Ask a Child Psychologist

common questions asked by parents

Should I Worry About My Son’s Nightmares & Strange Dreams?

“My 4-year-old son frequently has nightmares and bad dreams. Should I be worried? If so, what should I do?”

March 22, 2022

Should I Worry About My Daughter Going Back-and-Forth Between Mine and Her Father’s House?

“Should I be worried about my child going back and forth between visiting her father's house and returning home? She has a lot of fun at her father’s house where there’s less structure. Also, at our home she has to do her virtual schooling.”

March 15, 2022

How Can I Respond to My 8-Year-Old’s Rudeness Without Pushing Him Away?

“My 8-year-old son is very disrespectful and rude. I am a single mom, and he sees his dad sometimes. Should I be worried about his behavior?”

March 8, 2022

I’m Worried I’m Projecting My Own Trauma Onto My Daughter. Any Advice?

“I’m worried about the amount of my own trauma I'm projecting onto my 7-year-old daughter…I’ve noticed that my daughter and I sometimes have similar responses; in myself, I recognize them as trauma responses. I’m wondering whether they are the same for her, or if they’re just learned behaviors to get her way?”

March 1, 2022

How Can I Help Improve Communication Between My Daughter and Her Stepfather?

“My 9-year-old daughter recently started behaving defiantly toward my husband, her stepfather. She puts her father on a pedestal and will not give her stepdad a chance to even be a friend. Do you have any advice for how to communicate with her better and reduce the tension in our home?”

February 22, 2022

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