Let’s take note of a particular population that has been facing a unique set of challenges over the past few years- our teens. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a loss of socialization skills, an increase in stress, and a disruption in the routines and norms of our teens’ lives. In fact, there is no better time to raise awareness of the importance of addressing the mental health needs of teenagers as the ramifications of their challenges are now being seen more readily both at school and at home.

Understanding Today's Teen

Let’s talk teens! Many teens experience a range of emotions that may seem complex to those caring adults around them. Throughout the teenage years, factors such as hormones, changing bodies and minds, as well as social pressures take the front seat. Left to their own vices, today’s teen often presents with symptoms of anxiety, depression, or a lack of healthy communication skills. So, how do we as adults navigate these tumultuous waters with our teens while still preserving our relationships with them?

Nikki Lacherza-DrewMarch 1, 2023Dr. Nikki, psychology, psychologist, therapy, therapist, mental health, mental health awareness, it's ok to not be ok, teens, adolescents, teen, parents, parenting, support, care, empathy, collaboration, technology, communication, patience, team, NJ, NY, VT, FL

Tips for Handling Busy School Schedules

Ok, so it’s that time of year again- school is back in full swing and the calendar is starting to fill up very quickly! Do you ever feel like there just aren’t enough hours in the day or days in the week to accomplish everything? Homework, routines, work, dinners, playdates, sports, afterschool clubs, holidays, and the list goes on. It is certainly a challenge to get through our checklists and still feel like we can breathe. Well, guess what? With a little organizing and some determination, you can make it work and still enjoy those moments!

Nikki Lacherza-DrewOctober 1, 2022therapy, therapist, psychology, NJ, NY, FL, VT, planning, plan, back to school, fall, parents, family, kids, school, chaos, mental health, mental health awareness, boundaries, Dr. Nikki, reduce the stigma, it's ok to not be ok, support, care, tips, cope, coping, coping skills, self love, self care

5 Ways to Manage the End of the School Year

The end of the school year can be an exhausting time for everyone, especially for kids! Parents, teachers and mental health professionals often feel burnt out while trying to figure out how to navigate through this transitional time. We all know one thing – June is the time for a much-needed break for everyone! So, how do we finish this race and ready ourselves for the months ahead?

Nikki Lacherza-DrewJune 1, 2022Dr. Nikki, psychology, psychologist, mental health, mental health awareness, it's ok to not be ok, reduce the stigma, NJ, NY, Fl, VT, therapy, therapist, school, summer, endoftheyear, transitions, emotions, feelings, mindfulness, cope, coping, copingskills, kids, teens, children, parents

Age-Appropriate Chores

Some parents believe that chores are something children should be engaging in as early as possible, whereas other parents don’t believe their children should have to complete chores. Whatever works for your family and parenting style is what you do. However, I often encourage parents to assign some chores to their children as it is a great way to increase independence, self-esteem, confidence, and responsibility. Regardless of your stance on chores, there is no reason children cannot help out around the house, especially if it relates to a mess they made.

Nikki Lacherza-DrewSeptember 15, 2021Dr. Nikki, psychology, psychologist, therapy, therapist, mental health, mental health awareness, it's ok to not be ok, reduce the stigma, parents, parenting, children, child, kids, teens, adolescents, chores, self-esteem, responsibility, confidence, trust, independence, learning, growth, appropriate, helping, help, support, care, family

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