Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch
My WordPress Blog
By: Margie Frisco, MA, LPC-Associate Supervised by Melissa Barton MA, LPC-S Having self-confidence as a kid can be tricky! Remember back when you were a kid. Did you experience a situation where another classmate was mean to you? Or remember the old saying of sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never […]
Having self-confidence as a kid can be tricky! Remember back when you were a kid. Did you experience a situation where another classmate was mean to you? Or remember the old saying of sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me…..really? Words can hurt significantly if a child listens to the mean comments and starts to believe them. This blog will go over how you, as a parent, can help your child build confidence.
Daily affirmations have become more popular over the years. But, let us start with defining what a daily affirmation is. It is a statement that someone can say to themselves. It can be helpful for a person to feel better about themselves. Additionally, it can help that person learn how to use positive self-talk. Think of positive self-talk and daily affirmations as a hopeful and “good” expression about yourself TO yourself. See an example below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJs7_rrPaEI
Teaching your children to say nice things to themselves early will help grow that confidence. They learn how to make eye contact, explore their facial expressions, get experience with direct conversations, and most importantly, how to say nice things to themselves. I know it can seem silly, but telling the affirmations in the mirror is helpful. Depending on their age, you can create these affirmations, work together to make them, or check the link below to see some printable cards for your kids.
As parents, we have one of the biggest influences on our child’s life. We can demonstrate or model a specific behavior. Many child therapists agree that children learn by seeing. To help your child grow their confidence, you can show them how. You can model behavior by celebrating a victory in front of them. For example, if you got the promotion you have been working hard to get, do a happy dance and have them join in. Furthermore, if your child has been struggling with school and does well, have them choose (within reason) how to celebrate.
Another way you can model having healthy confidence is using a positive affirmation when you are not feeling your best. For instance, if
someone says something mean about how you look or act, say, “that is ok. I know I am worthy of love.” Or if someone blames you for something you had no control over, say, “I tried my best.” Showing your child how to react when others are not nice can show them how to respond if they experience the same thing.
Now, I know it is easy for me to sit here and say, “oh, just say or do this.” I realize that it can be hard not to react. I completely get it. Emotions, right!?! Even if you respond in a not-so-great way, it is ok. You have the opportunity to have another conversation with your child when you are calm. And then you can both practice what could be a better response. This will help your child learn how to reflect on their behaviors and actions to find ways to improve.
Reflecting on the action shows your child that they can make mistakes. Also, it allows your child to see what actions they can take. And you are there to help them critically think. Most kids under twelve do not have analytical thinking completely working. You can step in, help them think through the options, and find which action is best for them.
I understand that sometimes the best option might be something new. As the parent, you can feed their confidence by saying they can do it. Moreover, you can practice or try new things with them.
For instance, if you reflect and the new action is talking to someone new. You can set up their stuffed toy animals and practice how to introduce themselves. This might feel silly, but it can be a helpful teaching aid with your children, create a fun memory, and teach them to come to you with difficult situations.
If you are ready to help build confidence in your child or children, one of the therapists at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch can help! We provide counseling and mental health services. To begin counseling in Katy, TX follow these three steps:
Here at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch, we offer counseling services for people of all ages in areas including counseling for kids, counseling for young adults, teen counseling, couples counseling, eating disorder treatment, men’s issues, women’s issues, anxiety treatment, depression therapy, trauma counseling, family therapy, and group counseling. Our therapists strive to post blogs regularly. We provide helpful information on a variety of mental health topics. To learn more about our therapists and counseling services, please reach out to the Counseling Center today!
By: Margie Frisco MA, LPC Associate Supervised by Melissa Barton MA, LPC-S Is it hard to motivate your kid(s)? Sometimes, it can be hard to get your child to do what you ask them to do. For example, how often do we have to say pick up your stuff or do your homework? It […]
Is it hard to motivate your kid(s)? Sometimes, it can be hard to
get your child to do what you ask them to do. For example, how often do we have to say pick up your stuff or do your homework? It can even feel like a tug of war! It can even be done without yelling, arguing, or feeling like something failed. What if I told you some new ways you can try to motivate your kids? Below are some helpful tips.
Knowing how to motivate your child can be easy and hard for others. Maybe the child doesn’t know what they want. Or it can feel like anything you do as a parent does not make it any easier.
