Michael and Elizabeth discuss ways to effectively help your child de-escalate from a tantrum at any age, from toddlers to teens. They discuss the possible reasons for tantrums, as well as ways to prevent tantrums from taking place. Michael and Elizabeth provide three tangible ways to tame the tantrum and to help your child, and yourself, regulate and move from chaos to calm. Resources: Book: Beyond Time-Out: From Chaos to Calm: Grosshans Ph.D., Beth A., Burton L.C.S.W., Janet H.:...

Liz and Mike talk about how to deal with kids and teens who just won’t go to sleep.  They explore the ways that technology and screen time can impact sleep.  Liz and Mike review the importance of a routine and connection before bed.  They provide easy ways that you can change your family’s bedtime practices so that going to sleep doesn’t have to be a battle anymore.   Resources: -Child Bedtime Routines Do’s and Don’ts:  Child Bedtime Routines Dos and Don'ts (verywellfamily.com) -Sleep...

Liz and Mike discuss how why kids lie and if it is okay.  They talk about the reasons why kids lie and how to deal with different levels of lying.  Liz and Mike go through the importance of focusing on being honest versus focusing on the problems of dishonesty.  They also go over dealing with the reasons for the lie, not just the lie itself.  They give three keys for success.   https://www.evolvecounselingaz.com Resources: Age by age guide to lying:...

Michael and Elizabeth explore the stress that many people are experiencing due to working from home. While working from home for some has been a positive experience, there are many others who are struggling to stay focused and motivated, to balance childcare and career, and who are being truly impacted by the ongoing social isolation. Michael and Elizabeth explore the common stressors that are being faced by many in regard to these working from home concerns, as well as ways to effectively...

Michael and Elizabeth explore various parenting styles and provide an explanation of common parenting types. They discuss the likely outcomes for children who are raised by each parenting style and provide an understanding of why not all parenting styles are created equally. Michael and Elizabeth provide an explanation of the most effective parenting style, authoritative parenting, and provide ideas on how to implement this parenting style into every day interactions. Resources: Parenting...

Michael and Elizabeth discuss the anxiety that many parents and children are feeling about returning to school. They discuss what is leading to these feelings of anxiety, as well as the different ways that parents are experiencing anxiety over this situation versus ways that children are experiencing anxiety. They provide ideas on how to help manage your anxiety as a parent, and ways to also help your child manage their anxiety about returning to...

Elizabeth and Michael discuss how to get your child to do when you want them to.   They talk about letting your child being less than perfect when they do the task you ask.  Elizabeth and Michael detail the importance of making sure you ask at a time and in a way that will allow for best possible responses from your child.   They give three keys for success for you and your...

In part two of this two part series, Michael and Elizabeth chat about effective ways to strengthen your relationship with your kids. They discuss the importance of spending time with your children in intentional and connected activities, as well as why this is so important to your child's social-emotional development. They provide ideas on ways to support your child's social-emotional development, as well as ways to ensure your child's emotional needs are being...

In part one of this two part series, Michael and Elizabeth chat about effective ways to strengthen your relationship with your kids. They discuss the importance of connection and trust in a healthy parent-child relationship, as well as ways to assist your child in calming down by remaining calm yourself (and ideas on how to do this!). They explore activities that can be used to build trust and safety, as well as how to increase healthy communication. Resources: VIR Resource from website...

Michael and Elizabeth explore the current events that are impacting society and discuss the impact this is having on mental health, including symptoms of anxiety. Michael and Elizabeth discuss the combination of external stressors, as well as daily life stressors, and how this is feeling stressful and overwhelming for most people. They explore ways to more effectively manage this increase in stress and discuss three useful tips for decreasing symptoms of anxiety....

Elizabeth and Michael discuss how to survive the crazy summer of this crazy year. They work through whether to send your kid to camp, whether to have your child do educational activities, and how to set limits about screen time. Elizabeth and Michael give 3 Keys to survive this summer. You got this! https:www.evolvecounselingaz.com Resources: Social Distancing Survival Tips https://www.kidfriendlydc.com/2020/03/24/social-distancing-survival-tips-for-parents-with-toddlers/ Tips From...

Elizabeth and Michael discuss how to motivate your child or teen.. They talk about the ways to encourage your kids instead of trying to control them and what it means when your kids are pushing back against you. Elizabeth and Michael dig into whether procrastination is good or bad and they detail the 3 C’s-Control, Core Beliefs and Connection. ...

