Why Smart Kids Struggle in School
You might think that smart kids have it all figured out, so there’s absolutely no excuse for declining attendance or grades. But, as someone who was identified as gifted in Grade 1, yet traded straight As for Fs by Grad 11, I can tell you it’s possible… …but not because I was unmotivated, lazy, irresponsible, […]
Tired of dragging your teen out of bed?
This is one of the most exhausting challenges parents tell me about that creates resentment and stress in your relationship with your teen. The Real Struggle Behind the Snooze Button First off, let’s get one thing straight: it’s not just your teen being difficult. Their internal body clock shifts during puberty, making them natural night […]
I can’t, my stomach hurts
It’s not always the most wonderful time of the year. School has either started or will in a few days depending on where you live and I can feel the collective stress, teeth clenching and shoulders tensing. Even a summer free of school doesn’t slow the looming countdown or stress that lies just below the […]
7 tips to finding your teen the right therapist
You know your teen needs help. Maybe they’ve even agreed to get help. So how do you find the right therapist and how do you know if it’s working? These are important and valuable questions to be asking so you and your teen get the most out of a professional support experience. 1) Forcing or […]
The #1 Question Parents Ask Me
2021 was filled with false hope, moving targets and more unknowns that created unprecedented mental health struggles, pushing both adults and teens to the brink. From online schooling to lack of athletic pursuits and social connection, teens felt isolated, lost, and anxious. “How can I motivate my teenager? They don’t care about anything.” That’s the […]
You Don’t Understand
This seems simple, but it’s not. Sure, you were a teen so it’s not unfamiliar territory – the relationship drama of who said what to whom, the mean teacher who gives too much homework and doesn’t care if you had a rough day and having to be ‘social media perfect’ every moment to avoid judgement […]
Your Teen Won’t Try If It’s Not Safe To Fail
There’s no reward in normal. The years of pristine, unstained report cards before had gone almost unnoticed with a glance and barely a smile from my parents. No ‘great job’, ‘well done’ or ‘we’re so proud of you’. Just the nonchalance of every day normal that didn’t warrant a comment, hug or special meal. That […]
Tips to Un-Spoil your Teen this Christmas
Not to mention your resentment because no matter what you buy them, they don’t seem to care anyway. Your teen isn’t ungrateful or entitled and you haven’t failed as a parent. Experience creates perspective. Your teen has never worked a full-time job to pay a mortgage, keep the place warm with lights on, kept a […]
It’s not what you see, it’s what you don’t
On November 17th I lost a friend. A man who seemed larger than life with a heart for serving others, spontaneous adventure and childlike play through sports and outdoor activities. He desperately wanted to be a reliable employee and team member, the perfect husband to his loving wife and a safe, kind and caring father […]
Supporting Your Teen Through Mental Health Challenges
For heaven’s sake, toughen up. If your teen had been with you when you were young, they’d never survive! Bullying and name calling were leadership skills (on and off the school grounds) and no one was coming running if you felt offended or triggered. You survived so much worse…minus social media and a global pandemic. […]