From young children to teens, James Lehman, MSW explains why your child is in trouble if he or she uses anger and acting out behavior to control others. When children use anger to get what they want, it can feel for all the world like they're pointing a loaded weapon at you. As a parent, you... Read more »
The idea that a kid is responsible for things is not inborn—it doesn't just happen by itself. It needs to be taught, coached, and learned. In some ways, it's no mystery: kids are born with no responsibilities, and everything they do is by instinct. They cry when they're hungry or want something, and they go to... Read more »
I've counseled many parents through the years who were discouraged about their kids' behavior problems. They felt hopeless and wondered if things were ever going to change. They would ask me: "Will my kid be messed up forever?" Their feelings are understandable. When you have a child who acts out in very aggressive and destructive ways,... Read more »
If your child acts out in public, and you don't respond effectively, your child learns they can blackmail you and hold you hostage with their behavior. Their mindset is, "Give me my way or face my acting out." Their behavior may involve yelling, screaming, and tantrums. It may be angry faces and a disgusted tone, disrespectful... Read more »
In Part II of James Lehman, MSW’s series on episodic childhood depression, he’ll discuss concrete ways you can teach your child coping skills. If your child seems distressed, despondent or sad for a prolonged period of time, have them seen by someone with diagnostic skills. Be sure to have a pediatrician rule out any underlying... Read more »
Part one of a two part series by James Lehman, MSW, on kids and episodic depression. Note from James: In our culture, sadness and depression have become almost interchangeable terms. In this article, we’re going to use the term “episodic depression” when referring to a level of sadness that children experience that interferes with their functioning. Almost... Read more »
“My 14-year-old son is late for everything. It’s always, “In a minute,” or “I’m almost ready.” He’s not a bad kid, but he just doesn’t seem to understand that there are people waiting for him. The last straw was when he made us miss the beginning of our daughter’s high school play recently, even though... Read more »
Sibling rivalry is normal in families with more than one child. On the surface, you have two kids who are at war. They constantly bicker and don't get along. There can be many reasons for sibling rivalry, but at the core of this rivalry is a common theme that one sibling feels as if he... Read more »
Pouting, whining, and sulking are three of the most annoying ways that kids communicate their displeasure, anger, or frustration with a situation. This behavior is not just limited to young children, either—teens do it because they haven't always learned the skills to express their frustration in an appropriate way. Simply put: it works for them. When... Read more »
If your child deliberately ignores you, pretends not to hear your requests, and refuses to greet you or others, read on to see how you can deal with their behavior without losing your cool. Kids purposely ignore you because it gives them a sense of power and control. It makes them feel big, and pretending not... Read more »