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When Kids Lie: What’s Really Going On (and How to Keep Your Cool)
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
Alexa Griffith
May 125 min read
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When Smart Kids Feel Stuck: How Perfectionism, Pressure, and Disconnection Are Hurting Gifted Children — And What Parents Can Do
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.
Alexa Griffith
May 64 min read
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Soiling the Nest: Why You Might Be Picking Fights Before Graduation (And How to Handle It)
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.
Alexa Griffith
Apr 296 min read
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When Kids Don’t “Know Their Place”: Reframing PDA Through a Therapist’s Lens
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.
Alexa Griffith
Apr 225 min read
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PDA...This Isn’t Defiance—It’s a Drive for Autonomy (And It’s Highly Misunderstood)
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.
Alexa Griffith
Apr 193 min read
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The Cost of Disconnection: A Look at Netflix Adolescence Through the Lens of An Adolescent Therapist And Mother
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
Alexa Griffith
Mar 285 min read
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Why Punishment Doesn't Work for Kids with ADHD (And What to Do Instead)
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 .
Alexa Griffith
Mar 164 min read
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Play Therapy: How Kids Heal Through Play
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
Alexa Griffith
Feb 34 min read


ADHD Isn't Lazy: How To Hack Your Child's Motivation
When we understand motivation, we can eliminate frustration and failure. Understanding brings compassion and strategy.
Alexa Griffith
Jan 274 min read
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Supporting Kids Through Divorce: A Trauma-Informed Approach to the First Conversation
Tailoring the conversation to your child’s specific needs is key to fostering emotional safety and understanding.
Alexa Griffith
Jan 73 min read
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Miscarriage and Rainbow Babies: Learning About Joy From Pain
What are rainbow babies? They are the babies that are born to a mother after she faces miscarriage or stillbirth.
Alexa Griffith
Aug 26, 20205 min read
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Happy Traumaversary
As a therapist I was very familiar with how trauma works and what to expect. However, I still felt like I could lose my grip.
Alexa Griffith
May 24, 20206 min read
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Hey Mama, Trust Yourself Again!
Lady, you are the expert on your own family and I want to see you really acknowledge that. I see so many mamas have forgotten who they are.
Alexa Griffith
May 19, 20203 min read
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