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Welcome to the blog! This is a space for parents and caregivers looking for practical insight, encouragement, and expert support. Whether you're navigating big emotions, screen time struggles, picky eating, or mom guilt, these posts are here to help you feel less alone. As a play therapist and child therapist based in San Luis Obispo, I’m passionate about sharing tools and ideas that support children’s mental health and strengthen family connections. Explore topics like child therapy, parenting tips, behavioral challenges, and how play therapy can make a real difference in your child’s growth. If you're raising kids on the Central Coast or beyond, you're in the right place.
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Big Feelings After Failure
Turning setbacks into stepping stones helps children build confidence and emotional resilience.
Finding Balance on Weekends
Weekends can be a blend of connection, rest, and play that support your child’s emotional and social growth.
A Built in Frenemy
When siblings feel supported and respected they grow in empathy, confidence, and cooperation.
Just Ten Minutes Together
Small moments of focused connection can lead to big shifts in behavior.
“Good Kid” “Bad Kid”
Choosing words that describe behavior rather than define identity helps children grow with confidence and resilience.
Let Them Lead
When children lead the play, confidence, creativity, and emotional strength follow.
Connection Before Correction
Children cooperate and learn better when they feel safe, understood and connected before limits are set.
Attention-Seeking or Avoiding Tasks
Understanding your child’s behavior helps guide them toward emotional growth and positive habits.
Why Naming Feelings Matters
Discover how putting feelings into words helps kids feel more in control.
What Kids Really Need After a Hard Day
Sometimes kids do not need solutions. They need you to be calm, connected, and present.
How Play Supports Emotional Regulation
See how play helps kids understand, express, and manage their emotions.
Mindfulness for Kids
Simple mindfulness practices can calm kids’ worries and bring more peace to family life.
Why Routine Matters
Routine isn’t boring, it’s the backbone that gives kids space to grow, feel safe, and thrive.
Banishing Bedtime Scaries
Nightmares can feel big and scary for little ones. This post offers gentle tips to help children feel safe, supported, and ready for sweet dreams again.
Moving With Kids
Moving is tough for kids. This post explores how to support your child through the stress of a move, while knowing when therapy can help them adjust with confidence.
Homework Headaches
Homework battles can be tough for kids and parents, but they’re also opportunities to build resilience, confidence, and problem-solving skills. This post shares practical strategies for easing school stress and explains how play therapy can help when homework becomes overwhelming.
The Hidden Harm of the Clean Plate Club
Is the “Clean Plate Club” causing more stress than success at mealtime? Discover how trusting your child’s appetite and embracing playful, child-led eating can make meals happier for everyone. Plus, find out how play therapy can help picky eaters and tired parents enjoy food time again!
Letting Go of Mom Guilt
Overcoming mom guilt by embracing the benefits of daycare and finding support through child therapy for a happier family balance.
Reducing Screen Time Through Play Therapy
Discover how play therapy can help reduce your child’s screen time while improving focus, emotional regulation, and connection. Learn practical tools and support from a San Luis Obispo-based play therapist serving families across the Central Coast.
Back-to-School Anxiety
As kids in San Luis Obispo head back to school, it's normal for some butterflies to show up—let’s talk about how to help them settle