Separation anxiety can make things hard on everyone. What seems like a behavioral issue is actually a normal, healthy part of your child’s development, and a sign that they are attached to you.

But what about a child that is anxious all the time? I touch on separation anxiety disorder, in which a child has excessive symptoms that can affect functioning in every day life. Of course, I give you lots of tips and tools to help your child through the anxious times. 

"Trauma is not what happens to you, trauma is what happens inside you as a result of what happens to you."  -Gabor Mate

Trauma experienced in childhood can take on many different forms. It can be divorce, loss, illness, physical or emotional abuse, or witnessing something scary happen to someone a child loves. If it is not addressed, the effects can be long-lasting and life changing. In this episode, I talked with Caleen McGrath, LCSW, a Social Worker with 8 years of experience working in schools with traumatized youth. We discuss how to identify trauma, how it may affect our children, and most importantly, what we can do about it. 

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If your family is struggling to keep it together with sleep, I discuss potential causes and solutions for quarantine related sleep challenges. We also cover behavioral changes in our kids, and how to help kids uncover why they feel strong emotions right now. Our kids look to us to make sense of strong emotions, and I’m showing you how! 

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When I look at the big picture of sleep, nutrition is one of the key areas I focus on. Did you know that there are many foods that affect our body chemistry and have either negative or positive effects on our children's sleep? I also discuss introducing solids and the potential ways that can affect sleep. Join me to learn how to support your child's (and possibly your own) sleep through nutrition!

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Bringing a new baby home can be both exciting and stressful. This week I am giving you my best tips on how to help your older child through this big adjustment. Of course I am focusing on sleep, and the common mistakes some families make that can make things harder. I also discuss navigating siblings sharing a room and how to honor the needs of each child. 

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Giving time and attention to our own quality of sleep benefits the entire family. This week I address the very important topic of sleep for adults. There are so many factors that are within our control that can help us get better rest when we are stressed and anxious. I also discuss one potential way we can help our kids feel a little more secure during these uncertain times. 

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This episode is about our kids’ fears at night. I discuss fears, nightmares and night terrors. We talk about how to investigate the sources of these fears, what is developmentally typical and best of all, many tools to help you help your child overcome fears, and feel safe and relaxed enough to sleep. 

This week I wanted to cover the basics of what mindfulness means and how to incorporate it into family life. I talk about some possible benefits for both yourself and your kids. If mindfulness is something you have been curious about, but don't think you have time for, this episode is for you!

Shaddy's mindfulness resources:

Book: Peace is Every Step by Thich Nhat Hanh

Free guided meditations: https://www.uclahealth.org/marc/mindful-meditations

This week I am helping you make sense of your new baby's sleep patterns. If you want to learn how to set your new family up for healthy sleep going forward, then this episode is for you!

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Our children need naps to get them through their days. When kids rest, everyone’s day is better! 

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