If you’re a parent, hearing that your child is being bullied can be both devastating and unnerving. Unfortunately, bullying has become increasingly common in schools today. According to a recent survey, approximately one in three Canadian students report being bullied at school.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take as a parent if your child is getting bullied. In this blog post, we will provide you with an invaluable guide on what to do if your child is getting bullied and how to best handle the situation.

Signs That Your Child Is Getting Bullied

As a parent, it is important to be aware of the signs that your child may be getting bullied. Some common signs include changes in your child’s behaviour or social life such as:

Your child is suddenly withdrawn and anxious
Your child’s grades have slipped
Your child has unexplained bruises or injuries
Your child is losing friends or is being excluded from social activities
Your child is afraid to take the bus or walk to school
Your child is acting out aggressively

Steps to Take if Your Child Is Getting Bullied

If you suspect that your child may be getting bullied, it is important to have an open and honest conversation with them and their school. Here are some steps you can take:

Talk to Your Child: Ask your child what has been going on and if there is anything that has been making them feel uncomfortable or upset. Always listen to your child and never dismiss their feelings.
Report the Bullying to the School: If your child is being bullied at school, you should contact the school immediately. Let the school know what is going on and ask them what they are doing to address the situation.
Document the Bullying: Keep a record of when and where the bullying occurred, as well as any witnesses who may have seen it happening. This documentation will be helpful if the bullying continues.
Encourage Your Child to Speak up for Themselves: One of the best ways to help your child deal with bullying is to teach them coping mechanisms and how best to speak up for themselves. Show them how to be assertive and confident when dealing with bullies.
Help Your Child Build Self-Esteem and Resilience: If your child is being bullied, let them know that they are worthy and loved despite the negative words of others. Provide them with opportunities to build their self-esteem through activities they enjoy.
Provide a Safe and Supportive Environment: It is also crucial to create a safe and supportive environment by being truly present and listening when they need to talk. Show them that it’s okay to come to you for help and that you will always be there for them.

What Not to Do When Your Child Is Getting Bullied

While there are many things you can do as a parent if you suspect your child is being bullied, there are also a few things you shouldn’t do.

Don’t Get Physical: It can be tempting to want to retaliate against the child who is bullying your child, but it’s important to resist this urge. Getting physical will only escalate the situation and could result in your child getting hurt or suspended.
Don’t Blame Your Child: Bullying is never the victim’s fault and placing blame will only make your child feel worse about himself or herself. Let them know that it’s not their fault and they didn’t do anything to deserve it.
Don’t Ignore It: It’s important to take action if your child is being bullied. Ignoring the problem will not make it go away. Instead, this will send the message to your child that you don’t care about what he or she is going through and could make the situation worse.

How Family Matters Centre Can Help Your Child Cope with Bullying

At Family Matters Centre, we understand the challenges that come with helping your child navigate bullying. That’s why we offer both parenting and child counselling services to help both you and your child find effective coping strategies.

Our team of experienced parenting therapists in Burlington can provide support and guidance to parents while helping children build their resilience and develop positive self-esteem. In addition to one-on-one counselling sessions, we also provide group therapy options for children to connect with peers who may be experiencing similar challenges, such as our No Bullies Allowed bullying recovery group.

If you’re looking for child therapists in the Burlington, Hamilton, or Oakville area, call us today at (905) 466-8023 or fill out our contact form to request an appointment.

Are you a parent of a child with ADHD? If so, you know all too well how it can impact your daughter or son’s ability to function in school and social activities. Trying to figure out how best to help your child can be an overwhelming and challenging task, especially when the advice seems to contradict itself at times. Luckily, we’re here to offer insight into what works best for supporting children with ADHD. Keep reading!

Do’s for Coping with ADHD in Children

With the right approach, children facing ADHD are capable of achieving success in their education, relationships, and life overall. Here are some do’s for coping with ADHD in children.

Educate Yourself about ADHD

Once you have received a diagnosis of ADHD, it is important to educate yourself about the condition. Learning about ADHD in children will help you to better understand your child’s symptoms and how to best manage them. There are many excellent resources available on the internet and from local support groups.

