25 Calming Activities For Kids With Anxiety
It is perfectly normal for children to experience anxiety as they grow, learn, and change environments. One of the greatest gifts you can give your … Read more
Mental Health
At Parenting Pod we care about your child’s physical, mental, and emotional health. Here you will find articles to keep your children healthy.
Anxiety Checklist for Kids
If you’re concerned that your child may have an anxiety disorder, check off her symptoms on this list and print it for future reference. Then, refer to it when talking with your child’s pediatrician about what you have been seeing.
How To Identify Your Parenting Style And Adapt It To Fit Your Child’s Needs
Did you know? 46% of parents adopt an authoritative parenting style, 26% adopt an authoritarian parenting style, 18% adopt a permissive parenting style, and 10% … Read more
Florida Association for the Gifted Offers Advocacy for Gifted Learners, Resources for Gifted Educators, and Support for Families
If you are the parent of a gifted child, then you are probably wondering what you can do to guide them while offering the support … Read more
18 Ways to Stop Toddler Temper Tantrums
There are so many things that make parenting wonderful. One thing is sure though – toddler temper tantrums aren’t one of them. This article offers … Read more
Can CBD “Calm” ADHD Symptoms?
My husband was diagnosed with ADHD at 5-years-old. He is now 41. At the time, he was prescribed Ritalin. It did not work. I wish I would have known him as a child and I wish CBD would have been available, so he could have at least tried it. It could have made a world of difference in his quality of life. Who knows?
21 Sensory Toys for Your Child’s Development
The way that children perceive the world is determined by what they see, hear, feel, smell, taste, and perceive with their bodies. This is sensory … Read more
Applied Behavior Analysis: The Fundamentals
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) has been determined to be the most effective treatment for individuals with autism. but what is ABA exactly? In this article … Read more
Everything You Have Ever Wanted to Know About CBD
There is no doubt that CBD, often referred to as CBD oil, has quickly become a “go-to” product for general health and wellness and a … Read more
Which CBD Oil Might Ease My Anxiety? Our Psychologist Shares.
Will CBD ease your anxiety? The answer is… maybe. Cannabidiol or CBD has become a popular treatment alternative for general worries and more serious anxiety-related conditions. Here is everything you need to know about these CBD products in terms of their helpfulness for anxiety.
What is PANDAS and Why Should You Care?
If your child has recently had strep, has stopped eating, has started showing OCD behaviors, or has angry tantrums, then you need to be aware of the possibility for PANDAS.
The Truth About Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
“The effects of unresolved trauma can be devastating. It can affect our habits and outlook on life, leading to addictions and poor decision-making. It can … Read more
25 Activities for Developing Social and Language Skills in Children With Autism
When creating my very first classroom schedule, a concerned parent asked me, “Why do you have so much time devoted to play? I don’t want … Read more
The Complete Dyscalculia Guide for Parents
Are you bad at math? Are your children bad at math? Many people express a dislike of math, saying that it is difficult or boring. … Read more
Sensory Processing Disorder Guide
Our senses are our body’s detection system. We all have senses and we all use them every day to take in and interpret everything that … Read more
38 Activities to Help Your Child Develop Sensory Processing Skills
Sensory processing is vital to the normal development of children, because the senses are the way that children gather information about their world. If the … Read more
Shyness: What’s Typical and What’s Not for Children and Teens
Most people knows what it feels like to feel shy; that rush of blood to your face, the shaky feeling shooting through your body, the … Read more
The Parents’ Guide to Play Therapy for Children
“The activities that are the easiest, cheapest, and most fun to do – such as singing, playing games, reading, storytelling, and just talking and listening … Read more
Dysgraphia Guide
Handwriting is a skill that all children must learn before they can effectively communicate their thoughts on paper. Legible handwriting is vital to a child’s … Read more
Is Your Child Struggling with OCD? These Healthy Foods May Ease the Symptoms
For children living with mental health conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a healthy diet and regular exercise are essential for managing the symptoms. So, what … Read more
Avoiding These Unhealthy Foods May Ease Your Child’s OCD Symptoms
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a type of anxiety disorder that causes obsessions (illogical, irrational, and baseless thoughts) and compulsive (repetitive) behaviors, often disrupting one’s life. … Read more
Struggling with Depression? These Healthy Foods May Help
Did you know that a combination of factors (hormonal imbalances, genetics, chronic illnesses, and high stress levels) can cause you to spiral into the deep … Read more
Can Autism Be Cured? A Close Look at the “Culture” of Autism
As an educator and a behavior analyst, this is the question parents ask me the most. The simple answer, as heartbreaking as it sounds, is … Read more
The Effects of Having a Parent With Bipolar Disorder – Observations by a Family Therapist
As a Marriage and Family Therapist and Family Psychologist, I have interviewed and treated many clients who grew up with a parent suffering from bipolar … Read more
Checklist: Autism Spectrum Disorders Symptoms and Signs
The following checklist is a tool to help parents, doctors, and mental health practitioners discuss symptoms, behaviors, and needs that might relate to Autism Spectrum Disorder. … Read more
How ADHD, Anxiety, and Other Disorders can Mask Autism Spectrum Disorder
How do we know if our son has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), or maybe both? Where does anxiety fit … Read more
Autism Spectrum Disorder Checklist: A Tool for Parents and Teachers
Traditional autism checklists focus on broad areas of strengths and needs. The following checklist was developed by Hannah Grieco, an education and disability advocate, as … Read more
Self Evaluation Checklist for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have a variety of strengths and needs. The following checklist was developed by Hannah Grieco, an education and disability … Read more
Is My Child’s Anger Normal?
