, violence, or mental health. When adults avoid these conversations, kids are left to fill in the blanks, often with more fear and worry than the truth would...[ read more ]
The back-to-school season can bring excitement, but for many kids, it also stirs up anxiety. Worries about new teachers, making friends, or handling the workload can make mornings tough. As a parent, it’s natural to want to step in and make things easier, but sometimes the very things we do to help can unintentionally make anxiety worse. At The OCD...[ read more ]
If you are a parent of a child struggling with anxiety or OCD, it is natural to want to help however you can. You may comfort them, step in to ease distress, or adjust your routines to avoid triggers. But what if these well-meaning actions are actually making things harder in the long run? At The OCD & Anxiety Center,...[ read more ]
Summer is an ideal time to strengthen family connections. Shared activities promote communication and understanding, making everyone feel closer and more supported. Laughing together at a barbecue or exploring a hiking trail can enhance emotional resilience and create lasting memories. These shared moments are a vital part of nurturing mental well-being. Engage in outdoor picnics for a breath of fresh...[ read more ]
Fear and worry are typical for people of all ages. In the case of children, these emotions can be helpful. They teach us about being cautious when necessary and how to develop coping skills. Ideally, they also teach us how to identify a false fear. In other words, a fearful child is nothing to be concerned about — until it...[ read more ]
It's heartbreaking to hear that children can experience mental health disorders. It can also be surprising or hard to believe for many adults. After all, we often associate these disorders with something that only adults experience. Children are often at the crossroads of two common mental health disorders. Anxiety and ADHD both commonly start in childhood or the teenage years....[ read more ]