Creating a space where the child can explore what they like can be helpful. Creating such a space can help spark curiosity and play. Many child therapists would agree that freedom can be therapeutic for kids. This type of expression lets them feel free.
What motivates some kids might be harder to find when your child knows why they might participate more easily. The “why” is the result you are looking for. Children are more willing to join if they get a say in it, depending on their age.
For example, if you have a picky eater, have them help pack the lunch. I realize that if we allow children to pack their lunch, it could be filled with candy and junk food. What I mean by help is to put the sandwich together or have them draw a fun drawing on the bag of carrots.
Keep in mind that we want to limit this. As we learn and grow, we find out not everything has a reward. Limiting rewards helps children understand this concept.
Keep in mind that different ages are capable of other tasks. Please make sure the reward and what we are motivating are age-appropriate.
You can ensure the reward is appropriate by allowing the child to choose their prize themselves. Openly ask your child: “What do you want to work towards?” This sentence will enable your child to work towards making them happy versus avoiding punishment.
They can work towards the goal or reward by doing what you want them to do. A chore chart or a goal tracker can help you organize and follow their progress.
Many times as parents, we have high expectations for our children. We want them to do better or have better than what we had. Completely understandable. But we want to keep in mind what is realistic for their age.
For instance, kids between the ages of 3 to 6 tend to want to do adult things. These children might want to wear mom or dad’s
shoes or go to work. They are learning how to become more independent while making you happy.
Whereas children who are 6 to 12 are trying to understand the concepts of others. Specifically, they are beginning to understand how their actions can impact others. For example, elementary school-age children are at the age where they are trying to understand how they hurt a friend’s feelings.
If you would like more help with parenting strategies or building your relationship with your kid(s), one of the therapists at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch can help! To begin counseling in Katy, Texas, follow these three steps:
Here at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch, we offer counseling services for people of all ages in areas including counseling for kids, counseling for young adults, teen counseling, couples counseling, eating disorder treatment, men’s issues, women’s issues, anxiety treatment, depression therapy, trauma counseling, family therapy, and group counseling. We provide helpful information on a variety of mental health topics. Our therapists strive to post blogs regularly. To learn more about our therapists and counseling services, please reach out to the Counseling Center today!
By: M. Katherine Lickteig, MA, LPC Associate Supervised by Melissa Barton, MA, LPC-S Have you adopted, or are you in the process of adopting? Adoption Counseling can help your family through this process. A knowledgeable therapist can aid any couple through the steps needed to bring your new child into your life. When a couple […]
Have you adopted, or are you in the process of adopting? Adoption Counseling can help your family through this process. A knowledgeable therapist can aid any couple through the steps needed to bring your new child into your life. When a couple is
seeking a professional to help with this life-changing event, they must consider what stage of the process. The two types of counseling would be pre-adoption counseling and post-adoption counseling. Therefore, a therapist that is well versed in the process, and can make things run more smoothly for your family.
You and your spouse are considering adoption to add to your family. So, why should you consider counseling? While it is a beautiful way to add to your family, it is not without personal challenges. Whether you are adopting locally, considering a foreign adoption, or adopting from foster care, you are entering a situation that will be far different from the traditional way of adding to your family. The better prepared a parent is, the more unlikely they are to become frustrated.
As with any way you add to your family, you as a couple are excited, and you should be. You have done everything that your
agency has asked you and more. Adoption is a great thing. Many of you have prepared to fly around the world to get your new baby. You want to give your all to this child, but there are several things that you might want to consider.
First, you must believe that this adoption occurred at a significant loss for this child. Second, many of these children have been through past trauma. You have already loved this child and are ready to welcome them into your loving arms. The third thing you may want to consider is that they might return your feelings right away. Your expectations may be far more than they are ready to give. An adoption therapist can help a couple to manage their expectations.
What is pre-adoption counseling? Counseling at this stage will help you through the process. A knowledgeable therapist can help you with the struggles of the paperwork and adoptive placement. They can also help with the roller coaster ride of the placement process. The therapist can help you consider all aspects of adding another person to your family. This therapist should be able to help adoptive parents to set realistic expectations. The counseling should allow the parents to meet these kids at their emotional level so that transitions will run more smoothly. Parents will be able to discuss issues they may encounter with future children. The goal of this counseling will allow parents to prepare better for the adoption.
