The Ultimate Summer Bucket List for Families

a young child wearing sunglasses and a hat has her arms raised in a joyful expression

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). 

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Tired of Your Kids Fighting? Here’s What Actually Helps

A small child holds up a fist at a taller child with pigtails

If your kids seem to be in a constant state of conflict—arguing over toys, calling each other names, or turning every car ride into a battleground—you’re not alone. As a child and family therapist, I often hear about kids fighting and the stress it causes in families. Frequent fighting between kids can impact their emotional well-being. It can also be deeply upsetting to parents striving to raise kind children with strong sibling relationships. 

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Should TikTok Diagnose Your Mental Health?

A person wearing a denim jacket holds a smartphone with the TikTok app on it

TikTok has taken the world by storm, and along with that, has brought mental health conversations into the spotlight like never before. Millions of users share their raw, unfiltered experiences with conditions like anxiety, ADHD, autism, borderline personality disorder, and depression. While these discussions are breaking down stigmas and creating supportive communities, they’ve also sparked a trend—self-diagnosing based on bite-sized videos. What is this recent trend of people using TikTok to self-diagnosis themselves with mental health diagnoses? And is it safe?

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Finding Calm in Uncertain Times

Snow covered mountains against a blue and cloudy sky

Life can feel overwhelming sometimes. Some days, the news is heavy, personal struggles feel endless, and the future seems unclear. When uncertainty weighs on us, it can bring anxiety, stress, and even hopelessness. But while we can’t always control what happens around us, we can choose how we respond. We can find small ways to anchor ourselves and to nurture hope even in uncertain times. Finding calm is possible.

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25 Silly Self-Care Ideas: Boost Your Well-Being

A yellow bird wearing sunglasses against a blue background

You’ve probably heard the term “self-care” and already do things to take care of yourself. Sometimes we just need a few new ideas of things to try to shift our mood or improve our well-being. Here’s a list from my therapist toolbox of some silly, unique, and fun ways to practice self-care. Whether you have a moment or an hour, I hope these ideas are helpful for you today. You are important.

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Building Self-Esteem in Teens: How to Help Your Teen Develop Confidence from the Inside Out

A group of teens standing together taking a selfie

Being a teenager is tough. Between navigating friendships, managing schoolwork (and pressure about college), and dealing with the endless stream of social media, it’s no surprise many teens struggle with self-esteem. As a parent or caregiver, you play a crucial role in helping your teen build confidence that comes from within—not from likes, followers, or the latest trends. Here are some specific ways you can help your teen develop a strong sense of self-worth.

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Is Your Child Ready for a Cell Phone?

A row of children sitting, all looking at their cell phones

As a child and family therapist, parents frequently ask me what is the “right” age to get their child a cell phone. It’s a big decision, and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. Some children are going back and forth between 2 homes, and a cell phone can be helpful. Others want one to be able to text and Facetime their friends. Each child is different; what works for one child might not work for another. In this blog post, I’ll go over things for parents to consider when answering the question if it’s time for a cell phone.

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Managing Your Child’s Screen Time

a dark-skinned person looks at a phone in front of a laptop screen

Screens today are an integral part of our children’s lives, offering entertainment, education, and connection. Many children get computers in kindergarten. Lots of parents choose to get cell phones for elementary-age children to monitor location and safety. Kids today are “digital natives,” meaning they are born into a time of technology. Screens are all around us and it’s hard to know how much screen time is too much and how it can impact our children. Let’s explore the impacts of screens on children’s development and review some practical guidelines for fostering healthy technology use at home. 

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What We Learn From “Inside Out 2”

4 of the new characters in Inside Out 2 are depicted: Embarrassment, Anxiety, Envy, and Ennui

Pixar just released “Inside Out 2,” a funny, touching, and sophisticated look at how our emotions and experiences shape us. In the sequel, we once again join main character Riley’s five primary emotions: Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust. However, now Riley is 13 and heading to a hockey summer camp when the “puberty alarm” goes off. The group is then joined by some new feelings: Anxiety, Embarrassment, Envy, and Ennui (a mashup of boredom/disinterest/lethargy). We can learn a lot from “Inside Out 2” about ourselves, other people, and our kids. Here are a few of the biggest psychological takeaways. Warning, light spoilers ahead.

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Continuing Education in Private Practice

A stack of books, with the top one open, is seen with a library bookshelf of books behind it

One of my favorite things to do in private practice, besides working with my lovely clients, is continuing education. Even though I’ve been in the field for over 20 years, I’m always striving to get better. My clients come to me with a range of concerns and treatment preferences, so keeping up with research and best practices is crucial. In this blog post, I’m sharing a few upcoming things I’m excited to be reading, learning, and attending. This blog is for therapists, students, or those interested in a look behind the scenes of counselor continuing education.

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