Elizabeth and Michael go over the basics of changing a negative thought pattern. They examine the important first steps in changing a thought pattern along with ways to best ensure success. Elizabeth and Michael review the importance of journaling when it comes to changing these patterns. And finally, they provide three keys on how to change a negative thought pattern. Resources: Book: “The Science of Positivity” by Loretta...

Michael and Elizabeth dive into the current stressor facing our nation: To re-integrate or not to re-integrate... What is the better choice and what is the impact of making the "wrong" choice? Michael and Elizabeth explore the mental health component of this tremendous decision from multiple angles. They provide perspective on recognizing that there is no "wrong" choice, and explore the importance of making our own decisions and setting boundaries with those who might disagree with our...

Michael and Elizabeth explored the impact of the quarantine on the quality and functioning of the parent-child relationship. They explore how too much time together can start to lead to increased frustration and irritability, which can then actually lead to disconnect (in spite of being lock in the same house together 24/7). They provide ideas on ways to stay connected to your kids and ensuring that there is a good amount of quality vs. quantity when it comes to time spent together....

Elizabeth and Michael talk about the increase of anxiety and depression that has been happening with some kids and teens. They list out what could make a child or teen more at risk for anxiety or depression. Elizabeth and Michael also list out the signs of anxiety and depression in children and teens along with some tips on what a parent can do if they start to notice these signs. And they provide three keys on noticing and handling the signs of anxiety and depression....

Michael and Elizabeth discuss the challenges that high schoolers are facing due to the quarantine. They discuss the various emotional reactions that many teenagers are facing, including loneliness, fear, and boredom. They also explore ways to support your teen and ways to help them process through this difficult time. They also provide suggestions to ensure you are also taking care of yourself as their parent, in order to best support your teen. http://www.evolvecounselingaz.com Resources:...

Elizabeth and Michael talk about an important parenting skill, VIR: Validate, Investigate and Regulate. They explore how to use the skill to help a child, of any age, regulate their emotions. Elizabeth and Michael review how to use the skill and how effective it is in helping an upset child be able to calm themselves. Disclaimer Http://www.evolvecounselingaz.com/disclaimer Royalty free music from https://www.fesliyanstudios.com

Michael and Elizabeth explore the importance of effective communication and explain how poor communication can be very triggering and damaging to a relationship. They discuss ways to avoid putting others on the defense, as well as ways to stay present and mindful in conversations even when they are difficult. The provide helpful ideas on setting boundaries in communication, and also explain specific techniques that will result in vast improvements in communication and overall relational...

Michael and Elizabeth explore the importance of effective communication and explain how poor communication can be very triggering and damaging to a relationship. They discuss ways to avoid putting others on the defense, as well as ways to stay present and mindful in conversations even when they are difficult. The provide helpful ideas on setting boundaries in communication, and also explain specific techniques that will result in vast improvements in communication and overall relational...

Michael and Elizabeth explore what boundaries are and why they are important. They discuss how we can decide on appropriate boundaries and how we can effectively implement them with others. They discuss what boundaries look like with your quarantine crew, extended family and friends, work and school, as well as the general public. Michael and Elizabeth give examples of what boundaries are, and tangible ideas for setting and maintaining boundaries in all of your relationships and social...

Elizabeth and Michael talk about how to deal with the hopeless and scary feelings associated with COVID-19. They explore the typical feelings that many of us are experiencing right now as well as the causes behind those feelings. Elizabeth and Michael review what to do for yourself if you are feeling hopeless along with how to know when to seek professional help. They provide take aways on how to manage hopeless feelings during this difficult time....

Elizabeth and Michael detail how to talk to your tween and teen about COVID-19. They explore what will allow your tween and teen to open up and then provide them what will help. Elizabeth and Michael review the importance of paying attention to behaviors and letting your child feel that they have a sense control. They provide three take aways on how to have the ongoing conversations with your middle school/high school age children. http://www.evolvecounselingaz.com...

Elizabeth and Michael detail how to talk to your elementary aged children about COVID-19. They delve into what will allow for helpful conversations and help calm any fears that your child may be experiencing. Elizabeth and Michael review the importance of listening to behaviors, not just words, for kids . They provide three take aways on how to have the ongoing conversations with your elementary aged children. http://www.evolvecounselingaz.com Resources: Book: Dawn Hebner-“Something Bad...

Michael and Elizabeth discuss various reasons that behavioral concerns for middle schoolers and high schoolers may be increasing during this time. They explore the developmentally appropriate, emotional reactions that many teens and adolescents are experiencing as a result of the quarantine, including losing structure, socialization, and extracurricular activities. They provide ideas on how to be aware of your child's emotional reactions, as well as ideas on how to assist your child in...