Create a Supportive Home Environment

Creating a supportive home environment is crucial for children with ADHD. Having structure and routine in the home can help to minimize chaos and provide a sense of predictability. It is also important to create an environment that is conducive to focus and concentration, such as having a designated space for homework and limiting distractions during homework time.

Promote Healthy Lifestyle Habits

Children with ADHD often benefit from healthy lifestyle habits, such as regular exercise and a nutritious diet. Exercise can help to improve focus and concentration, while a healthy diet can help to regulate energy levels and mood swings. Promoting healthy lifestyle habits can also help to prevent obesity, which is common in children with ADHD.

Encourage Positive Behaviour

It is important to encourage positive behaviour in children with ADHD. This can be done by providing praise and reinforcement when they display desired behaviours. It is also important to avoid punishment or criticism when children with ADHD make mistakes, as this can further undermine their self-esteem and sense of competency.

Get Professional Help

Having people to talk to who understand what you are going through can be invaluable during difficult times. This support can come from family, friends, support groups, or online forums. You can also talk to a child therapists in Hamilton. Search for individual counselling sessions for ADHD as well as group therapy sessions nearby such as the ones offered at Family Matters Centre (Temper Temper, Chill Out, and Mindfulness Magic).

Don’ts for Dealing with ADHD in Children

Many parents make the mistake of thinking that their child will eventually outgrow their ADHD or that it’s not a big deal. However, ignoring the problem can make it worse. Here are some don’ts when dealing with ADHD in children.

Don’t Try to Do Everything at Once

When you’re trying to manage ADHD in children, it’s important to take things one step at a time. Trying to do too many things at once can be overwhelming and will likely lead to frustration for both you and your child. Instead, focus on one task at a time and break it down into smaller steps that your child can easily follow.

Don’t Get Angry

It’s important to stay calm when dealing with ADHD in children, as getting angry will only make the situation worse. If you feel yourself getting frustrated, take a deep breath and try to relax. Remember that your child is not acting out intentionally, and getting angry will only make it more difficult to manage the situation.

Don’t Compare Your Child to Others

ADHD can be a difficult condition to deal with, but it’s important to remember that every child is different. Comparing your child to other children who don’t have ADHD will only make them feel worse about themselves. Instead, focus on your child’s individual strengths and accomplishments, and celebrate their successes no matter how small they may seem.

Don’t Neglect Your Own Needs

Caring for a child with ADHD can be demanding, and it’s important that you take care of yourself as well. Make sure to schedule some time for yourself each day, even if it’s just a few minutes to relax or read a book. Taking care of yourself will help you be better able to care for
your child.

Choose Family Matters Centre for Counselling for ADHD in Children

The journey of raising a child with ADHD can be a daunting one. As a parent, you want to provide your child with the best possible care and support. That’s where Family Matters Centre comes in. Our team of experienced psychotherapists in the Hamilton area specialize in working with children with ADHD and can provide comprehensive treatment plans tailored to your child’s unique needs.

We offer evidence-based interventions that focus on teaching coping strategies, enhancing executive functioning skills, and developing social emotional awareness. By choosing Family Matters Centre, you can rest assured that your child will receive the highest quality treatment for
their ADHD, empowering them to reach their full potential.

If you are interested in learning more about our ADHD therapy for children in the Burlington, Oakville, and Hamilton area, call us today at (905) 466-8023 or fill out our contact form to request an appointment.

Raising teens can be hard, especially when it comes to dealing with anger. It’s normal for teens to feel frustrated or even angry from time-to time—but when these outbursts start leading to fights or harming themselves and others, clearly something needs to change! Thankfully, there are ways that parents can tackle anger management in teens in an effective and healthy manner. In this blog post, we’ll share some tips on how to control anger in teens in order to help them live a happier life.

What Are Some of the Main Causes of Anger in Teens?

Teenagers can face a wide range of emotions as they transition into adulthood, including feeling overwhelmed with anger.
There are multiple factors that may contribute to teen anger, such as stress from school or disillusionment with parents’ expectations. Oftentimes, teens have difficulty regulating their emotions and they may become quickly frustrated or angry with themselves or others in response to setbacks.
Frequently occurring psychological conditions such as depression and anxiety can play a significant role in teen anger, as well. In some cases, teens may also be responding subconsciously to unresolved childhood trauma or abuse. If you suspect this is the case for your teenager, getting some professional help from teen counselling services in Burlington might be a good idea.

