Awareness and understanding fuel deeper connections, yet what happens when the complexities of trauma are masked behind three distinct cluster symptoms. Let's take a look at how trauma gets manifested in our teen's everyday life.
Communication is a cornerstone of every healthy relationship, yet what happens when styles differ or we simply aren't connecting. Let's explore the ins-and-outs of how teen girls communicate and what factors to take into consideration.
Ever question why your teen is sometimes able to make rational choices that make you feel incredibly proud, yet other times they’re quick to dysregulate emotionally? Let’s explore how the rational mind and emotional mind play a role in answering this very real parenting question.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) offers a uniquely effective approach to helping teens manage intense emotions, navigate relationships, and develop mindfulness practices. Understanding the core skills of DBT can be a key component in supporting your child’s progress in therapy.
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.
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.
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.
In How to Prepare Mentally and Emotionally for the New School Year with Your High-Risk Teen, discover practical back-to-school strategies to support your teen’s emotional well-being and academic success. Learn how to create structure, build open communication, manage anxiety, and collaborate with school staff—especially for high-risk or emotionally sensitive teens navigating a challenging school environment.
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.
In Empathy: It’s More Than Just a Buzzword, explore the powerful role empathy plays in building trust, connection, and emotional safety—especially for high-risk adolescents. Learn how active listening, validation, vulnerability, and authentic support can transform relationships and improve mental health outcomes. Discover why empathy is a foundational skill in parenting, therapy, and adolescent care.
In A Look Inside the Teenage Brain, learn why teens are wired to act impulsively, seek rewards, and struggle with self-regulation. This blog explores adolescent brain development, highlighting how the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and limbic system affect decision-making, emotional regulation, and risky behavior. Gain insight into how to better support your teen’s growing brain with empathy and realistic expectations.
In Welcoming Reality: You Can’t Do It All, discover why the myth of work-life balance can lead to burnout, guilt, and unrealistic expectations for parents, especially moms. Learn how to shift from pressure to perform toward intentional living by prioritizing what matters most. Explore how embracing personal values, realistic goals, and the concept of flow can improve emotional well-being and support long-term fulfillment.
In The Emotional Landscape: Understanding and Embracing Our Feelings, learn how developing emotional awareness, emotional regulation, and healthy communication skills can improve mental health, strengthen relationships, and build self-worth. Explore how to navigate discomforting emotions and discover the power of emotional connection, empathy, and authenticity in everyday life.
Re-discover yourself beyond the demands of caregiving in Re-Discover You: Moving from Selflessness to Self-Reflection. Learn how self-reflection, boundary-setting, and embracing personal interests can lead to a more fulfilling and balanced life. Explore strategies to shift from self-sacrifice to self-awareness and prioritize your needs without guilt. Your well-being matters, and self-discovery is the first step.
Understanding cutting behavior in teens is crucial for parents navigating self-harm concerns. Learn the warning signs, why teens engage in cutting, and how to respond with support and intervention. Explore effective therapy approaches like DBT and CBT, and discover ways to keep communication open while ensuring your teen’s safety. Early intervention and professional guidance can help your teen develop healthier coping strategies.
Is your teen’s behavior developmentally normal? In What is Developmentally Normal?, learn how to recognize significant changes in mood, behavior, and performance, understand common risk and protective factors, and identify when to seek support. Explore expert insights on adolescent development, mental health concerns, and parenting strategies for early intervention and emotional well-being.
Discover how the words 'too' and 'so' can impact your child's emotional well-being and self-perception in When We Use The Words 'Too' Or 'So'. Learn to reframe negative traits into strengths, practice mindful communication, and explore how your personal experiences influence your reactions. Empower your parenting with strategies for nurturing positive connections and emotional health
Discover how music and connection transformed my parenting journey in What Ariana Grande and The Beatles Have Taught Me. Learn how traditions, acceptance, slowing down, and playfulness can create meaningful family moments. Embrace positive parenting strategies that strengthen bonds and turn everyday challenges into opportunities for connection and joy.
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
Trust your gut while navigating expert advice with But, They're The Expert. Learn how to balance professional expertise with your parental instincts to make empowered decisions for your family. Discover actionable tips like questioning the status quo, paying attention to your inner compass, and redefining your relationship with experts to align with your values and priorities.
