It’s a common frustration for parents when they discover their child has lied. Children often lie for various reasons—whether to avoid punishment, gain attention, or due to their vivid imagination. While this behavior is a normal part of growing up, understanding the underlying motives can help parents respond in the most supportive way. Recognizing why READ MORE
Author: Dr. Stephanie Leon
REWARD CHARTS FOR POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT: WHAT NOT TO DO
Imagine your child lighting up with pride as they place a sticker on their reward chart, feeling recognized for a job well done. Reward charts, sometimes called behavior charts, can be fantastic tools for reinforcing positive behaviors in children. When used effectively, these charts help children build habits like tidying up, following routines, or practicing READ MORE
UNDERSTANDING CHILDHOOD AND ADOLESCENT ANXIETY: A GUIDE FOR PARENTS
Anxiety is a natural part of life and, in small doses, is helpful. However, when anxiety becomes excessive and persistent, it can significantly impact a child or adolescent’s well-being and daily functioning. As a parent, being aware of the various types of anxiety disorders and their developmental risk factors is crucial in recognizing and supporting READ MORE
BUILDING RESILIENCE IN CHILDREN: 3 WAYS OF NURTURING STRENGTH THROUGH ADVERSITY
Resilience, the ability to bounce back from adversity, is a crucial trait that empowers children to navigate life’s challenges with fortitude and adaptability. It equips them with the tools to cope with setbacks, grow from experiences, and thrive in the face of adversity. Cultivating resilience in children involves fostering independence, coping skills, and a healthy READ MORE
ONLINE THERAPY: WHY MORE PEOPLE ARE CHOOSING ONLINE THERAPY TO ADDRESS THEIR MENTAL HEALTH IN ONTARIO AND QUEBEC
In recent years, the landscape of mental health care has seen a significant transformation with the emergence of online therapy. This innovative approach to psychotherapy has provided individuals with greater accessibility to mental health services, offering convenience and flexibility like never before. Online therapy, also called virtual therapy, teletherapy or telepsychology, refers to psychotherapy provided READ MORE
PSYCHOLOGIST VS. PSYCHIATRIST: UNDERSTANDING MENTAL HEALTH PROVIDER ROLES IN ONTARIO AND QUEBEC
In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most common types of mental health providers in Ontario and Quebec, shedding light on their education, roles, and distinctions. Whether you are seeking therapy for yourself or a loved one, having a grasp of the different mental health professionals can empower you to find the most suitable READ MORE
EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS DEMYSTIFIED: STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE ORGANIZATION, TASK COMPLETION, AND MORE
Imagine your brain as an orchestra, and the executive functions as the conductor sitting at the very front of the brain (behind your forehead). Just as a conductor directs and coordinates every musician in an orchestra to play harmoniously together, your executive functions oversee and manage various mental processes in your brain.
HOW OUR MINDS FILTER INFORMATION: UNDERSTANDING INATTENTION
Imagine that your brain’s capacity to pay attention is like a camping headlight. When you’re focused, that headlight shines bright on what you’re doing. But for some people, this headlight flickers or doesn’t stay on one thing for long. In other words, inattention is difficulty keeping that mental headlight steady and on the task at READ MORE
PERFECTIONISM: SIGNS, RISKS, & STRATEGIES TO COPE
“I’m not a perfectionist. If I waited for perfection, I would never write a word.” – Margaret Atwood We can all agree that issues like depression or anxiety are problematic. But perfection is trickier—mainly because so many people seem to achieve it all around us every day. If you’re like most people, you spend hours READ MORE
BACK TO SCHOOL ISSUES: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT AFTER-SCHOOL MELTDOWNS
All you need to know about after-school restraint collapse! It’s 3:30 p.m. Your child(ren) or teen(s) are coming off the bus or being picked up at school. Although your child or teen is usually all smiles and laughs, they look sullen or downcast. They ignore you. Within minutes of getting home, the peace is shattered READ MORE