How Can Parents Handle Anger Issues in Teens?

So, how can you handle your angry teen? It’s important for adults to create an environment in which teens feel comfortable expressing their feelings and emotions without fear of judgment in order to prevent explosive outbursts of pent-up anger. Here are some helpful tips:

Don’t Ignore the Problem

The first step that parents can take when dealing with anger management in teens is to not ignore the problem. It’s important to address the issue head-on and to talk to your teen about what they’re feeling and why they’re feeling it. Ignoring the problem will only make it worse and could lead to your teen acting out in ways that are harmful to themselves or others.

Model Positive Behaviour Yourself

One of the best ways for parents to control anger in teens is to be a good role model. If parents are able to handle their own anger in a healthy and constructive way, it will set a good example for their teen. Additionally, parents should avoid using anger as a way to control or manipulate their teen.

Listen Without Interrupting or Judging

It is also important that parents try to listen to their teen when they are angry. This can be a difficult task, as teens often don’t want to talk about what is making them angry. However, if you can get your teen to open up and communicate with you, it will be much easier to help them resolve their anger issues.

Try to Understand Their Perspective

It can be helpful to put yourself in their shoes and to try to see things from their point of view. This doesn’t mean that you have to agree with everything your teen is feeling, but it can help you to better understand where they’re coming from.

Communicate Openly and Honestly

Another way for parents to handle angry teens is to communicate openly and honestly with them. This means being willing to listen to what they have to say, even if it’s something that makes you angry. Ask them directly how they’re doing and what they’re thinking.

Help Them Identify Their Triggers

One way that parents can control anger in teens is by helping them to identify their triggers. What are the things that tend to set them off? Once they know what their triggers are, they can then start to work on avoiding or managing them in a more constructive way.

Teach Them Healthy Coping Mechanisms

It’s also important for parents to teach their teens healthy coping mechanisms for dealing with their anger. This might include things like deep breathing exercises, walking away from the situation, or writing down their thoughts and feelings in a journal.

Seek Professional Help If Necessary

If your teen’s anger issues are severe or if you feel like you’re not able to handle the situation on your own, it’s important to seek professional help. There are many teen therapists in the Burlington or Hamilton area who specialize in anger management in teens. Getting professional help for your teen can make a big difference in their overall well-being.

Contact Family Matters Centre for Teen Counselling in Burlington

If you’re looking for how to control anger in teens, contact Family Matters Centre in Burlington. From frustration and overthinking to dealing with parental expectations to facing peer pressure, our well-trained therapists for teens in Burlington can help your child get through the challenges that life throws their way.
We offer a safe space where all feelings can be discussed without judgement, so that no matter what’s going on in your child’s life right now, our parenting therapists in Burlington are always willing to listen.
If you’re looking for teen counselling services in the Burlington, Hamilton, or Oakville area, call us today at (905) 466-8023 or fill out our contact form to request an appointment.

Are you worried about your child’s mental health and looking for a child therapist in Burlington who can help? You’re not alone, as many parents find themselves at this important fork in the road. Seeking out counselling is an incredibly personal decision, but it doesn’t have to be complicated or confusing. With the right guidance, you can confidently select the best therapist for your family and ensure that your child gets all of the help they need. In this blog post, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide for how to find a counsellor for your child.

1. Define Your Family’s Needs

Before you begin your search for a child therapist in Hamilton or the surrounding areas, it is important to take some time to think about your family’s specific needs. What type of help does your child need? Are you looking for someone who specializes in a certain issue, such as anxiety or ADHD? Knowing what you are looking for will help you narrow down your options.

2. Do Some Research

Once you have an idea of what you are looking for, you can start doing some research. Talk to friends and family members who have been through the process of finding a child therapist. Ask them for recommendations and advice. You can also look online for lists of therapists in your area or read online reviews.

3. Review the Potential Therapist’s Background and Credentials

When looking for a child therapist, it is important to make sure that they have the proper credentials. Ask about their experience working with children, as well as what type of therapy they specialize in. Some therapists specialize in treating specific disorders, such as anxiety or ADHD, while others work with children of all ages and backgrounds.