Anger can look different for every child, but some common anger symptoms in children are irritability, yelling, crying, negotiating, and talking back or being disrespectful … Read more
15 Ways to Help Kids Develop Empathy
Through my work as a psychologist, psychotherapist and life coach, I’ve come to appreciate that empathy is the most powerful force in building and keeping … Read more
Is My Child’s Sadness Normal? Or Is It Depression?
Depression is usually associated with adults. The thought of a child being depressed is something that seems unimaginable to parents and caregivers, as depression seems … Read more
A Psychologist’s Guide to Weighted Sleep Masks: Do They Work? And Why?
Good sleep is essential for our mental functioning, memory, and wellbeing [1]!. That’s why, as a clinical psychologist, I like to help my clients learn natural ways … Read more
6 Best Weighted Blankets for Kids & Toddlers (Psychologist Picks)
Weighted blankets have become extremely popular in the last couple of years. In fact, they have become a godsend for many kids, teens, and adults … Read more
When Autism Isn’t Typical
“Your son is such a rude boy!” The assistant principal at my son’s school spoke loudly, her voice piercing through the phone. I found out … Read more
Separation Anxiety Disorder
It is common to see infants and toddlers upset when separated from their parent or caregiver. Separation anxiety is a normal part of emotional development. … Read more
Separation Anxiety in Children
What is separation anxiety? Tears, clinginess, and tantrums are all common reactions to separation from a parent or a caregiver in the early stages of … Read more
The 5 Best Weighted Blankets for Anxiety – By A Clinical Psychologist
Suffering from anxiety? If so, have you thought about trying a weighted blanket? As a clinical psychologist I will be happy to share all of … Read more
The Best Fidget Spinners and Cubes According to Our Psychologist
How These Toy-Like Gadgets Can Be Used To Improve Your Emotional Wellbeing Hi there, my name is Daniel and I’m a clinical psychologist. In my … Read more
Your Guide to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that is characterized by obsessive or intrusive thoughts that trigger compulsive behaviors. The obsessions and compulsions … Read more
Is My Child’s Anxiety Normal? (When to Get Help)
If you have an anxious child or teen, you may wonder where their anxiety is coming from. The short answer is: fear. Psychologists have found … Read more
Executive Function Disorder in Children
Executive function disorder is a term commonly used to describe deficits in the skills that are used to manage life’s everyday tasks — impacting planning, … Read more
Depression in Children and Teens
Depression is a type of mood disorder that tends to run in families. [1] When a child or teen has depression, they typically experience extreme sadness … Read more
Oppositional Defiant Disorder Guide (ODD)
Have you ever wondered if your child’s misbehavior, defiance, or argumentative personality are normal? Have you ever been concerned that your child’s aggression or temper … Read more
Diet and Supplements for Autism: Examining the Evidence
If you have a child with an autism spectrum disorder, you may have found yourself exploring or including dietary and alternative therapies as part of … Read more
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
What is PTSD? Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating, and often chronic, mental health disorder that develops after exposure to a traumatic event. PTSD … Read more
The 5 Best Weighted Lap Pads: Reviewed By a Clinical Psycholgist
Have you ever wondered why a hug from a loved one can make you feel so good? Isn’t it amazing that a physical squeeze can … Read more
Is My Child’s Defiance Normal? Or Should We Get Help? A Psychologist Answers.
