Many kids fall apart emotionally after school or custody transitions — not because they’re misbehaving, but because their nervous systems are overwhelmed. Learn about resistance collapse, how to recognize it, and how to support your child with empathy, regulation tools, and practical guidance for every age

You say you feel alive again—and I believe you. But before you leave your marriage, ask yourself gently: Is this love... or is it the version of you that came back to life? A letter to the one in an affair, who’s thinking about leaving. Not judgment. Just truth. And love that tells the whole story.

Discover practical, research-backed tips for managing kids' screen time this summer without constant conflict. Learn how to set tech boundaries, support neurodivergent needs, and build healthy digital habits with empathy and balance.

Feeling overwhelmed by politics? You’re not alone. This nonpartisan guide explores the emotional toll of political anxiety through the lens of nervous system science, vulnerability, and resilience—with insights from Brené Brown, Krista Tippett, and others. Learn how to stay grounded, set boundaries, and lead with curiosity—even in a divided world.

When kids lie, it’s not because they’re “bad.” It’s because, in that moment, telling the truth doesn’t feel safe. 💔 Lying is a survival strategy — and when we meet it with connection, not punishment, we help our kids build the courage to be honest. Learn why lying is more about felt safety than character — and how to use your X-ray vision goggles to see the need beneath the behavior

Giftedness doesn’t shield kids from emotional struggles. Learn why perfectionism, pressure, and disconnection are rising among high-ability children—and how you can help your child build resilience, self-compassion, and a sense of mattering.

In this blog, I unpack why this seasonal spike happens, how polyvagal theory helps us understand it, and how faith can either wound or heal in times of crisis. I also share 5 simple ways to support someone who’s struggling. Read the full post and let’s keep talking. Mental health isn’t seasonal—but suicide risk is.

Navigating the transition from high school to adulthood can feel overwhelming. Explore relatable resources for teens about emotional regulation, leaving home, and maintaining connections with family and friends. Find TikTok, Instagram, blog, and Substack recommendations that offer real, validating advice for handling "soiling the nest" moments — and tips for communicating with parents during this big life change.

If you’re an adult who freezes at emails, dreads group texts, or snaps when your partner asks “What’s for dinner?”—this might be for you. Adult PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) isn’t about being lazy or difficult. It’s a nervous system response to feeling trapped or expected. In this blog, we break down how PDA shows up at work, in relationships, and why your brain isn’t broken—it’s just trying to protect you.

Kids with a PDA profile often don’t recognize traditional social hierarchies—respect isn’t given based on age or authority, it’s earned through connection. This can leave adults feeling disrespected or flabbergasted, but PDAers aren’t trying to be rude—they’re trying to stay safe. Power-over approaches trigger threat responses. True connection happens when power is shared, not imposed.

If you—or your child—melt down, shut down, or panic when asked to do something simple, it may be Pervasive Demand for Autonomy (PDA). This isn’t defiance—it’s a nervous system reacting to a loss of control. Inspired by Dr. Megan Neff and Robyn Gobbel, this blog explores PDA in kids and adults, explains why it’s misunderstood, and shares tools to support safety, connection, and regulation.

If you’ve ever spiraled after a short text, cried over constructive feedback, or thought someone’s silence meant you did something wrong—you might be dealing with Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria. And no, you're not too sensitive. You’re wired for deep care. 💛

Jamie’s story is a cautionary tale, but it doesn’t have to be a universal one. If we shift the focus from self-esteem based on achievement t

ADHD isn’t a knowledge problem—it’s a performance problem. Kids with ADHD know what they’re supposed to do; they just struggle to do it .

Sometimes the unimaginable suddenly becomes very real. Grief isn’t just for grown-ups. Children grieve, too, though it often looks differen

“If my life is going to mean anything, I have to live it myself.” — Percy Jackson ( The Lightning Thief ) ​​​​​​ I’m so glad you’re...

Play therapy isn’t about “fixing” a child. It’s about creating a safe space where they can feel seen, heard, and understood—so they can heal

When we understand motivation, we can eliminate frustration and failure. Understanding brings compassion and strategy.

Tailoring the conversation to your child’s specific needs is key to fostering emotional safety and understanding.

You know that feeling when your brain is saying, "Relax, it's a break!"  but your nervous system is screaming, "EVERYTHING IS WRONG"?  ...