School refusal is often misunderstood. Many parents assume it reflects a lack of motivation, discipline, or resilience. In my clinical work, however, I frequently see something very different: children who want  to learn but are emotionally overwhelmed in environments that no longer fit their needs. This article reflects on my professional experience supporting an 11-year-old child who presented with significant emotional challenges and persistent school refusal—and how a coo

As parents, it’s natural to think, “My child is doing fine—we’ll address things if a problem shows up.”  This belief comes from love, optimism, and trust in a child’s resilience. But in my work with children and families, I’ve learned an important truth: When struggles become obvious, they’ve often been building quietly for a long time. What Reactive Support Looks Like Reactive intervention happens when support begins after difficulties become disruptive or distressing: Acade

As we approach the end of the year, many parents feel a mix of emotions—relief, exhaustion, gratitude, worry, hope. For families raising children with emotional, behavioral, learning, or attention challenges, this season can feel especially heavy. If this year felt hard, you’re not alone. If it felt messy, unfinished, or far from the picture you imagined—that’s okay too. Year-end reflection doesn’t have to be about measuring success. Sometimes, it’s simply about noticing what

As parents and educators, we often talk about helping children “do the right thing.” But what does that really mean? Psychologist Lawrence Kohlberg studied how humans grow in moral reasoning—not just what choices we make, but why those choices feel right or wrong. One important insight is this: Moral development does not stop in childhood. Adults can continue growing throughout their lives. Below is a simple explanation of the three levels of moral development, with reflectio

Have you ever noticed that your child tends to repeat certain behaviors—both the ones you love and the ones that drive you crazy? There’s a reason for that. Children, like all of us, tend to repeat what works. When a behavior leads to something pleasant—attention, praise, or a desired activity—it’s likely to show up again. Psychologists call this principle operant conditioning , but for parents, it simply means: behaviors that get rewarded, get repeated. 1. Kids Learn from Wh

When we hear the word anxiety, most of us picture a child who worries too much or a teen who seems stressed. But anxiety isn’t just one...

Did you need a license or certification before becoming a parent? Of course not. Parenting is the only job where you’re expected to know...

For children—and even for many adults—the question “Who am I?” isn’t just about likes, dislikes, or hobbies. It’s about understanding...

Some children seem to live life at full speed — speaking before others finish, jumping into activities without instructions, or reacting...

I’ve had the privilege of working with many children and teens who think, feel, and learn differently—students with ADHD, autism,...

Don’t Forget to Play: Why Summer Fun Is More Than Just a Break As summer rolls in, parents everywhere scramble to schedule camps,...

For decades, professionals across psychology, psychiatry, and education have worked to define, classify, and treat children’s emotional...

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing everything . From classrooms to clinics to corporate offices, machines are getting smarter—and...

Lately, I’ve met several adolescents who’ve said something along the lines of, “I just can’t go to school.” These aren't kids being...

Recently, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made a public statement suggesting that autism should be “cured.” While such sentiments may reflect a...

In a headline grabbing attention this week, President Donald Trump told reporters: “I got every answer right.” He was referring to a...

School choice sounds appealing—who wouldn’t want more options? But here’s the catch: What happens to students with special needs when...

“Can You Fix My Kid?” If I had a dollar for every time a parent asked me, "Can you fix my kid?" I’d probably be retired on a beach...

Introduction Corporal punishment is a topic that sparks strong emotions in many parents. Some may remember receiving it as children,...

Introduction Self-esteem is crucial to a child's emotional and psychological well-being. It influences how they see themselves, interact...