Your child is having daily meltdowns about school, and everyone keeps telling you to "give it time." But that nagging feeling in your gut says this isn't just typical adjustment stuff—and you're right. Here's what most parents don't realize: school refusal isn't about being difficult or manipulative. It's your child's nervous system saying something feels genuinely unsafe. Discover the real reasons behind school struggles and the specific strategies that actually help children feel confident and capable in the classroom.

Your preschooler sees kids playing at the park and wants to join, but they either hover at the edge looking lost or barrel right in and accidentally ruin the game. Here's what most parents don't realize: "joining in" isn't something children automatically know how to do. Discover how PEERS® for Preschoolers teaches you to coach friendship skills in real-world moments that actually matter.

It happens in slow motion—you see your child standing alone while other kids walk away, or they announce, "No one wants to play with me." Every protective instinct fires, and you want to fix their social world immediately. But those painful moments aren't problems to be solved—they're how children learn to navigate relationships and build the resilience at the heart of healthy child social development.

Every August, parents wonder if their child is truly ready for school. While it's natural to focus on academic skills like letters and numbers, true kindergarten readiness has far more to do with emotional resilience than perfect penmanship. The children who thrive aren't those with the tidiest handwriting, but those who can bounce back from disappointment and adapt to new situations.

Discover compassionate, evidence-based ways to help your child overcome school refusal. Learn about causes, early signs, and practical steps including CBT, SPACE coaching, and tailored return-to-school plans.

You tried gentle parenting and feel like your kid walks all over you. Or you tried being firmer and it backfired. The debate between "too soft" and "too harsh" misses the real point—there's a third path. Discover how DBT-C parenting strategies help you lead with both compassion and clarity for sensitive and neurodivergent children.

Social anxiety isn’t just being shy or introverted. It’s a deeply rooted fear of being judged, embarrassed, or rejected in social situations. It shows up in classrooms, group chats, cafeterias, and friend circles—and for many teens, it can feel unbearable.

While some teens might label themselves “socially awkward,” others might just say, “I hate school” or “No one gets me.”

The truth is: social anxiety in teens can affect every part of their world—from friendships and academic performance to how they see themselves.

As a parent, your deepest instinct is to protect your child from distress. And when summer rolls in—with its bright skies, popsicles, and pool days—it brings a fresh batch of both magic and meltdowns.

Your instinct is to help them feel safe. Maybe you offer constant reassurance, answer every anxious question with extra patience, or agree to skip the BBQ, the pool party, or the overnight trip. Maybe you keep tight to your usual routines—even when the season invites spontaneity.

But what if some of those loving efforts to reduce their anxiety are actually helping it grow?

Longer days, more sunshine, and that sweet summer slowdown—it sounds dreamy. But if you’re like a lot of parents I work with, that relaxed routine can quickly turn into a daily battle over screens. If pulling your kids away from their devices feels like a full-time job, you’re not alone. The good news? It is possible to create a rhythm that feels good for everyone—one where screen time isn’t the enemy and summer still feels like, well… summer. Let’s talk about how to make that balance doable—and even enjoyable—for your family.

You see your child crumble over small disappointments or explode when things don't go their way, and wonder if they'll ever learn to handle life's ups and downs. The truth is: emotional intelligence isn't something kids are born with—it's built through everyday moments when you help them notice, name, and navigate their feelings with emotion coaching instead of quick fixes.