4. Ask Questions about Their Treatment Plan

One of the most important things you can do when searching for a therapist is to ask questions about the approach they take to treating children and families. Do they typically practice family systems therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), humanistic therapy, or any other therapeutic model?

5. Discuss Your Specific Goals and Expectations for Therapy

What are you ultimately trying to achieve? Is there an underlying issue or event that your child needs help processing? Do you need advice with parenting skills related to your child’s needs? Having clarity regarding what you hope to get out of therapy will help narrow down what type of professional you should look for and provide helpful context when speaking with candidates.

6. Consider Your Child’s Preferences

Your child should also be involved in the decision-making process and feel comfortable speaking with the therapist. Consider what kind of atmosphere and energy they would prefer and talk with your child and establish what they would be most comfortable with—whether it be a male, female, older, or younger therapist.

7. Make Sure You Feel Comfortable with the Therapist

Lastly, you want to make sure that you are both comfortable and confident with the person who will be taking care of your child’s mental health. Look for important qualities such as listening skills, professionalism, and empathy. In addition, try to schedule an initial meeting with the child therapist so you can gauge their communication style and interact personally before making a final decision.

Contact Family Matters Centre to Talk to a Child Therapist in Burlington

If your child is struggling and needs the help of a child therapist in Burlington, Hamilton, or the surrounding areas, Family Matters Centre is the place to turn. Our anxiety therapists and psychotherapists in Burlington use evidence-based strategies to provide effective treatments for children and families, ensuring a positive outcome.

Not only are our therapists experienced and qualified, but they also provide personalized services catered to your child’s specific needs. We recognize that this can be a difficult decision to make, which is why we provide counselling services tailored to each family’s unique circumstances.

If you’re looking for a child therapist in the Burlington, Hamilton, or Oakville area, call us today at (905) 466-8023 or fill out our contact form to request an appointment.

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Do you feel like communication has been lacking in your marriage? Maybe it’s hard to find the right words, or perhaps there is resistance when one of you tries to initiate a conversation. Fortunately, there are practical strategies couples can use to bridge the gap and establish better communication, such as attending couples therapy in Burlington together. In this blog post, we will discuss some helpful tips for improving communication within a marriage.

Set Aside Time to Talk

One of the best ways to improve communication in marriage is to set aside time to talk. This can be difficult to do with busy schedules, but it is important to make time for each other. If possible, set aside a few minutes each day to talk about your day, your thoughts and feelings, and anything else that is on your mind.

Be Willing to Compromise

In any relationship, there will be times when we need to compromise in order to reach a resolution that works for both parties involved. This is especially true in marriage where both spouses need to feel heard and valued. If we’re not willing to compromise, it will be difficult, if not impossible, to improve communication in marriage.

Listen More, Talk Less

Communication is a two-way street. Ask any divorce therapist in Burlington and they’ll tell you that one of the best ways to improve communication in marriage is to simply listen more and talk less. It can be easy to get caught up in our own lives and our own thoughts, but it’s important to take the time to really listen to what your spouse is saying. When you truly listen, it shows that you care about them and their thoughts and feelings.

Be Clear and Concise

When you communicate with your spouse, it’s important to be clear and concise. You should avoid beating around the bush or getting sidetracked. Instead, focus on communicating your thoughts and feelings in a clear and concise manner.

Express Gratitude, Love and Admiration

Couples should remember to show appreciation and affection for one another. Expressing gratitude for each other and taking time to show physical affection can help create a strong bond between the two of you, which in turn will make it easier to talk openly and honestly.

Avoid Criticism

Another tip for improving communication in marriage is to avoid criticism. It is important to be honest with your spouse, but there is a difference between being honest and being critical. When you are critical of your spouse, it can make them feel defensive and less likely to want to communicate with you. Instead, focus on speaking honestly and openly about your thoughts and feelings without attacking them.

Be Patient

Effective communication takes time and effort, so it’s important to be patient as you work on improving communication in marriage. There will be setbacks along the way, but as long as you remain committed to working on your communication skills, you will eventually see progress being made.

Pay Attention to Body Language

One of the best ways to build better communication is by paying attention to your spouse’s body language when they are trying to tell you something. This means not just focusing on what they are saying but understanding their gestures, eye contact, facial expressions, and the tone of their voice.