This type of counseling can help a family for years after the adoption and is often part of services offered to adopted children. Post-adoption counseling can involve many different areas of the new family’s life. An adoption therapist can help a family with attachment issues, grief issues, behavioral issues, trauma issues, and problems with the changing roles in the family. It can also help you resolve any issues present to the family, and it can help when you feel frustrated and question your decision.
Adoption is a great way to add to your family, but just like biological children can present issues, so will adoptive children. The better prepared you are to welcome that little one and meet their needs, the better off your family will be. Our trained therapists
at the Cinco Ranch Counseling Center will love to work with you and your child if you are considering adoption, working as a foster parent, or are struggling with issues in the post-adoption phase.
Do you want to learn how to navigate adoption or adding to your family? One of the therapists at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch can help! We provide individual and family counseling and other mental health services. To begin counseling in Katy, TX, follow these three steps:
Here at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch, we offer counseling services for people of all ages in areas including counseling for kids, counseling for young adults, teen counseling, couples counseling, eating disorder treatment, men’s issues, women’s issues, anxiety treatment, depression therapy, trauma counseling, family therapy, and group counseling. Our therapists strive to post blogs regularly. We provide helpful information on a variety of mental health topics. To learn more about our therapists and counseling services, please reach out to the Counseling Center today!
By: Margie Frisco, MA Supervised by Melissa Barton, MA, LPC-S Middle School can be challenging for the parents and the kids. Kids are trying to adjust to a new school with new people. Parents are trying to change to what can feel like a new kid. The transition to middle school will be one of […]
By: Margie Frisco, MA
Supervised by Melissa Barton, MA, LPC-S
Middle School can be challenging for the parents and the kids. Kids are trying to adjust to a new school with new people. Parents are trying to change to what can feel like a new kid. The transition to middle school will be one of the most complicated transitions children will experience. Different resources to help them adjust are available to help you.
Involvement is not just at home or school. There are many ways a parent can help their middle schooler. For instance, studies have shown that middle school kids do better with parent involvement. Parent involvement is most effective both at home as well as in school.
As your child grows, what they need from a parent changes. For example, a young child might need help changing or preparing their sandwich. A middle school kid might not need help with those things. But they might still need help at home with managing their time.
Lots of middle school kids have difficulty adjusting to managing chores, grades, and doing things they want to do. Helping your child figure out what works best for them is one way to help.
Another way parents can help at home is to be prepared for a change in their child. Many parents describe their middle school kids changing into a teenager overnight. Being ready for the change in attitude and behavior can be helpful for the parent.
Lastly, it is ok to need help. If further assistance is required, group counseling might be an option. Group therapy allows middle schoolers to share their feelings, feel validated by their peers, and learn by seeing others’ social interactions. In group therapy, the Center provides a space. We talk about healthy communication, ways to regulate their emotions, learning to celebrate small victories, and self-care.
A significant change in middle school is the school work. Not only do they now have more teachers, but they have to go to multiple classrooms, the schoolwork gets more complicated, and they become painfully aware that multitasking is mandatory. Keep in mind the parent involvement will change too.
Since your kid is getting older, they can be more responsible for their school work. They will still need help adjusting to taking on more responsibility. Middle schoolers can learn from watching you. They are watching how you react when you get discouraging news from work or when you have to work together with family members/co-workers. Setting an example of working effectively can genuinely influence your middle schooler.
Is your middle schooler understanding and developing academically? Are they struggling in one subject? Then take that information and find resources that help your middle schooler directly—also, getting to know where your middle schooler is developmentally helpful.
Even if they are acing all of their classes, are they involved in their school? Studies have shown that kids involved in after-school activities tend to adjust better in middle school. After-school activities can be anything, ranging from athletics, clubs, dance, or anything that interests your child.
