In this episode Lauren welcomes special guest, Whitney Thompson, LCPC to discuss how teens are feeling and trying to cope during the Covid 19 pandemic. 

Whitney is a LCPC (Licensed Counselor) in the states of Maryland and Colorado. She is the owner of Anchor Counseling Centers, a private practice with multiple locations in Carroll County and Howard County. While maintaining a small caseloa   , Whitney also speaks frequently on the topic of teenagers and parenting skills at private institutions and Universities.  Her focus in her career has been teenagers (mostly teenage girls) with whom she connects well with and can help them grow to their full potential. Whitney is honored to work with Allie and previously work with Lauren at Anchor Counseling Centers as they are both amazing counselors.

https://www.anchorcounselingcenters.com

In this episode, Allie welcomes special guest Marie Stancovich, LCPC to discuss how older kids and teens, and especially the grown ups in their lives, may be dealing with the struggle "to achieve" and "be positive" during this challenging and uncertain time of a world pandemic. Marie provides ways to manage this term coined "toxic positivity" and how to deal with uncomfortable emotions during this stressful time.

Marie Stancovich is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Maryland. She is also a Nationally Certified Counselor and member of Sigma Chi Iota. She is the owner of Wokini Therapy Services located in Eldersburg Maryland.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/marie-stancovich-eldersburg-md/289222

https://wokinitherapy.com

In this episode, Lauren welcomes the amazing Dr. Rachel Altvater to the podcast to discuss ways technology as your friend, not enemy, during this time of Covid-19 and quarantine life.

Introduction to Tele-Play Therapy by Dr. Altvater:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=kmZJdC0eTbc

Are you noticing old behaviors (or even new ones) presenting during this stressful time? Allie provides some tips for navigating the regressive behaviors and how to cope with these adjustments.

In this episode Lauren provides strategies and tips for navigating online learning throughout the stress of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Allie's goal with this week's podcast is to provide some quick ideas as to how to manage some family dynamics right now which may also translate after the lockdown has been lifted as well.

https://www.5lovelanguages.com

https://www.amazon.com/Love-Languages-Children-Secret-Effectively/dp/B01GQO95PY/ref=sr_1_5?crid=22PL44S6LE1E4&dchild=1&keywords=5+love+languages+by+gary+chapman&qid=1585773339&sprefix=5+love%2Caps%2C156&sr=8-5

The FOMO (fear of missing out) is real right now for kids and teens! Kids are not just fearful of missing out, they are actually missing out! They miss their friends, school, sports, and they need those peer connections more than ever. Today Allie provides some tips about how to keep your kids connected, which can be helpful during confusing times like we are experiencing now, or anytime they are needing that extra boost of connection to friends.

During this worrisome and uncertain time of the COVID-19 world pandemic, our kids are still the center of our world. What they need right now is comfort, safety, routines, and PLAY! 

Lauren provides tips and ideas about how to play with your kids while many of you are spending a lot more time with these little humans right now!

Allie provides tips and resources to encouraging appropriate listening skills for your kids.

- Modeling from parents/caregivers

- Connect before correct

- Focus on what you can and cannot control about the situation

- Collaborate and problem solve with your child together

- Give them choices

- Be playful!

Book recommendations: 

How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk Paperback

by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish

How to Talk so Little Kids Will Listen: A Survival Guide to Life with Children Ages 2-7 Paperback

by Joanna Faber  and  Julie King 

No Drama Discipline 

by Dr. Dan Siegel and Dr. Tina Payne Bryson

Lauren and Allie are back for Season 2 of the Kid Therapist Podcast and are ready to discuss more topics and ways to help parents/caregivers/those who work with kids navigate difficult issues in their lives.