Avoid Distractions from Phones or Social Media

Make sure distractions such as phones, laptops, or social media don’t get in the way of your conversation. Taking time throughout the day to have meaningful conversations without these types of interruptions can help couples build trust and openness.

Get Professional Help if the Problem Persists

If all else fails and the problem persists, don’t hesitate to seek professional help by talking to a psychotherapist in Burlington or attending marriage counselling as a couple.

Family Matters Centre offers a unique and comprehensive approach to help you improve communication in your marriage. Our team of marriage counsellors and divorce therapists in Burlington provide personalized guidance tailored to your specific needs with expertise in
listening and marriage counselling. We understand the complexities of marriage—the highs and lows, successes and struggles—and employ programs that focus on strengthening the bond between spouses so that they can successfully navigate their marital difficulties.

Knowing how to improve communication in marriage is essential for any relationship. If you’re looking for a marriage counsellor near you, specifically in the Burlington, Hamilton, or Oakville area, call us today at (905) 466-8023 or fill out our contact form to request an appointment. We can also offer teen counselling services in the Hamilton area if poor communication in your marriage is affecting your children or overall family dynamic.

Are you worried about changes in your child’s behaviour? Does it often feel like there is something wrong, but you can’t quite put a finger on it? Have they become anxious or withdrawn from their usual activities, friendships, and energetic lifestyle? If so, these may be warning signs that your child could benefit from speaking with a child therapist in Burlington or the surrounding areas.

In this blog post, we will discuss some of the common behaviours to look out for if you suspect your child might need some extra help.

Extreme Anger and Temper Tantrums

One of the clearest signs that your child may need child group therapy or teen counselling services is when extreme anger and temper tantrums become more frequent and less manageable. When these outbursts can’t be controlled with typical methods such as redirection or creativity, it could point to deeper issues that might require professional attention.

Strain on Family Relationships

When your child is having difficulty managing their emotions or coping with life’s difficulties and it begins to strain family relationships, this can be a sign they might need help. Instead of resorting to punitive actions when families are struggling, you should seek out professional advice and resources to help them better manage their difficult emotions.

Variations in Eating and Sleep Patterns

Variations in eating and sleeping patterns can be a major sign that your child may need to speak with a child counsellor. Unusual changes in daily routine of your teen, such as going to bed late or skipping meals, can indicate feelings of deep distress and inner turmoil. In a child, a significant change in the amount of sleep or in appetite may be indicators. If you notice these types of signs in your child, it could mean they are struggling with difficult emotions and require some help from a mental health professional.

Constant Feelings of Fear, Worry, or Anxiety

It can be heartbreaking to witness your child struggling with fear, worry, or anxiety. If these feelings seem constant and they are affecting your child’s daily life, it may be an indication that they need to talk to somebody outside of the family. An excessive level of intense emotions can interfere with a child’s ability to form healthy relationships and lead them to potentially negative coping strategies.

Self-Destructive Behaviour

Self-destructive behaviour can take many forms, such as cutting oneself, using drugs or alcohol to cope, or even expressing suicidal thoughts. If your child’s negative behaviour is putting their safety at risk, then it’s time to seek professional help from a teen therapist. It may not be easy to talk about these issues, but encouraging your child to share their feelings with a counsellor can provide them with the emotional support they need to lead a healthy and happy life.

Losing Interest in Daily Activities

If your child suddenly shows a decline in interest in the daily activities they used to enjoy or participate in, it may be a sign that your child is dealing with some emotional issues. This could include hobbies, sports, or simply hanging out with friends. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a child counsellor in Burlington if you feel that your child’s lack of motivation is a red flag for underlying issues.

Inability to Focus

If your child has always been able to concentrate on tasks, but now seems unable to complete tasks without getting distracted, then it could be a clue that something deeper may be going on. Talk to them about how they’re feeling and if necessary contact a counsellor to get support so that your child can manage their emotions and life challenges more effectively.

Self-Isolation

Self-isolation can be a sign of depression, anxiety, and other underlying mental health issues. If you have noticed your child or teenager become increasingly removed from social activities, withdrawn, or uninterested in things they used to enjoy, then it might be time to consider teen counselling services. While teens require some alone time, generally they should still partake in some form of social experiences with family and friends.

