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What every parent should teach their teen about sexual assault

As a counselor with the Teen Xpress program, a part of The Howard Phillips Center for Children & Families, I provide therapy for middle and high school students at select schools in Orange County. Each year, conversations with the older high school students turn to the future - college, careers, and choices. We talk about their goals, plans and dreams. We talk about the fun stuff, like majors or classes they are planning to take and the not-so-fun stuff, like safety, personal responsibility and accountability.

Is the first day of school a challenge for your introverted child?

Okay moms and dads, it’s that time of year again! Are you ready?!

The gift that keeps on giving: Noah’s birthday wish

From a very young age, Noah has had a heart for giving back to his community. Two years ago, he began asking for a birthday gift that not many kids would ask for – money from friends and family to go towards the local charity of his choice. Since that time, he has raised over $3,000 to help those who need it most.

The journey to healing through a bone marrow transplant: Zoe’s story

Zoe is a vivacious 10-year-old who loves to spend time with her family, especially her sister, Eva. You would never know that just two years ago, she was fighting for her life as she underwent a bone marrow transplant, the only treatment that could offer Zoe the chance to live a healthy, normal life.

4 Tips for You and Your Kids During the COVID-19 Outbreak

Even with COVID-19 — the disease caused by the new strain of coronavirus — regularly in the news, a lot of unknowns still remain. Even with a steady string of updates, facts and statistics to digest each day, it’s difficult to know what to do or what to say inside the walls of your own home.

How to Talk to Children When a Loved One Is Seriously Ill

If your family is dealing with the death or serious illness of a loved one, take some time to consider how your children are handling it — and what you can do to help them navigate this confusing, and possibly frightening, time. Children can absorb a great deal, and often imagine the situation to be worse than it is, with studies showing that even preschoolers can be significantly affected. Although discussing a loss with your child won’t make it less painful, you can certainly offer significant support and teach healthy coping skills they will need as they process things. 

Is It Grief or Depression? How to Tell the Difference

Grief is a common, expected experience as a child or teenager processes difficult life circumstances. Depression, however, is a mood disorder that can be prolonged and serious. Because depression left untreated can be harmful and lead to suicidal or other risky behaviors, recognizing the difference between the two is vital.

Bonding With Baby: What’s a Dad to Do?

In the months leading up to your baby’s birth, both parents are likely gearing up for the big day they welcome their newborn into the world. For many fathers there can be a lot of pressure to know what to expect and do once the baby arrives. Unfortunately, most literature and resources available tend to be directed toward mothers leaving dads struggling to know how to connect with their infant. Here are a few simple ways that fathers can bond with their newborn.

It's OK To Let Your Fussy Baby Cry It Out at Night

You fed the baby, changed her diaper, rocked her for a bit and put her down for bed.

Holding out hope for their child born with Congenital Heart Disease: Mia's Story

If you were to spend a day with the Gravitz family, you would be welcomed with open arms and be overwhelmed by the love this family has for each other. Nothing is more important to Alecia and Marc than spending time with their kids - baking cookies on rainy days, and cozying up in their pajamas to watch movies on weekends. But just over two years ago, life, as they knew it, turned upside down.

Heartbroken