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...

As a Doctor of Psychology with experience working and serving underserved populations, I have developed a strong interest in exploring...

Disclaimer: Dr. Ryan Yam is a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.), not a medical doctor. This article is for informational purposes only and...