Summer Parenting 101: Setting Realistic Expectations and Boundaries

Summertime outside with text "Summer Parenting 101 Setting Realistic Expectations and Boundaries". Get therapy for moms and families in St. Louis and St. Charles Counties here!

Summer in St. Louis is a whirlwind of pool parties, popsicle-stained shirts, and the ever-present hum of “What’s next?” For parents in Ballwin, Chesterfield, and beyond, the season often feels like a high-wire act: juggling work deadlines, camp schedules, and the delicate balance between “Let them be kids!” and “Why is the couch covered in … Read more

Finding the Balance: Structuring Summer Days for Kids of All Ages

Summer break at the beach with text "Finding the Balance Structuring Summer Days for Kids of All Ages". Get help from a St. Louis or St. Charles County therapist for moms, dads, families, children, and more here!

Summer in St. Louis brings sunshine, pool days, and the sweet scent of barbecue—but for parents in Kirkwood, Frontenac, and St. Charles, it also comes with a challenge: creating a rhythm that works for toddlers, teens, and everyone in between. How do you honor your preschooler’s need for play-based learning while giving your tween space … Read more

Beating the Summer Slump: Helping Kids Adjust to Life Outside the Classroom

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Summer break often feels like a double-edged sword for families in St. Louis’s busiest communities—from the quiet streets of Frontenac to the bustling neighborhoods of O’Fallon and Warrenton. While kids eagerly anticipate freedom from homework and schedules, parents often face the daunting task of keeping them engaged, active, and mentally sharp. If you’ve ever found … Read more

Embracing Uncertainty: Preparing Older Teens for Post-High School Summers

Photo of graduates throwing their hats up in the air. Text reads "Embracing Uncertainty Preparing Older Teens for Post-High School Summers" from a St. Louis, MO Therapist for teens. Consider group therapy for teens here!

The summer after high school graduation is a time of excitement, change, and, for many teens, uncertainty. For parents of teens in communities like Ballwin, Kirkwood, and Chesterfield, this period can feel like a balancing act between supporting your teen’s independence and helping them prepare for the future. Whether your teen is headed to college, … Read more

The Sandwich Generation: Coping with Dual Caregiving Roles

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Balancing the responsibilities of raising young children while caring for aging parents is a reality for many adults in the sandwich generation. This dual caregiving role can be overwhelming, but it’s also an opportunity to strengthen family bonds and model compassion for the next generation. If you’re feeling stretched thin, know that you’re not alone—and … Read more

The Pressure to Be the Perfect Teen: Why Therapy for Gifted Kids Is So Important

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It’s not uncommon for parents of gifted kids to marvel at their child’s intelligence, dedication, and work ethic. These teens seem to have it all together: they get good grades, excel in extracurricular activities, and maintain a “perfect” image. But behind the polished exterior, many high-achieving teens are struggling with immense pressure to maintain that … Read more

Pumpkin Patch Pressure in St. Louis & Beyond

Photo of a cart in a pumpkin patch full of pumpkins. Let's talk about "Pumpkin Patch Pressure: Why does it have to be perfect?" with a Ballwin, MO mom therapist. Get therapy for moms, dads, families, couples therapy and more here.

It’s happening again. We’re heading into that time of year when the holidays come at us in a whirlwind—Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, (and/or whichever winter holiday(s) you celebrate), and New Years. If you’re a parent, you probably feel like this time of year comes with a mile-long to-do list. Between pumpkin patches, Halloween costumes, Thanksgiving feasts, … Read more

‘Tis the Season for All the Seasons: Managing the Flurry of Fall in St. Louis

Photo collage of lots of seasonal photos with text "Tis the Season for all the Seasons" from a STL therapist in Ballwin, MO for families, moms, dads, couples, teens, children, and more.

As a mental health therapist in St. Louis, I often see this time of year as a whirlwind for many. We’re officially entering the “season for all the seasons,” where it feels like every part of life ramps up at once. Whether it’s sports taking center stage, holiday planning in full swing, or just trying … Read more

What is Sandtray Therapy and How Can It Help with Grief Processing?

Blog post cover for "What is Sandtray Therapy and How Can It Help with Grief Processing" from a St. Louis, MO play therapist for children.

Sandtray therapy is a unique form of expressive therapy that involves the use of a sandbox and miniature figures, objects, and symbols. Using this technique, clients create scenes or “worlds” in the sand, which serve as a medium to express and explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This non-verbal approach can help individuals process complex … Read more

Back to School Blues: Tips from a St. Louis Children’s Therapist on How to Ease Your Child’s Return to School Transition

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Transitioning from the relaxed days of summer to the structured routine of school can be challenging for children, often bringing feelings of anxiety, stress, and reluctance. The abrupt change in daily schedules, sleep patterns, and activities can make the adjustment period difficult.  We don’t want you to get overwhelmed in advance though! Specializing in child … Read more