If you would like more help with parenting strategies for raising a middle schooler, one of the therapists at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch can help! To begin counseling in Katy, Texas, follow these three steps:
1. Contact our office to set up an appointment or get more information on parenting.
2. Meet with one of our understanding therapists.
3. Find other ways to help your middle schooler with therapy today!
Here at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch, we offer counseling services for people of all ages in areas including counseling for kids, counseling for young adults, teen counseling, couples counseling, eating disorder treatment, men’s issues, women’s issues, anxiety treatment, depression therapy, trauma counseling, family therapy, and group counseling. Our therapists strive to post blogs regularly. We provide helpful information on a variety of mental health topics. To learn more about our therapists and counseling services, please reach out to the Counseling Center today!
By: Melissa Barton, MA, LPC-S Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time, but there are times where it can feel hard to manage. The symptoms of anxiety may get overwhelming. Feelings, thoughts, or physical symptoms are the main ways that anxiety can rear its head. Feelings can include stress, nervousness, worry, and irritability. Thoughts tend […]
Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time, but there are times where it can feel hard to manage. The symptoms of anxiety may get overwhelming. Feelings, thoughts, or physical symptoms are the main ways that anxiety can rear its head. Feelings can include stress, nervousness, worry, and irritability. Thoughts tend to be negative. Some physical symptoms of anxiety are muscle tension, trouble sleeping, and raised heart rate.
One population that is frequently affected by anxiety is adolescents. The adolescent brain is still developing, and managing the symptoms of anxiety can be hard. This can make it more difficult to deal with daily stressors such as school and family or peer conflict. Environmental issues, including the COVID-19 pandemic, also affect adolescents, and can increase their anxiety.
“Adolescents who are dealing with anxiety may have trouble with school performance, struggle socially, or even engage in risky behaviors, like abusing drugs or alcohol. “
At any given time in the United States, 25.1% of teens ages 13-18 deal with anxiety disorders, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (https://adaa.org/about-adaa/press-room/facts-statistics). This may seem like a high percentage, and can be concerning for families. Parents who see their teen suffering from anxiety may feel helpless or anxious themselves.
Recently, the world as we know it has changed. Parents are working from home. Teenagers are engaging in online learning. Many people, particularly the young, feel isolated. Mental health issues, including anxiety, can increase due to the current state of affairs. Although stress is high and risk factors are present, there is hope. Parents can provide support for their teens who are suffering from anxiety, whether it is during a crisis, or during day to day life.
The value of feeling heard, especially for a teenager, is often underestimated. The simple act of allowing your child to talk to you freely is so important. Forcing teens to talk is not beneficial, but creating a comfortable space, free of judgment, where teens feel safe to share, can have a positive effect.
Assure your teen that it is normal to feel anxious at times, especially when there are stressors present. Acknowledge the feeling without dismissing it. It can be helpful for teens to know that you experience struggles and anxiety at times also. Brainstorm ideas together on how to manage the feelings. Some ideas may include talking it out, journaling, practicing yoga, taking walks, and enjoying time with family or pets.
Electronics including phones, tablets, computers, and video games can be easy escapes from stress, but too much screen time can cause disconnection and irritability. Social media can also be a source of stress for adolescents. Taking scheduled breaks from electronics to relax, spend time with family, or focus on other projects may help to decrease overall anxiety.
Anxiety can be made worse when we do not take care of our minds and bodies. It is helpful to get enough quality sleep, eat healthy foods, drink water, get exercise, and connect emotionally with others. No one is perfect, but striving to practice healthy habits as parents, and encourage them in teens can help decrease anxiety.
Although parents can support their children by listening, validating, and setting boundaries, professional help may also be essential. Trained professional counselors who have experience working with teens and teen mental health issues can assist in processing the causes of anxiety, and can educate on mental health in general. Therapists also assist teens in building healthy coping skills.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Family Counseling can help adolescents and their families find relief from anxiety and its symptoms. The therapists at the Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch are trained in working with teens, families, and the mental health issues that may arise for this population.
There is hope! Many people find relief and build coping skills that can last a lifetime when they seek out professional help. Please do not hesitate to reach out today and call for help!
Our counseling services at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch include counseling for children and adolescents dealing with depression, self-injury, and school issues. We also provide services for family therapy, counseling for young adults, trauma counseling, anxiety treatment, couples counseling, eating disorder treatment, depression treatment, and group counseling. Our therapists strive to regularly post blogs with helpful information on a variety of mental health topics. To learn more about our therapists and our counseling services, please reach out to the Center today!