Helping Children Grieve with Jana DeCristofaro, LCSW
In this episode, Jenn interviews Jana DeCristofaro, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Community Response Program Coordinator at Dougy Center, and host of the “Grief Out Loud” podcast. We discuss how grief might appear during different developmental stages across childhood and adolescence. We explore long-term effects of grief and protective factors. Jana outlines the challenges of helping your child grieve, while you as a caregiver are grieving, and ideas to manage these difficult times. The difficult question about talking to children about terminal illness is explored.
Resources:
https://www.dougy.org/resources/audience/parents-caregivers?how=self-care&who=&type=
https://www.dougy.org/
https://www.dougy.org/news-media/podcasts
https://thecopingtoolbox.podbean.com/e/grief-in-children-with-joanne-doucette-msw-rsw/
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50:40
Self-Compassion for Parents
In this episode Dr. Mary and Dr. Jenn describe self-compassion as a helpful skill to practice. They discuss how self-compassion helps us to be kinder to ourselves while navigating the challenges of raising kids. Three steps toward self-compassion are explored: 1. Noticing our thoughts; 2. Reminding ourselves that raising kids is a tough job and we are not alone; and 3. Be kind to ourselves. They examine how we tend to be critical of ourselves, particularly when we are having a difficult time. The positives of practicing self-compassion are highlighted, including that when we are more compassionate toward ourselves, we can be more compassionate toward others.
Resources:
https://self-compassion.org/
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32:08
Coping Skills for Panic Attacks in Teens with Janine Halloran, LMHC
In this episode, Dr. Laila interviews Janine Halloran, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, author and speaker from Massachusetts. They discuss how to motivate teens to develop a coping toolbox, and coping strategies for older children and teens experiencing panic attacks (including challenging anxious thoughts, deep breathing, distraction and exposure exercises).
Resource:
1) Janine Halloran's websites and podcast:
https://www.janinehalloran.com
https://copingskillsforkids.com/big-feelings
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZlimmqsvd7ugw7WWa3qU4w
Calm and Connected Podcast
2) Anxiety Canada's handout on panic disorder: https://www.anxietycanada.com/sites/default/files/adult_hmpanic.pdf
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24:17
Emotion Coaching with Dr. Anna Campbell, R.Psych.
In this episode, Dr. Jenn is joined by Dr. Anna Campbell, a Registered Clinical Psychologist from Nova Scotia. Dr. Campbell describes what emotion coaching is, and how and when to use it. This episode describes emotions as valuable information, outlines that all emotions are okay, and highlights that emotions offer an important opportunity for connection with our kids, particularly when they are validated.
Resources:
Gottman Institute Website- Online Course on Emotion Coaching: https://www.gottman.com/product/emotion-coaching-the-heart-of-parenting-online/
Mental Health Foundations Website: www.mentalhealthfoundations.com
Dr. Lafrance and Ashely Miller also have a fantastic book called “What to Say to Kids When Nothing Seems to Work.”
Institute for Emotion-Focused Family Therapy website: efftinternational.org has a link on where to find EFFT therapists.
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39:09
Early Signs of Autism in Young Children
In this episode Drs. Jenn and Mary discuss some of the early signs of autism in young children. We discuss typical developmental milestones and what might be some indicators of differences in development. Symptoms related to language and communication, social relationships and emotional responses, as well as sensory processing and interests are explored. Drs. Jenn and Mary explore what to do if you have concerns and the role of early intervention. We emphasize that a diagnosis is not based on one symptom but rather a constellation of symptoms, and that that kids with autistic brain styles are unique and have many strengths and gifts.
Resources:
1) https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/autism-spectrum-disorder-asd/signs-symptoms-autism-spectrum-disorder-asd.html
2) https://autismcanada.org/autism-explained/early-signs-characteristics/
3) https://www.cheo.on.ca/en/resources-and-support/autism.aspx
A podcast hosted by Canadian licensed Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychologists Drs. Jennifer Vriend, Laila Din Osmun, and Mary Simmering McDonald, C.Psych. Topics covered include a wide variety of subjects such as dealing with child anxiety, low mood, sleep difficulties and parenting issues. Guest speakers include other Child Psychologists and developmental professionals.
Portugal