Anxiety and worry are natural emotions, but they can be distressing and overwhelming for children. Understanding how to explain feelings of anxiety in a child-friendly way is your first step towards helping them cope. In this article I’m going to give you simple metaphors and techniques to explain anxiety to children, and the power we... The post How to Explain Worry and Anxiety to a Child appeared first on They Are The Future ..read more

In my work as a child clinical psychologist, I regularly turn to visual resources as a good way to engage children and teach important ideas.  Drawing from positive psychology and cognitive behavioural therapy, I’ve developed these Mood Cards for you to print. They are also known as Emotions Flashcards. My mood cards, and the practical... The post Mood Cards To Print: Help Children Understand Their Emotions appeared first on They Are The Future ..read more

In today’s fast-paced world, the importance of self-care cannot be overstated. It’s a vital area of personal wellness and a part of your daily routine that protects your mental health. As a clinical psychologist, I emphasize the practice of self-care for every young person I work with, ensuring they have their own self-care menu. Just... The post Personal Self-Care Menu: Free Printable and Guide appeared first on They Are The Future ..read more

Passive aggressiveness in teens can be frustrating, upsetting and can negatively impact family dynamics and teenage relationships. I’m a child clinical psychologist and I have worked with teens and their families for over twenty years. In this article I’ll look at causes of passive aggressive teen behaviour, signs to look out for, and actionable tips... The post Passive Aggressive Teen Behaviour: Causes, Signs & What To Do appeared first on They Are The Future ..read more

I am not a talented artist. (This is an understatement!) And yet, I have used art successfully to improve my wellbeing. It’s really not about the end result, but the process. I’m a clinical psychologist and I also frequently encourage drawing in therapy sessions when the teens I work with choose to. It helps them... The post Mental Health Drawing Ideas: Creative Therapy appeared first on They Are The Future ..read more

Fear is a normal part of life. In fact, it helps to keep us safe.  Children will learn about and experience fear during their development. It’s just a part of life. But what if fear is having a negative impact on your child? Fear of failure can be a very destructive perspective, especially when it... The post How to Help Your Child To Overcome Their Fear of Failure appeared first on They Are The Future ..read more

Do you have a child who is shy? Perhaps they lack the confidence to join in the fun with other kids.   Or maybe they hang back out of the spotlight? Characterized by reserved behaviour or taking time to feel comfortable in unusual or uncertain situations, shy or quiet kids often need some help to... The post Best Activities For A Shy Child: Have Fun, Grow Confidence appeared first on They Are The Future ..read more

In this article, we’re going to explore why “I” Statements are such a big deal and how they can make a real difference in your life.  I’m a clinical psychologist with over twenty years of experience, and I have found “I” statements incredibly helpful in my personal and professional life over the years. We’ll dive... The post “I” Statements PDF: Examples and Free Worksheet to Download appeared first on They Are The Future ..read more

A good night’s sleep is vital to your child’s ability to thrive.  Did you know… Sleep influences mood, performance at school, and overall well-being?  Yet, achieving restful sleep isn’t always straightforward. Bedtime challenges are common, particularly for children grappling with sensory processing difficulties.  In this article, I will delve into strategies that can ease these... The post 6 Sensory Sleep Strategies: Better Bedtimes For Your Child appeared first on They Are The Future ..read more

Navigating adolescence with an autistic tween or teen tends to be a complex a journey, and independent living skills can be a major sticking point. Helping your child develop essential life skills, like personal hygiene, study skills, independent travel and managing money, can be complex and stressful.  Yet these skills are necessary for a smooth... The post Autism & Independent Living Skills For Teens and Tweens appeared first on They Are The Future ..read more