Notes from a Child Psychologist

The start of summer is finally here! I am thrilled to be taking notes with you. As your child transitions to their new summer routine, it is important that parents and caregivers monitor changes in behavior and mood. In this episode, we'll explore some less commonly discussed signs that your child may be having a hard time adjusting to the summer routine, such as eating habits, irritability,...

Hey parents and caregivers! Are you looking for tips on managing your child's extracurricular activities? Well, this week we've got something special for you.  This week, we dive into the captivating world of Dance, exploring its incredible benefits for young ones. Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Jessica Meister, a pediatric neuropsychologist who discovered the tremendo...

 I often receive questions from caregivers about managing extracurricular activities for their children. Balancing your child's free time can be quite challenging. This week, get ready to be inspired as we hear from Division 1 lacrosse player, Tommy Garofalo. He will share his incredible journey as a  someone who as always been deeply involved in team sports. Together, we'll delve into T...

Happy New Year and Welcome Back to Another Episode! This week we continue to  explore  music as an extracurricular activity ! Meet Kate Saluti, a talented junior at Boston University, who has immersed herself in various musical and artistic endeavors from a young age. Join me as we dive into her inspiring journey, and discuss the advantages of music education for your child. Discover Kate's f...

Happy New Year and Welcome Back to Another Episode! This week we are exploring music as an extracurricular activity! Meet Kate Saluti, a talented junior at Boston University, who has immersed herself in various musical and artistic endeavors from a young age. Join me as we dive into her inspiring journey, and discuss the advantages of music education for your child. Discover Kate's fascinatin...

The start of the new school year is here! It seems like just yesterday we were gearing up for the summer adventures. But now, it's time to embark on this exciting journey once again.  As your child braces for the return to school, their routines and habits undergo yet another transformation. Keep an eye out for potential behavioral challenges, anxiety, and even occasional bouts of low mood.  ...

 In an increasingly complicated world,  caregivers have to equip their children with the tools to advocate for themselves, their needs, and their safety. Assertiveness is not innate to children. It is a muscle that has to be exercised. A child’s ability to use their voice will translate to success in the classroom, in social circles, in extracurricular activities, and will foster confidence and co...

Whether or not your child struggles with anxiety throughout the year, chances are your child is having some nerves about the school year. This specific anxiety is so common that it is  dubbed: “First Day Jitters”.  Thus, as the school year creeps up on us, I thought it would be relevant to discuss what you as a parent can do to relieve some of your child back to school anxiety.  I will be providin...

Praise! Believe it or not, praise can be a controversial and dividing topic for parents, caregivers, and people who work closely with children. Praise is an extremely powerful tool that can be utilized by parents; it can be a reinforcer, it can increase positive behaviors, and it can draw you and your child closer together.  In this episode, I am going to walk you through clinically-backed methods...

Summer usually entails relaxation, fun activities, and making up for lost time with loved ones. Maybe your child has a trip to grandma’s on the calendar or a sleepover at their aunt’s house. Maybe your family is gearing up for the annual family reunion! You know your child. It is important to make sure that trusted adults in your child’s life know your child too. On this week’s episode of the podc...

In today’s world, there is no escaping the barrage of likes, comments, and follow requests. Our children are growing up in a world where social media is becoming increasingly accessible to younger audiences by the day. Instead of fighting the online world, we have to prepare our children to become responsible digital citizens. From privacy, to safety, to screen time, it seems like there are countl...

It is finally Summertime! This is the perfect time for your child to take a step back from the pressures of the school year, and have some fun. Summer boasts endless opportunities for growth in all aspects of your child’s life. Your family may have fun activities planned, summer camp on the calendar, or a trip to visit family coming up.  Though it is easy to get wrapped up in our newfound free tim...

School is out for the Summer! It is finally time for both you and your child to get some well-deserved rest and relaxation. Summertime is an exciting season for families, as we now have the time to take a break and pursue the things we love. Whether that be summer camp, quality time with family and friends, exploring a new hobby, or simply preparing for the school year ahead, these next months boa...

This week we are in part 2 of the 2023 Black History Month Series! On this week's episode of the podcast, I talk about the importance of representation.  There is a plethora of research that suggests that it is extremely important for children to be exposed to positive images of people who looked like them! Representation is when children and adolescents see people who look and/or have simila...

Having conversations around race, racism, and social justice is very often hard for parents and caregivers. Yet, parents and caregivers are the most equipped to create spaces for healthy dialogue—today, children have access to news, commentary, and social media but lack the context that history provides. This month I am celebrating Black History Month, in my annual Black History Month Series. We&a...

Happy New Year! The podcast is back with an exciting episode. Inspired by the new show The Parent Test, on this episode I talk all about Parenting Styles and give my thoughts on the new hit show. When we talk about parenting, I believe that it is crucial to have conversations about parenting style and how it impacts parents and caregivers. Join me as we break down parenting styles, how they impact...

Although it seems like we were just preparing for back to school, it’s that time of year again- Holiday Season!!!!!! No matter what you celebrate or how you choose to celebrate, the holiday season can be an exciting time for many parents, caregivers, and their children. During this time, many start engaging in family traditions, traveling, spending time with relatives and friends, engaging in fun...

Although it seems like we were just preparing for back to school, it’s that time of year again- Holiday Season!!!!!! No matter what you celebrate or how you choose to celebrate, the holiday season can be an exciting time for many parents, caregivers, and their children. During this time, many start engaging in family traditions, traveling, spending time with relatives and friends, engaging in fun...

Although it seems like we were just preparing for back to school, it’s that time of year again- Holiday Season!!!!!! No matter what you celebrate or how you choose to celebrate, the holiday season can be an exciting time for many parents, caregivers, and their children. During this time, many start engaging in family traditions, traveling, spending time with relatives and friends, engaging in fun...

 With the start of the new school year, it is SO important that we talk about what your child needs to succeed. We know that success looks different for EVERY child. One major way we set children up for success during the school year is to think critically about the many ways that we can support their Mental health, and that's what this series is about. This is the LAST episode of the Back-to...

Back-to-school can be an exciting time for many parents, caregivers, and their children and for some parents/caregivers and their children, it can be an anxiety-producing time. With the start of the new school year, it is SO important that we talk about what your child needs to succeed. We know that success looks different for EVERY child. One major way we set children up for success during the sc...

Back-to-school can be an exciting time for many parents, caregivers, and their children and for some parents/caregivers and their children, it can be an anxiety-producing time. With the start of the new school year, it is SO important that we talk about what your child needs to succeed. We know that success looks different for EVERY child. One major way we set children up for success during the sc...

Welcome to Episode #4 of the Back to School and Your Child's Mental Health Series     Back-to-school can be an exciting time for many parents, caregivers, and their children  and for some parents/caregivers and their children, it can be an anxiety-producing time. With the start of the new school year, it is SO important that we talk about what your child needs to succeed. We know that success...

Welcome to Episode #3 of the Back to School and Your Child's Mental Health Series   Back-to-school can be an exciting time for many parents, caregivers, and their children and for some parents/caregivers and their children, it can be an anxiety-producing time. With the start of the new school year, it is SO important that we talk about what your child needs to succeed. We know that success lo...

Welcome to Episode #2 of the Back to School and Your Child's Mental Health Series   Back-to-school can be an exciting time for many parents, caregivers, and their children and for some parents/caregivers and their children, it can be an anxiety-producing time. With the start of the new school year, it is SO important that we talk about what your child needs to succeed. We know that success lo...