Does your child refuse to eat at the table? Does your teen regularly break her curfew? Our child psychologist explains what’s normal and what’s not, what causes defiance in kids, and how to help your child.
Your Guide to Social Anxiety Disorder
It’s normal to experience some degree of nervousness, fear, or worry in social situations. For instance, going on a first date or presenting in front … Read more
25 Fun Executive Functioning Activities for Kids (by Age)
Executive functions provide the necessary base for learning and development. They are the brain functions that enable us to focus, plan and organize our behavior. … Read more
Everything You Need to Know About Executive Functions
What are the Executive Functions? Executive functions are the set of mental processes that help us get things done. These functions are critical for skills … Read more
17 Activities to Support Kids with Dyslexia
If you are a parent of a child with dyslexia, you’ve witnessed the struggle: It is difficult to understand why your brain has such a … Read more
ADHD Medications & Side Effects: A Summary Chart
Below is a chart that summarizes the main medications used to treat ADHD at the present time. Keep in mind that it is not limitless … Read more
13 Foods To Avoid if You or Your Child Have ADHD
Did you know that doctors have conjectured that certain foods could possibly trigger or worsen attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms? Although research studies are limited … Read more
7 Foods To Eat If Your Child Has ADHD
At A Glance: The relationship between food and ADHD is not 100% clear yet because studies on this topic are limited. However, I have found … Read more
Prevent PTSD: 11 Things To Do If Your Child Has Been Through Trauma
Knowing that your child has gone through a traumatic event is arguably one of the most stressful, devastating, and overwhelming things a parent can experience. … Read more
9 Ways to Build Your Child’s Self-Esteem
Did you know, as a parent, you are the main source of self-esteem for your child? [3] The significant role in your child’s life probably … Read more
9 Ways to Stimulate Social and Emotional Development In Your Child
Note: this article was originally written for parents of children with ASD. However, the advice contained is relevant and helpful to parents of ALL children. … Read more
What does it mean to be addicted?
The way we tend to think about addiction doesn’t usually awake sympathy or empathy. We connect it to the weakness of the mind to fight … Read more
14 Ways Attachment Theory Can Help You Become a Better Parent
Did you know that the relationship you form with your child in the first three years of their lives is essential for their psychological well-being? … Read more
How Kids with Autism Think and Learn: A Guide for Parents
You may have heard the saying, “If you’ve met one child with autism, you’ve met one child with autism.” This is a popular saying because … Read more
30 Signs of Anxiety In Children And Teens That You Need to Know
It is extremely important to know the signs and symptoms of anxiety at various life stages so you can ensure that you and/or your loved ones receive the care they need to live happy and productive lives, free from the burden of anxiety.
Being a Mom with ADHD
Becoming a parent was one of my proudest moments. From the time the strip turned blue until I was heading into the birthing room, I … Read more
The Truth About Dyslexia
According to Sally Saywitz M.D., co-director of the Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity and author of the best-selling book Overcoming Dyslexia: “Dyslexia is an … Read more
The Best Weighted Blanket According to Our Psychologist (2022)
What is the best weighted blanket for you? We asked our psychologist and here is what she said: As a child and family psychologist, I … Read more
ADHD: What You Need to Know
From time immemorial adults have envied the energy, passion and spontaneity of children. For the same amount of time, adults have complained about those same … Read more
ADHD Symptoms and Signs in Toddlers, Children, and Teens
There are more than 3 million cases of ADHD in the United States every year, making it a very common medical condition. The fact that … Read more
Autism Spectrum Disorder Guide
Autism symptoms vary from person-to-person, but symptoms may include communication and social interactions problems and behavioral issues.
In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) there are no longer different types of ASD: Asperger syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder are all classified as ASD and are not treated as separate disorders.
The Psychological Effects of ADHD in Children
ADHD can lead to a host of problems both at home and at school, which can interfere with your child’s ability to succeed in class, … Read more
9 Ways to Help Your Child with ADHD be Successful at School
This resource was created by Dr Ree Langham PhD: a child psychologist with over a decade experience writing and editing medical articles. At a Glance: … Read more
10 Trampoline Exercises for Beginners
Wouldn’t it be nice to get your heart rate up and start improving your fitness without the sore knees, hips, and feet that running can … Read more
5 Foods That Are Affecting Your Child’s Mood
by: Krista Hillis B.A.Sc Psychology and Neuroscience We often view mental health issues as an ‘adult’ problem, but the unfortunate reality is, children also suffer … Read more