Insights from a Fellow Parent and Child Psychiatrist
In my EBOOK âWeathering the Storm: Understanding and Managing Teenage Meltdowns,â youâll discover practical strategies and insights to help you navigate the turbulent waters of teenage emotions. Written in clear and accessible English, with a translation available in Chinese, this book is a valuable resource for parents, teachers, and anyone working with teenagers.
Explore the concept of âemotional stormsâ and learn how to identify triggers, implement effective coping strategies, and prevent meltdowns before they start. With real-life examples and a focus on empathy and mindfulness, this book provides a comprehensive framework for supporting teenagers through their most challenging moments.
As a special bonus, youâll also receive âUnderstanding and Navigating Meltdowns,â a companion guide that delves deeper into the causes and solutions for emotional outbursts. Together, these books offer a holistic approach to fostering resilience and emotional well-bein...
End of the month reflections
I've had a few patients who haven't been improving as quickly as I'd hoped, and it doesn't feel good. I've felt like a failure, and I thought it might be useful to share my reflections.
We often have lopsided priorities, focusing so intensely on one aspect of life that we neglect others. My relentless pursuit of perfection puts me at risk of burnout and feeling like I've fallen short as a human being. I know I can lean too hard on achieving that elusive goal of perfection.
As I say this, I realize many people feel the same way.
We all struggle intensely with things we don't like about ourselves and often act in ways that maintain those very concerns. For example, constantly checking if others respect us can intensify our unhappiness because we hyperfocus on signs that they don't. Or we avoid situations that make us uncomfortable, so we don't have to face our fears, leaving them unchallenged.
Feeling like we're terrible doesn't actually mean we are terr...
I'm are thrilled to introduce our eBook, âConquering School Anxietyâ. It's FREE!
This comprehensive guide is the culmination of extensive research and practical strategies designed to help parents like you navigate the challenging landscape of school anxiety.
âConquering School Anxietyâ offers a wealth of knowledge and practical advice:
Understanding Anxiety: Gain a deeper understanding of what your child is going through. Learn about the different types of anxiety and their triggers.
Effective Communication: Discover how to communicate effectively with your anxious child, fostering an environment of trust and empathy.
Collaborating with Schools: Learn how to work with your childâs school to create a safe and supportive environment.
Practi...
Growing up, I often heard stories about my parentsâ journey as immigrants. They faced countless hardships, from language barriers to financial struggles, yet they never gave up. Their unwavering determination and resilience were driven by a single goal: to provide a better future for their children. Even when the chips were down, they persevered, teaching me the invaluable lesson that resilience and perseverance can lead to success. Inspired by their journey, I strive to instill these same values in my own children. One delightful and effective method is through bedtime stories. Here are some wonderful books that can teach children about resilience while making bedtime a cherished ritual.
This charming picture book tells the story of a girl who sets out to create the most magnificent thing but faces numerous challenges along the way. It teaches children about perseverance and the importance of not giving up.
Find it on...
 What are the factors that cause anxiety to spike in children? Thank you to Tara Janu on LinkedIn for suggesting this topic.
Exploring the Factors that Cause Anxiety in Children
Anxiety is a common emotion experienced by everyone, including children. However, when it starts to interfere with a childâs daily life, it becomes a real concern. As parents we can feel somewhat helpless and a little lost at times because anxiety manifested in myriad ways can be confounding.Â
Anxiety in children is essentially a response to perceived threats or imagined threats and of course real threats (so it is a natural thing). Itâs a normal part of growing up, indicating that children are beginning to understand the world around them and their limits. But when these fears or worries become too intense, persist longer than usual, or disrupt their life for more than six months, it could indicate an anxiety disorder - it's important that you are able to get help from folks you trust in your communi...
