My blog began as a way for me to connect to parents. As I've been working with youth and their families for decades, I wanted to write about some of the experiences and give some insight into how children see the world and how we as adults could better connect with them. I rarely write …
In Uncertain Times
Managing stress during a pandemic At this point of the year, in the “meantime” of this pandemic, we all have had to make some changes in our home life, and work life. Students have had to adjust to an online format of education, and many employers have required continued work at home. Some unfortunately lost …
Tell me what you want me to do
Unspoken expectations “Adults have these expectations for kids, and they think we know what they are,” Said a teen in my office who gave me permission to use his words. He was frustrated as are many other kids at the fact that parents and other authority figures have thoughts about what they want, how and …
“Can we eat dinner together?”
Excerpt from the book Through a Child's Eyes, written by Nikole R Jiggetts, LCSW (read more about the book below.) "I want to spend time with you." How many families still have dinner together? Or do you eat in one place and the children eat in their rooms? I’ve heard parents say they feed their …
Tuck me in at night, I still need you
An except from the book Through a Child's Eyes: A guide for parents Tucking a child into bed at night is a way to give a child security and love and to wish them a goodnight. The literal term tuck in would imply you physically secure them for bed, ensuring the sheets are tucked and …
I’m Calling You. Can’t You Hear Me?
Sometimes, I feel it is difficult to work with teens because they’re still a child but want some independence. They are at a point where they are developing individuality but still need and want their mom or dad. They have their own thoughts and opinions but are not sure how to respectfully voice them to …
The Power of Electronics
How to Unplug From Technology Twenty years ago, we did not have access to the technology we have today. Forty years ago, cable was beginning to be more popular, although it originated in the 1940’s and 1950’s in Arkansas, Oregon and Pennsylvania, according to the History of Cable-CCTA. I feel that this wave of technology …
April 19
It’s a full moon and it's glowing due to the cloudy sky. While I admire the beauty, my mind goes to a previous session I had with a client and I wonder if she is okay. It is amazing how many triggers go unnoticed in our daily routine. Something as simple as a full moon …
Jada’s Story
I have the opportunity to work with some pretty strong children who have been challenged with some tough situations early on in their lives. This is a story about a resilient girl who started life a little rough. She found out that I write about families and children on my blog and wanted me to …
Knowing When to Let go
How not to cut the cocoon I was on the phone with a friend of mine who was in the car on the way home with her kids. Once she parked in front of the house, she wanted to continue the conversation so she gave her two children the key to the house so they …