by Amelia | Dec 8, 2018 | blog
Oh hi! If you are a parent who is wondering whether your child has ADHD, then I’ve written a post full of heartfelt advice for you. Grab a tea, and let’s chat. I have ADHD. I’m also the parent of a child with ADHD. I work as a behaviour therapist with kids...
by Amelia | Nov 30, 2018 | blog
On this side of the door, it’s pretty cozy. On the other side of the door, you see snowflakes whirling down the street, and the weather report warns of a deep freeze. The sun is shining, but there are ice crystals in the air. “I’m fine, I don’t...
by Amelia | Nov 23, 2018 | blog
Let me tell you a story about what my mornings used to be like: It’s a typical weekday morning. I’m trying to be cheerful, but I’m looking at the clock. The dreaded school-time transition is just around the corner. In five minutes, we need to put on...
by Amelia | Nov 10, 2018 | blog
Most parents say that the hardest moments of their day happen after school, and it’s no wonder. Sometimes it’s just a little moment that triggers intense frustration, and sends us right over the edge. We do our best to keep it together, to solve problems as they pop...
by Amelia | Oct 28, 2018 | blog
The joys (and agonies) of sharing If your child is in pre-school or in early elementary, chances are they are learning to share. Maybe someone asks your daughter for a turn with a toy, but she’s not quite finished yet. What do you say? “Okay Myrtle,...
by Amelia | Oct 17, 2018 | blog
Rules are THE WORST, right? If you ask your child if they love “rules,” they will probably give you a look as if you’ve just offered them a bowl full of squirmy bugs. Who likes rules? (Okay, some children actually do say they like rules, and they...
by Amelia | Oct 10, 2018 | blog
Can kids learn to calm down and solve problems on their own? The good news is: of course! The bad news is: it takes a good long time. When you and your family are in a long process like emotional self-regulation, it’s good to be able to see exactly how far...
by Amelia | Sep 29, 2018 | blog
How do you help a hot-tempered child calm down? Why does logic fly out the window, along with all the calm-down toys and fidget toys you offer? Why don’t kind words or reasonable consequences seem to make any difference when your child is melting down? Why do...
by Amelia | Sep 23, 2018 | blog
Emotional self-regulation can be the difference between a minor frustration and a full screaming meltdown. Why is it so hard for some children to self-regulate? How on earth are parents supposed to teach their children to cope with everyday frustrations and...
by Amelia | Sep 8, 2018 | blog
“Make good choices!” Every parent knows how this is supposed to work. They’ve read the books, they’ve heard the advice. The basic formula for teaching children to “make good choices” goes like this: Set boundaries Explain consequences Be consistent “Good behaviour”...
