Parental alienation refers to a situation where one parent or caregiver attempts to turn a child against the other parent or caregiver through various manipulative behaviors.

This can have serious negative effects on the child’s relationship with the targeted parent and their overall well-being.

It’s important to recognize and address these behaviors in order to protect the child’s best interests and promote healthy relationships between parents and children.

If you’re a parent or caregiver struggling to create or maintain a healthy coparenting relationship, counseling can help. For more information, please contact us here. 

Be Wise and Well,

Alicia Crum, LPC-S

Signs of bullying can vary from person to person, but some common warning signs include:

1. decreased self-esteem
2. withdrawal from friends or activities
3. fear of going to school
4. changes in eating habits
5. signs of physical harm
6. frequent headaches/stomachaches

If you suspect your child or teen is being bullied, it’s important to talk to them, their teachers, coaches, and principal, if necessary, to ensure their safety. Encourage your child to talk to a trusted adult like a teacher or school counselor, if they need help resolving the situation until you (the parent) can intervene.

Unresolved bullying can lead to child/teen depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts and gestures. If you or your child need help addressing ongoing bullying, please contact us here. We’re happy to help.

Happy Parenting,

Alicia Crum, LPC-S

Dear Parent,

It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed and uncertain when you or someone you care about is struggling with depression. Teen depression is a serious issue that can have a big impact on an individual’s life. It can be difficult to recognize the signs and symptoms, so it’s important to be aware of them.

Common signs of depression in teens include low mood, crying spells, difficulty concentrating, irritability, low self-esteem, low energy, drop in grades, lack of motivation, withdrawal from family and friends, and thoughts or talk of suicide.

It’s important to remember that you and your child are not alone and there are resources available to help. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, reach out to a mental health professional for support. There are plenty of online resources available that provide helpful information and advice.

For more information, contact us here.

Be Well,

Alicia Crum, LPC-S

Building a child’s self-esteem can be a challenging task, but it’s an important one for their long-term success and happiness. Here are a few tips to help build your child’s self-esteem and safeguard them from the harmful effects of bullying:

1. Show unconditional love and support. Encourage your child to try new things and praise their effotrs regardless of the outcome. Let me know you are proud of them for taking risks and trying their best.
2. Focus on their strenghts instead of focusing on their weaknesses or areas of improvement. Focus on the things your child does well and celebrate their sucess.
3. Provide positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement can help your child build self-confidence and self-esteem. Praise them for their hard work and effort and encourage them to keep trying.
4. Show them empathy. Listen to your child’s feelings and validate their emotions. Show them understanding and help them to find ways to cope with challenging situations.
5. Encourage postive self-talk. Help your child talk positely about themselves and their abilities. Remind them of their sucesses, accomplishments, and strengths.

By following these tips and providing your child with unconditional love and support, you can help them build unbreakable self-esteem and confidence! If your child struggles in these areas and could use a little extra support, please request an appointment here. We are happy to help!

Happy Parenting,

Alicia Crum, LPC-S