What does an appropriate and reassuring conversation with children about a cancer diagnosis look like?
Elizabeth Farrell, a clinical social worker with the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, says that a lot of caregivers’ first instinct may be to choose not to tell their children, hoping to protect them. Read more ›
During a divorce, children may feel overwhelmed by the changes in their living situation and routine, the loss of stability, and the potential conflict between their parents. They may even feel responsible for the divorce or worry about their relationship with each parent. Read more ›
“We could be wiped out by an asteroid tomorrow, why should I care about finishing this report?”
“What’s the point of life if I’m just going to eventually die?”
“Does any of this even matter?”
Welcome to the world of existential dread, sometimes called existential angst or anxiety. Read more ›
Divorce affects more than a million children in the United States each year. When parents divorce, it can be hard for children to get used to a new way of life. But parents can do many things to protect their children from the emotional harm divorce often brings. Read more ›
An analysis released from scientists behind a research initiative called the BIG JOY Project finds that people who commit daily “micro-acts” of joy experience about a 25% increase in emotional well-being over the course of a week. Read more ›
The world can be a scary place for all of us, but especially children. As adults, we can choose to avoid or limit our social media and news coverage. But children often get exposed to violence, or news of violence, without warning. Read more ›
Have you ever been knocked down and found it difficult to get back up again? Or has something happened that was really tough to deal with and you’ve not known how to cope with it?
Read more ›
It is possible to build family strengths even while living under stressful conditions or during difficult times. The following are tips for fostering resilience — putting energy into even one of these activities each day can help you and your child. Read more ›
Resilience is the ability to adapt to difficult situations. When stress, adversity or trauma strikes, you still experience anger, grief and pain, but you’re able to keep functioning — both physically and psychologically. However, resilience isn’t about putting up with something difficult, being stoic or figuring it out on your own. In fact, being able to reach out to others for support is a key part of being resilient. Read more ›
Studies indicate that Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is “the best tool we have” for self-harming and suicidal adolescents. So what is it and why is it so effective? DBT teaches important social-emotional and resilience skills for life enhancement. Read more ›
