If you’ve ever watched your tween or teen freeze when it’s time to order at a restaurant or coffee shop, you’re definitely not alone. In fact, I’ve had this conversation with parents three times just this month. Their daughter may be smart, capable, and doing well in school, but the moment a cashier asks, “What can I get started for you?” she suddenly looks panicked, turns to you, and whispers, “Can you order for me?”
If you’ve ever watched a teen agonize over a homework assignment, the “perfect” outfit for school, or feedback from a coach, you’ve seen perfectionism in action. Perfectionism is more than a desire to do well. Rather, it’s an ingrained need to meet impossibly high standards, usually paired with a harsh inner critic. Teens who struggle with perfectionism are trying to meet the absolute highest academic, social, and athletic expectations all at once. Anything less than perfect feels like overwhelming failure. For teens, this can affect everything from mental health to relationships and even physical health.
When someone we care about seems sad or upset, our instinct is often to ask what’s wrong. But sometimes the response we get is: “I don’t want to talk about it.” My clients of all ages can get stressed and worried when others say this. So, what to say or do next?
Divorce is never easy, and in situations of high-conflict divorce, co-parenting can feel overwhelming. Even with the best intentions, ongoing arguments about parenting time, children’s health, and routine decision-making can leave you feeling exhausted and kids caught in the middle. The good news is that while you can’t control your ex’s behavior, you can take steps to lower the stress in your home and create more stability for your children. Let’s talk through high-conflict divorce: what it is, how to prioritize your children’s needs, and tools that can help co-parent (or when that’s not working, to “parallel parent”).
Positive affirmations are short, uplifting statements you can say to yourself to feel stronger and more confident. They help remind you of your worth and abilities, especially on days that feel hard. Research has shown that using affirmations can calm your mind and improve your mood. You can say them out loud to yourself, repeat them in your mind before bedtime, or jot them down in your journal. The affirmations below are organized into different themes, so you can pick the ones that fit what you need right now.
Have you ever been told you’re “too sensitive”? Or noticed yourself reacting more strongly than others to noise, criticism, or even a touching commercial? If so, you might be navigating something called high sensitivity (or being a Highly Sensitive Person), a common personality trait.
Figuring out when your child needs extra support isn’t always straightforward. Kids, tweens, and teens all face ups and downs, and it can be tough to know what’s typical and what might be a sign of something more. If their behavior starts to impact daily life, if something just doesn’t feel right, or if they’ve asked to talk to someone, it might be time to consider therapy. Knowing common signs to look for can help you get your child or teen the support they need.
Imagine feeling like you’re stuck in a dream you can’t wake up from. Or like you’re watching your own life unfold from the outside. Maybe you have a sense that life is a simulation or that people around you are not real. For many people, this isn’t just a fleeting moment, but rather a regular experience of living with Depersonalization/ Derealization Disorder. These symptoms, often tied to stress or trauma, can feel unsettling, scary, and anxiety-provoking. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder, it can help to understand more about this condition and how to cope with it.
Divorce is never easy, especially when children are involved. As a parent, you’re probably navigating your own emotional upheaval while trying to provide consistency, stability, and love for your children. The good news? With intention and the right strategies, co-parenting can work, often better than you might expect.
Whether your children are toddlers, school-aged, or teens, here are some best practices to help you co-parent effectively during and after a divorce.
Yay- it’s summer! Summer offers families the opportunity to slow down and make lasting memories together. In my work with families, I encourage parents to be intentional about how they spend time together—not only for fun, but also for strengthening bonds and promoting emotional well-being. Whether you’re looking for creative, relaxing, or adventurous activities, a thoughtfully crafted summer bucket list can help your family stay connected and make the most of the season. No matter where you live, here are some ideas to get you started (and a bonus 10 tips for those who call the Denver area home).