Contact the Child Therapists at Family Matters Centre

Family Matters Centre offers comprehensive counselling to ensure your child receives the support they need. Through teen counselling services and child group therapy, we can provide both preventative care and therapy for any issues or challenges children may be facing in their home or school environment.

Through our co-parenting counselling and family therapy sessions, we strive to provide a space where families can come together to learn new tools and deepen their understanding of each other’s situations.

If you’re looking for a child therapist or parenting therapist in the Burlington, Hamilton, or Oakville area, call us today at (905) 466-8023 or fill out our contact form to request an appointment.

It’s no secret that divorce can be tough on kids. But there are things parents can do to help support their children during this difficult time. From maintaining a positive relationship with your ex to talking to a divorce therapist or a child counsellor in the Burlington, Hamilton, or
Oakville area, here are some tips for divorced parents who want to make things easier for their kids.

How Divorce Affects Children

Most children may feel sad, scared, and confused when they hear the news of their parents splitting up and this might also raise feelings of anxiety about the future. As an impact of divorce, some children may want to separate themselves from either one or both of the parents due to feeling betrayed by them. Additionally, children often struggle with accepting the fact that their parents no longer love each other, viewing the split up as a betrayal.

Ways to Help Your Child Cope with Divorce

If your family is going through a divorce, it can be an emotional and confusing time for both parents and children. Here are some tips to help your child cope with the divorce:

Explain the Divorce: Make sure that your child knows that the decision was not their fault and that all involved parties still love them very much.
Help Your Child Express Their Feelings: Provide a safe space where your child can express their feelings without fear of judgement or criticism. Listen intently and respond to each feeling with validation.
Avoid Fighting in Front of Your Kids: Do your best to remain calm in your child’s presence so they don’t feel overwhelmed or scared. Even though you might be feeling angry and upset at times, avoid discussing the details of the divorce in front of them.
Don’t Blame the Other Parent: Avoid placing blame on the other parent for the divorce. Instead, focus on helping your child understand what has happened in a non-judgmental way.
Be Supportive When Your Child Is with the Other Parent: Showing acceptance of your former partner can help kids feel more secure and at ease with the changes that come with divorce.
Consider Counselling for Your Child: Counselling can be a very beneficial tool in helping your child process their feelings and navigate the difficult transition. It is important to create a regular routine that provides stability while also providing emotional support.

Contact the Child Therapists in Burlington at Family Matters Centre

Going through a divorce is difficult, especially for children. The child therapists in Burlington at Family Matters Centre understand this and are prepared to help your child constructively cope with the experience. With effective communication and support, our divorce therapists can work to reduce the emotional stress children may feel while dealing with the effects of divorce. We can also provide marriage counselling and co-parenting counselling to help parents ease the burden on their children.

Through supportive therapeutic activities and group therapy tailored to meet each individual’s needs, our marriage counsellors offer your family an excellent resource when it comes to processing emotions and dealing with a divorce in a healthy way.

If you’re looking for a child therapist or marriage counsellor in the Burlington, Hamilton, or Oakville area, call us today at (905) 466-8023 or fill out our contact form to request an appointment.

It’s no secret that parenting a teenager can be difficult. Teenagers are going through so many changes—physically, emotionally and mentally—and it can be hard for parents to know how to talk to them and connect with them. This can lead to frustration for both the parent and the teen. If you’re struggling with parent-teenager communication, or if you just want to learn how to communicate better, read on for some tips!

Be an Active Listener

Active listening includes actively paying attention when your teen speaks and engaging in conversation without judgment or criticism. The key to communication with youth is to make sure you are actively listening by putting away any distractions like your phone, stopping what you’re doing, and focusing on what your teen is saying. Active listening also involves not just hearing but understanding what your teen is saying and responding with encouragement, compassion and support.

Avoid Loading Them with Questions

Many parents want to know what their children are thinking but bombarding them with a flurry of questions can push them away. Instead of overwhelming your teen with a ton of questions, try open-ended conversations. Ask your teenager questions about themselves that allow for longer answers and explore the boundaries of what they are willing to discuss. Also keep in mind that one-on-one conversations as opposed to talking when others are around can lower tensions and help you both stay on topic without distractions or fear of embarrassment.

