Distraction and Temperament

“Distraction” gets a bad rap–but it can be a very useful stress reduction and emotional regulation skill. A dictionary definition of “distraction” is “a thing that prevents someone from giving full attention to something else.” (From Oxford Language dictionary). But what if that “something else” is a worrying or angry thought? Wouldn’t it be a Read More

Zero to Sixty

During developmental screenings, parents often tell me their child has trouble with “big” emotions–anger and frustration–and goes from “zero-to-sixty” when they don’t get their way. What most parents are witnessing is more likely a child who is actually very successful in self-regulating from stress throughout the day! These children don’t have multiple outbursts over every Read More

What I Can Control

Humans have the ability to worry about something that hasn’t happened yet—and trigger a real stress response—just by thinking about something! We also have the ability to ruminate over past situations—things that are over and done with—and trigger a real stress response—just by thinking about something that has already happened. Read More

Stress And The New Normal

During Covid-19 self-quarantine, constant change has become our new normal. Constant change is very stressful for children their parents. During periods of prolonged stress, it is important to care for our minds and bodies. This is especially important for our children and teens who have lost routine, supportive peers, teachers, extra-curriculars, and long-awaited summer plans. Read More