Blog Feed: The Kid Counselor

Seeing and Believing in the Goodness of Kids

Published on 2012-03-28 21:08:34

One of the major principles of play therapy is that you focus on the relationship, the child, and the existent positives rather than the problematic behaviors or issues you wish to change. The reason for that is that adults tend to over-exaggerate the negative and neglect to acknowledge the positive, and children rarely are given [...] > read more

Choice Giving Examples from My Own Home

Published on 2012-03-28 20:43:31

So, my dear husband has heard play therapy stories, principles and techniques ad nauseum at this point. He truly has worked very hard to integrate the skills into his everyday parenting. He claims that he is a one trick pony, and gets stuck saying the same thing over and over. While this is somewhat true, [...] > read more

Setting Expectations for Kids a la Dora the Explorer

Published on 2012-02-08 21:06:51

I have always been a big advocate of setting clear expectations with kids and setting them up for success in any situation. I have written about only setting limits when necessary and discussed the importance of brevity and clarity with children. Along the same lines, I think another major technique in stopping behavioral issues and [...] > read more

How to Really Love a Child

Published on 2012-01-11 14:00:37

I was browsing through a website for Moms the other day, and saw this posted by someone. It was such a great reminder of how much the little things matter. These are things that may be easily pushed aside in the hectic busyness of our lives, but oh how I hope to be this kind [...] > read more

Helping Kids Handle Holiday Gatherings

Published on 2011-12-07 15:42:28

Children love the lights, music, gifts and wonder of Christmas. What can be more challenging is getting them to appreciate all-day family gatherings, boring work parties, and obligatory holiday functions that are not necessarily kid friendly. Here are some tips that can help you prepare them for success as they learn their holiday social skills [...] > read more

Parenting Pre-teens and adolescents

Published on 2011-11-19 14:50:25

One of the most difficult parenting tasks, according to parents who are willing to share, is knowing how to handle teenagers. They are still children, needing guidance and boundaries, yet are yearning for more freedom and independence. It is a delicate balance for parents and teens, and a potentially rewarding relationship if handled effectively. If [...] > read more

Preparing Kids for a Parent Traveling

Published on 2011-10-18 19:47:31

I spent four days in Sacramento last week at the International Association for Play Therapy Conference. It was so encouraging to be surrounded by hundreds of people who believe in the power or play and the ability children possess to heal themselves. As exciting and informative as it was, it was my first time away [...] > read more

Teaching Kids the Value of a Dollar in a Tough Economy

Published on 2011-09-23 13:48:38

In the current economic situation, everyone seems to be more conscious of spending and saving. In a previous post, I wrote about how to help kids understand the economy. In this one, I would like to give you ten tips for enlarging the lessons and encouraging kids to adopt your values about money management. Most [...] > read more

Teaching Kids the Value of a Hand-Written Letter

Published on 2011-09-15 15:10:06

In an age where video games, cell phones and computers are paramount, it can be challenging to find ways to connect as a family, relax and get in touch with our slower-paced and more personal roots. One of the assignments that parents are required to do in the Child-Parent Relationship Training that I offer is [...] > read more

Limit Setting with My Almost Two-Year Old

Published on 2011-07-16 17:01:03

There are many forms of discipline that are implemented with children, though none more effective than Play Therapy Limit Setting, in my opinion. Here are some of the benefits, as I see them: 1. It can be used with any age, from toddlers to teenagers. (Adults too, actually, but I will save that for a [...] > read more

Share your opinion and get a FREE Kid Counselor Video Training (valued at $47)

Published on 2011-06-26 21:35:32

The Kid Counselor will soon be releasing a Video Training that addresses the ten most pressing concerns parents have about parenting and their children’s behavior. The Kid Counselor will provide solutions to these parenting problems from a Play > read more

Ten Ways to Play With Your Kids

Published on 2011-06-01 20:36:29

Since we have officially reached the summer months, I thought it might be appropriate to address what seems to be on every parent’s mind: What am I going to do to keep the kids busy all summer? Here are ten easy, fun, low-cost ideas that are ba > read more

Real Questions from Real Parents #7 – Therapist’s Role in Divorce

Published on 2011-05-06 08:21:17

Several parents have raised similar questions regarding a therapist for children in the specific context of divorce. The role of a children’s therapist should be very clear, and there are issues that arise when parents are no longer making join > read more