Speak on Interesting Topics

One way to improve parent-teenager communication is by choosing interesting topics to talk about that your teenager will find engaging. Doing research on movies, music, and other interesting aspects of their world that they enjoy can be a great way to start conversations. Ask any parenting therapist and they will tell you that developing a trusting relationship with your teenager is all about getting out of your comfort zone and being willing to talk about their passions, dreams for the future, or even their everyday choices.

Don’t Jump to Conclusions

To ensure that you’re better able to understand one another and build a relationship, it’s important not to jump to conclusions. Listen to what your teen is saying, instead of jumping in with a pre-conceived assumption about the bottom line. Try to withhold judgment until all the facts are laid out in front of you—this will give both you and your teenager an opportunity to reach mutual understanding.

Praise Your Teenager

Lastly, a great way to enhance your parent-teenager communication is by praising your child whenever possible. Praise works wonders to boost their self-esteem and remind them that they are appreciated and valued. Be sure to be genuine though! If you come off as insincere or like you’re trying too hard, your teen can see right through it. An easy way to start this is by reminding them of things that they’ve done well or said that made an impression on you.

Contact Family Matters Centre for Teen Counselling Services

Communication is an essential part of parent-teenager communication. At Family Matters Centre, we offer teen counselling services in Burlington that can help improve communication with youth. By providing a safe and supportive space, teenagers can express their frustrations which will enable them to build skills like reflecting on their behaviour, establishing personal boundaries, becoming more aware of the consequences of making decisions and communicating better with their family.

If you’re looking for a therapist for teens or a parenting therapist in the Burlington, Hamilton, or Oakville area, call us today at (905) 466-8023 or fill out our contact form to request an appointment.

If you are a parent, one of the best gifts you can give your child is a healthy sense of self-esteem. With high self-esteem, kids are more likely to succeed in school, develop strong relationships, and maintain good mental health throughout their lives. Here are a few tips to help you foster a healthy sense of self-esteem in your child.

Love Them Unconditionally

Most kids go through phases where they feel insecure or doubt themselves. This is perfectly normal and part of growing up. One of the best things you can do for your child is to accept them for who they are and let them know that you will always be there for them, no matter what. Also, avoid placing conditions on your love, such as: “I’ll love you if you get straight A’s.” When kids feel loved and supported, they are more likely to have high self-esteem.

Avoid Insulting Your Child

As a parent, it is important to be mindful of the words you use when talking to your child. Insults can be very damaging to a child’s self-esteem, so avoid using words that might make them feel bad about themselves, such as “stupid” or “lazy.” Instead, try to focus on positive reinforcement. Compliment your child when they do something well and avoid criticizing them for their mistakes.

Don’t Compare Your Child to Others

Your child is one-of-a-kind and it’s important that you make them feel that way. Avoid comparing your child to other children, as this can make them feel inferior. Instead, focus on their unique qualities and strengths. Help your child to build up their self-esteem by encouraging them to participate in activities that they enjoy, and by showing them that you are proud of their accomplishments.

Ask for Your Child’s Opinion

Asking for your child’s opinion shows that you value their thoughts and feelings, which can help to boost their self-esteem. In addition, it gives them a chance to share their views on a variety of topics. For example, you might ask them what they think about a new toy or TV show. You can also ask for their input on household decisions, such as where to hang a picture or what to have for dinner. By involving your child in these kinds of conversations, you’ll help them feel like an important member of the family.

Set Aside Playtime with Them

One of the best ways to improve self-esteem in kids is to have regular playtime with them. This means setting aside time each day to just play, without any expectations or objectives. This can be anything from playing catch to building a fort out of blankets. The important thing is that it’s a time for the two of you to connect and have fun together. Doing this on a regular basis will help your child feel loved and valued, both of which are essential for healthy self-esteem.

Assign Them Responsibilities and Chores

Helping out around the house can give kids a sense of accomplishment and pride. This could include tasks like setting the table, doing the laundry, or taking out the trash. By teaching kids that they are capable of taking care of themselves and their belongings, you can help them to feel more confident and independent. But make sure you don’t overburden them with too many chores—strike a balance between giving them responsibility and allowing them to enjoy their childhood.