A confusing scene:
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Evan had spent the entire day working on a wooden box, carefully etching an intricate dragon onto the lid. His mother, seeing the finished product, was amazed. âEvan, this is incredible! I didnât know you could do that!â she exclaimed with genuine admiration. To her surprise, Evan scowled and shouted, âShut up! Itâs rubbish! I hate you!â He then threw the box across the room, where it shattered against the wall. Huh? What just happened?
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Ah, the joys of parenting.
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Evanâs reaction illustrates a common trait among perfectionist children: an inability to accept praise and harsh self-criticism. These children often equate their self-worth with their accomplishments, and any perceived imperfection can trigger intense frustration. Some may even avoid completing tasks or trying new things to evade potential failure. No amount of praise will encourage Evan; he must be perfect. Praise only adds to his belief that people do not understand him. We n...
As we journey through the world of parenting, we often find ourselves navigating uncharted territories. One such territory is understanding and supporting our anxious children. Anxiety can manifest in many ways and each child experiences it differently. Itâs our role as parents to provide a safe, understanding, and nurturing environment for our children to thrive.
In this blog post, we will explore some valuable resources that can guide us in this journey. These books offer a wealth of knowledge from experts in child development, education, and psychology. They provide practical strategies, insights, and a deeper understanding of how to support our anxious children.
From the Montessori approach to positive discipline, these books cover a wide range of topics that are relevant to our experiences as parents. Whether youâre new to parenting or have years of experience, these resources can provide fresh perspectives and effective strategies to help you support your chil
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Whilst the prospect may seem daunting, it is essential to confront the stark realities that we, and our children, are being steered towards - a world teeming with profound pain, tragedy, and horror. I may appear as a harbinger of doom, ceaselessly alerting about an imminent crisis. My concerns might be dismissed as hyperbole, but I am merely amplifying the sentiments of my spirit animal, Dr. Alexandre Lacassagne.
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Dr. Alexandre Lacassagne, a trailblazer in forensic science, astutely observed, âJustice withers, prison corrupts, and society gets the criminals it deserves.â This insightful statement, articulated over a century ago, echoes louder today. As we scrutinise our environment, it becomes clear that the social determinants of crime and mental illness are closely intertwined, and our current systems fall short in addressing these fundamental issues.
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I am convinced that it is only a matter of time before the younger generation grapples with significant challenges.
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Picture this: Youâre embarking on a family journey, the road stretching endlessly before you, treats within armâs reach, and your beloved melodies filling the car. Suddenly, the peaceful ambiance is disrupted by a commotion from the backseat. Your child, who is on the autism spectrum, is grappling with the sensory bombardment of the journey. Amid the turmoil, you find yourself laughing at the paradox of your carefully orchestrated âcalmâ vacation morphing into a scene straight out of a farcical comedy.
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Preparation is paramount. As the saying goes, fortune favors the prepared. Yet, no amount of preparation can completely eliminate discomfort. Nevertheless, you are capable, and you can create beautiful, meaningful memories with your children in the great outdoors.
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Addressing sensory challenges during travel is crucial, as sensory overload is a common obstacle for children with autism.
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There are several books available on Amazon that could be beneficial in mitigati
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Ah, the joys of parenthood!
There you are, blissfully dreaming, when suddenly, youâre jolted awake by a little voice asking about the fate of the planet.
Lynsey G posed a great question: What do you say to kiddos with anxiety over concerns about the environment or similar global-scale problems, at 2 in the morning?
Hereâs one approach you could test to handle those midnight queries with empathy, brevity, and a gentle nudge back to bed.
First, letâs validate those feelings. Even in your half-asleep state, itâs important to let your child know that itâs okay to be worried. âI can see youâre really concerned about the environment. Itâs okay to feel that way. It shows you care a lot.â
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At 2 AM, simplicity is key. You want to soothe and comfort without diving into a full-blown discussion. âThere are many people working hard to take care of the Earth. Scientists, activists, and even kids like you are making a difference every day.â
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Highlight the positive actions being taken to ad
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