Every child worries sometimes. About the big math test. About whether they'll make the team. About what happens if something bad happens to mom or dad. Worry, in small doses, is a completely normal part of growing up and in many ways, it signals a healthy, engaged mind. But what happens when that worry doesn't go away? When your child refuses to go to school, wakes up with stomach aches every morning, or can't stop asking "what if" long after you've given every reassuring ans

A woman and a child share a warm and engaging conversation while sitting together on a comfortable sofa. It’s not always easy to tell when your child might need extra support. Many parents in Fairfax, VA find themselves wondering if what they’re seeing is just a phase, or something more. Children don’t always have the words to explain what they’re feeling, and emotional struggles can show up in subtle ways. If you’ve noticed changes in your child’s mood, behavior, or relation

A child experiencing a meltdown, expressing frustration and emotion against a red backdrop. They were fine at school, and now they are home crying over the smallest inconvenience, yelling that you got their snack wrong, and refusing to do homework. You're asking yourself, " what am I doing wrong ?" But it's actually about what you are doing RIGHT. Kids breakdown and show us their most raw emotions when they feel safe. Well now you might be thinking, "great! I'm doing this par

A explanation of how EMDR can help a child heal from medical trauma.

Child hugging an adult with backpacks, set against a bright, sunny sky. The child wears a striped shirt and blue backpack, appearing content. You're Not Alone Another call from your child’s teacher. Another tough day. Your little one can’t seem to sit still, focus, or keep it together. You’re wondering, “Is this just how they are or could it be ADHD?” Or maybe you already suspect it, but don’t know what to do next. This isn’t a fix it all guide, but it can help you take the n

Over recent years, ADHD diagnoses have been on the rise. It could be the result of more awareness or more children developing symptoms requiring evaluation. Whatever the reason, it isn’t showing any sign of decreasing any time soon. Common symptoms experienced by children who live with ADHD include attention struggles, hyperactivity, forgetfulness, and flighty or ditzy behaviors. There are various strategies that can help reduce symptoms and their impact on daily functioning.

As a parent or caregiver, it can be difficult to see your child dealing with anxiety. Unfortunately, it happens far too often. Kids can experience anxiety for a variety of reasons. Maybe there are changes at home, or they’re dealing with loss or grief for the first time. Whatever the case, one of the simplest and most effective ways to ease those anxieties is to encourage playtime. We often think that play comes naturally to kids. While it does, you can also use it as a way

Not only does the word “trichotillomania” look scary, but it can also be daunting to pronounce. Even if this is a new term, most people have heard of its meaning without recognizing it. Trichotillomania is the act of pulling out hair. It’s not uncommon for young children under the age of seven, and it typically resolves on its own. With children aged eight and above, however, it’s less likely to be something they grow out of. How you handle parenting your child with trichotil

You love your child to no end. But some days, no matter how hard you try, you feel like it’s a constant battle. They’re a perfect mix of...

Anxiety and ADHD, separately, are becoming more commonly recognized and more often diagnosed in children. Many people are familiar with the terms but may not realize just how similar the two are. Unfortunately, they impact each other, often making each other worse. Each of these can influence a child’s life throughout adolescence and into adulthood. If unaddressed, additional problems can occur. This fact alone makes proper diagnosis and management key to living the fullest l