Guide Them on How to Overcome Failure

Failure is a part of life, but it’s not always easy to cope with. For children, especially, failure can be a hard pill to swallow. Teach your child how to dust themselves off after falling down and how to keep moving forward despite setbacks. Sometimes, children need help understanding why they failed in order to move on from the experience. If your child is able to identify what went wrong, they can be more successful next time.

Contact the Child Therapists in Burlington at Family Matters Centre

If your child is struggling with their self-esteem, Family Matters Centre can help. We offer a variety of programs and services designed to help children build self-confidence and feel good about themselves. From group therapy sessions to one-on-one child therapy in Burlington, we can help your child learn how to handle compliments and criticism, set goals, and manage stress.

If you’re looking for a child therapist in the Burlington, Hamilton, or Oakville area, call us today at (905) 466-8023 or fill out our contact form to request an appointment.

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in North America, affecting over 18% of the population. This can be a difficult statistic for parents to face, as anxiety disorders can be extremely debilitating for children. If you are a parent of a child who is struggling with anxiety, don’t worry—you are not alone. There are many ways that you can help your child to overcome their anxiety and live a happy, healthy life. In this article, we will discuss some of the best ways to deal with anxiety in children.

Try to Understand Your Child’s Anxiety

If you’re not sure what’s causing your child’s anxiety, it’s important to talk to your child’s doctor or a child counsellor. An anxiety counsellor or anxiety therapist can work with your child to identify the source of their anxiety and develop coping mechanisms. They can also help you figure out if your child’s anxiety is just a phase or if there is something more serious going on. As a parent, it is important to understand that anxiety is a normal and healthy emotion. It only becomes a problem when it begins to interfere with daily life.

Practice Healthy Ways to Handle Anxiety

Once you have a better understanding of what is causing your child’s anxiety, you can start working on ways to help them cope. One way to do this is to practice healthy ways to handle anxiety together. This might include things like deep breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, and positive thinking. It’s also important to make sure that your child is getting enough exercise and sleep. Try to create a calm and supportive environment at home. This will help your child feel safe and loved, which can go a long way in helping them cope with anxiety.

Ask Open-Ended Questions

One of the most important things you can do is talk to your child about their anxiety. Ask open-ended questions and encourage them to share their feelings. This allows the child to express themselves without feeling like they are being interrogated. If the child is reluctant to talk, a parent can try asking questions about activities that the child enjoys or about school. Once the child starts talking, it is important to listen carefully and refrain from providing solutions. Instead, focus on reassuring the child that they are not alone and that you are there to support
them.

Don’t Support Your Child’s Fears

Speaking of support, it can be difficult to watch your child suffer from anxiety, but it’s important to resist the urge to protect them from their fears. This may seem counterintuitive, but anxiety thrives on avoidance. The more you try to shield your child from their anxiety, the more power you give it. It’s important to offer support and encouragement, but ultimately your child needs to face their anxiety head-on in order to overcome it.

Express Positive and Realistic Expectations for Your Child

As a parent, you play an important role in helping your child manage anxiety by expressing positive and realistic expectations for them. This means letting them know that anxiety is normal and that they can manage it. There is also a fine line between encouraging your child to face their anxiety head-on and putting pressure on your child or forcing them to do things they’re uncomfortable with. Ultimately, you should listen to your child without judgement and help them to find effective coping strategies.

Visit Family Matters Centre for Anxiety Therapists in Burlington

If your child is struggling with anxiety, it’s important to remember that you are not alone. There are many resources and support groups available for parents of children with anxiety.

At Family Matters Centre, we understand how anxiety can negatively impact a child’s life. That’s why we offer a variety of services to help children struggling with anxiety, including anxiety counselling and therapy Burlington, as well as group therapy.

Our anxiety counsellors and therapists work with children to help them understand and cope with their anxiety. We also offer parenting therapy to help parents better support their child through anxiety. Our goal is to help children learn how to manage their anxiety so that it doesn’t rule their lives.

If you are concerned about your child’s anxiety, call us today at (905) 466-8023 or fill out our contact form to request an appointment.

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