Hello. This is the fourth article in a series about raising student’s grades. Today we take a look at how to support children in integrating the information they receive through their brain. Integration of information – how your child processes the bits of information that are given in and out of class – has to…

Hello. Today a mother asked me about support groups for girls. This parent is a very aware, caring, sensitive and amazing mom of two children, a 9-year-old daughter and a younger son. The family has undergone some big transitions this past year and her daughter is expressing emotional outbursts that are energetically extreme, emotionally toxic…

I got an important question from a concerned friend today. In my own words, the question was  essentially “What holistic options are available for dealing with feelings of guilt and self-blame?” In this situation, a parent discovered that her daughter had been sexually abused by a female babysitter years ago. The daughter just revealed this…

We are well on our way into Summer.  Here in Central Texas, we’ve already had some daily high temperatures reaching into the upper 90s! That’s why I’m extra thankful for the cooler nights that have returned, accompanied by breezy, cloudy days in the 80s. That just feels “right” for this time of year… As we…

Welcome back. This is the 5th article in a series about teen feelings. Today, we look at the more subtle reasons why it is important to listen to your teen, and 6 tips for doing so. 1. I cannot stress enough the importance of taking the time to listen to your teen when they seek…

This morning I realized – or maybe “remembered” is a better word – that I have the kind of brain that never stops…thinking, writing, speaking, singing, problem solving, planning, creating, organizing… It’s a monolithic multi-tasker. Some people might say that it’s a distracting burden, but I say that it’s a glorious gift! I love my…

This week, I take some time to share a little something extra that inspired me (and take a break from the “Teen Feelings” series): Last night I watched an older Meryl Streep movie called First do no harm. It was about a mother on a mission to help her son with a medical condition that…

In this third article of the Teen Feelings series, we skip right into the issue of suicide. 1. As I stated in Teen Feelings – Part 1, a general “rule of thumb” is to take all suicidal thoughts and statements that a child makes seriously. Although things may feel dramatic or silly to parents, suicidal…

Last week, we looked at things to consider when deciding if your teen’s feelings and behaviors are aligned with their experiences, or if they are indicators that your youngster is struggling. This week, we take a deeper look into the life of a teen. 1. First, let me state the obvious: that the teenage years tend…

Recently, I got this question from a parent: QUESTION: “My daughter recently broke up with her boyfriend. She is a high school junior and was both surprised and hurt by the breakup. They had been “dating” for months and I would describe their relationship as close and even intimate. She says they did not have…