Stepping Into My Core
Feeling overwhelmed by perfectionism and parental pressure? This reflective post from therapist and mom Christina Sieren explores the emotional toll of control, the myths of "good parenting," and how reclaiming your identity through self-awareness practices like journaling, habit tracking, and creative routines can lead to more intentional parenting. Learn how to reset, build emotional resilience, and stay grounded while raising children with complex needs. Perfect for parents seeking conscious parenting strategies, emotional balance, and tools for personal growth.
Navigating Social Media's Impact on Teen Mental Health: Back-to-School Challenges
As teens head back to school, the emotional impact of social media can become more intense—especially for those already facing mental health struggles. This blog explores the dual nature of social media for adolescents, from creative connection to cyberbullying and the pressure to maintain a perfect online image. For parents of high-risk teens, understanding the effects of Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat on teen mental health is more important than ever. We’ll break down the signs of social media stress, including anxiety, withdrawal, and self-esteem issues, and offer practical parenting strategies to support digital wellness.
From setting healthy screen time limits to encouraging offline activities and fostering open communication, this post equips caregivers with tools to navigate social media's influence on teen emotions, identity, and behavior. Learn how to recognize signs of cyberbullying, help your teen build real-life friendships, and protect their mental health as they adjust to the pressures of a new school year.
If you're a parent looking for expert-backed advice on how to manage teen screen time, reduce social media anxiety, and promote emotional resilience in adolescents, this article is your go-to guide. Help your teen develop healthier online habits and foster deeper confidence and connection—both in school and in life.
The Weight of a Name: Unpacking Generational Patterns and Conditioned Responses
Generational patterns in parenting often show up in ways we don’t expect—like the automatic use of our child’s full name to command attention. In this blog, Christina Sieren, LCSW, explores how conditioned responses and family expectations shape parenting behaviors. By unpacking inherited beliefs and emotional responses, caregivers can begin to make conscious, values-based choices. Learn how to honor your past while choosing a new parenting path grounded in emotional wellness, generational awareness, and mindful parenting.
What is Positive Parenting?
In What is Positive Parenting?, learn how this research-backed parenting approach builds strong, emotionally connected relationships between caregivers and teens. This blog breaks down the core values of positive parenting—empathy, attachment, communication, and emotional development—and introduces John Gottman’s five-step Emotion Coaching method for nurturing healthy behavior and long-term growth.
Want To Play a Game?
Learn how to break free from the cycle of parenting guilt and cognitive distortions with Want to Play a Game?. Discover practical strategies to reframe negative thoughts, focus on your teen's strengths, and embrace positive parenting. Shift from all-or-nothing thinking to a balanced perspective, creating a win-win dynamic for both you and your teen
Parenting is a Gift
Parenting is a gift that reveals unexpected lessons through everyday moments. In Parenting is a Gift, I share how my daughter’s love for Frozen helped me reflect on setting boundaries, embracing patience, and uncovering the deeper meaning behind parenting challenges. Learn actionable strategies to align your values, self-reflect, and model the lessons you want your child to learn.