Real Questions from Real Parents #6 – Anxious Behaviors in Kids

Published on 2011-05-03 19:59:32

I have been asked by several parents about varying degrees of anxious behaviors in their children. Although I can not give anything other than thoughts and suggestions, I think it is important to have objective opinions and thoughts when facing somet > read more

Parental Responsibility for Children’s Behaviors

Published on 2011-04-16 20:35:06

I read a quote this week that jumped from the page into my reality in such a way that I felt compelled to write an article about it. There are times when the written word read in the right way at the right time, can make you feel like it is meant spe > read more

Real Questions from Real Parents #5 – Parental Guilt

Published on 2011-03-17 21:24:00

I have received several questions from parents who are questioning their decisions or actions, and therefore feeling very guilty and ashamed. The situations have been very different, from work issues to depression, but the common theme was the “ > read more

Stop Negotiating with Your Children

Published on 2011-03-13 08:57:13

One of the most common destructive patterns of parenting that I observe is negotiating with children. This can come in many forms, frequently in an attempt to be a kind parent rather than a dictator. The problem is that there is a multitude of negati > read more

Are Americans Weak Parents?

Published on 2011-02-24 15:04:06

A recent book written by Yale professor Amy Chua, Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother, brings to light the difference between American parenting and Chinese parenting. She claims that tough parenting is the only way to create Grade A children, compared t > read more

Differentiating Between Children and Their Behaviors

Published on 2011-02-03 13:28:32

I believe it is so crucial to keep in mind that your child is more than their behaviors. It is easy to latch on to consistent patterns and generalize them into a schema under which you categorize them. Unfortunately, this is detrimental to their expl > read more

10 Things Not to Say to Your Kids

Published on 2011-01-16 14:35:51

When I think about all of the phrases, anecdotes, and sayings about the power of the spoken word I am reminded of how I changed my way of communicating with children upon learning Play Therapy principles. I realize that using Play Therapy based langu > read more

Real Questions from Real Parents #4 – Building Self-Esteem in Kids

Published on 2011-01-09 20:27:27

I was asked by a parent to share some tips on how she can give her son tools to build his self-esteem, who is eleven. Her concerns are that he seems not to trust people easily, and has to warm up to people. He does not verbalize his feelings, and ten > read more

2010 Year in Review

Published on 2011-01-03 20:48:31

Well, it is the beginning of a new year and an opportunity to have a renewed effort to be the best parents that we can be! In light of everything that has been happening with me, I am sure that it has been busy for everyone. I wanted to share a few t > read more

2010 Search Round-up: How do people find The Kid Counselor?

Published on 2010-12-31 12:15:09

We just finished our 2010 year-end search analysis on The Kid Counselor blog today. We do this every year to answer the question, how do people “find” or “discover” The Kid Counselor? This may not be riveting information on h > read more

Real Questions from Real Parents #3 – Kids and Chores

Published on 2010-12-19 20:44:27

One of the most common struggles among parents is chores and helping out around the house. In this instance, I was asked for help regarding getting a child to do her chores. This parent lives in India and is struggling to get her daughter to finish h > read more

Making Sure Children Feel Understood

Published on 2010-12-16 22:12:13

In the course that I teach at the University of South Florida, we discuss the difference between listening and hearing. I have touched on this idea in previous posts, and it is extremely important to understand that they are not the same thing. Espec > read more

Spanking Your Children – What Are the Effects?

Published on 2010-12-02 20:58:35

One of the most long-standing debates in parenting circles is whether or not to spank your children. There are those who believe it is absolutely necessary and others who are fundamentally opposed to the practice. Of course, there are also those who > read more

Names of Children Matter – More Than You May Think

Published on 2010-11-14 22:17:44

So, I realize that the children that we already have will not necessarily benefit from this article. However, for those of you planning on having more children in the future, you may find this new information helpful in your name choosing process. Fo > read more

Giving Children Control – Really

Published on 2010-10-30 15:50:04

I have written several articles on the importance of giving children choices, teaching them responsibility, helping them to develop self-control and allowing them age-appropriate freedoms. In the same vein, I think it is important to discuss providin > read more