Family and Trauma

Parenting

Put the Phone Down and Talk to Your Kids

Nancy J. Kislin, LCSW, MFT on July 22, 2024

Meal times should be an opportunity for families to connect. Distracted eating can lead to unhealthy habits, overeating, or disconnection from bodily signals.

Meal times should be an opportunity for families to connect. Distracted eating can lead to unhealthy habits, overeating, or disconnection from bodily signals.

Trauma

Talking With Kids About Trump's Near-Assassination

Nancy J. Kislin, LCSW, MFT on July 17, 2024

In the wake of the attempted assassination of the former U.S. President, it's crucial to communicate effectively with your children.

In the wake of the attempted assassination of the former U.S. President, it's crucial to communicate effectively with your children.

Pornography

Silent Educator: The Impact of Porn on Young Minds

Nancy J. Kislin, LCSW, MFT on August 21, 2023

Teens need guidance, supervision, and compassion as they learn how to navigate their sexuality in a digital world.

Teens need guidance, supervision, and compassion as they learn how to navigate their sexuality in a digital world.

Adolescence

Cents and Sensibility: 10 Tips for Helping Your Teen

Nancy J. Kislin, LCSW, MFT on August 11, 2023

Equip your teen for financial independence in college. Discover 10 proven tips for cultivating financial responsibility and savvy. Start the journey right.

Equip your teen for financial independence in college. Discover 10 proven tips for cultivating financial responsibility and savvy. Start the journey right.

Anxiety

Children Should Not Be Expected to Be Superheroes

Nancy J. Kislin, LCSW, MFT on July 17, 2023

A Chromebook, no matter how sturdy, stands no chance against the lethal force of an AR-15. This is a truth many kids already understand.

A Chromebook, no matter how sturdy, stands no chance against the lethal force of an AR-15. This is a truth many kids already understand.

Trauma

In the Eye of the Storm: The Trauma of Lockdown Drills

Nancy J. Kislin, LCSW, MFT on July 7, 2023

Strict protocols for lockdown drills can cause stress and trauma among students, as illustrated by one teen's story.

Strict protocols for lockdown drills can cause stress and trauma among students, as illustrated by one teen's story.

Trauma

How Parents Can Help Kids Cope With School Shootings

Nancy J. Kislin, LCSW, MFT on March 30, 2023

Struggling with how to talk to your kids about another school shooting? Learn how you can support their emotional healing.

Struggling with how to talk to your kids about another school shooting? Learn how you can support their emotional healing.

Anxiety

We Remember: The Voices of Parkland

Nancy J. Kislin, LCSW, MFT on February 15, 2023

The words of students who survived a mass shooting tell us firsthand how the nightmare created a trauma that will affect them and their families for years to come.

The words of students who survived a mass shooting tell us firsthand how the nightmare created a trauma that will affect them and their families for years to come.

Media

Create a Family Emergency Plan Today

Nancy J. Kislin, LCSW, MFT on July 26, 2022

When asked if they discuss mass shootings with their children, most parents answer, "No, I don't want to upset them." I disagree.

When asked if they discuss mass shootings with their children, most parents answer, "No, I don't want to upset them." I disagree.

Friends

A Wake-up Call for Parents in the Aftermath of a School Shooting

Nancy J. Kislin, LCSW, MFT on June 2, 2022

"My child is scared to go to the bathroom in school. She is afraid that a shooter will come and she will die alone. I don't know what to say."

"My child is scared to go to the bathroom in school. She is afraid that a shooter will come and she will die alone. I don't know what to say."

Trauma

How to Talk to Your Kids After the Latest School Shooting

Nancy J. Kislin, LCSW, MFT on May 26, 2022

If you feel at a loss for words after the latest mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas, you are not alone.

If you feel at a loss for words after the latest mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas, you are not alone.

Anger

Why Will Smith's Slap Is Echoing

Nancy J. Kislin, LCSW, MFT on March 29, 2022

7 ways for parents to talk to kids about Will Smith.

7 ways for parents to talk to kids about Will Smith.

Media

How to Talk to Children About the War in Ukraine

Nancy J. Kislin, LCSW, MFT on March 17, 2022

They may just grunt or shrug their shoulders. That doesn't mean they don't have questions, or that they're not scared.

They may just grunt or shrug their shoulders. That doesn't mean they don't have questions, or that they're not scared.

Health

How to Hold School Drills Without Traumatizing Kids

Nancy J. Kislin, LCSW, MFT on February 8, 2022

Research shows us that we can create effective drills to prepare schools for active shooter situations without causing students undue stress.

Research shows us that we can create effective drills to prepare schools for active shooter situations without causing students undue stress.

Trauma

Don't Teach Children to Be Martyrs

Nancy J. Kislin, LCSW, MFT on January 27, 2022

School lockdown drills should not involve instructing or encouraging children to become martyrs.

School lockdown drills should not involve instructing or encouraging children to become martyrs.

Anxiety

How to Talk with Kids About 'Squid Game'

Nancy J. Kislin, LCSW, MFT on November 30, 2021

Don't avoid talking to kids about the Netflix series. Start with these questions. Are you feeling anxious or uncomfortable with anything you saw or heard? What did you feel?

Don't avoid talking to kids about the Netflix series. Start with these questions. Are you feeling anxious or uncomfortable with anything you saw or heard? What did you feel?

Relationships

A Mother-in-law’s Unique Love

Nancy J. Kislin, LCSW, MFT on October 28, 2021

Last week we buried my mother-in-law. I am left with a mix of memories and emotions that must be unraveled.

Last week we buried my mother-in-law. I am left with a mix of memories and emotions that must be unraveled.

Identity

Lost and Found: A Modern Financial Lesson

Nancy J. Kislin, LCSW, MFT on October 22, 2021

Is the stress of managing life making you forgetful or distracted? These simple steps can protect your personal identity and financial life.

Is the stress of managing life making you forgetful or distracted? These simple steps can protect your personal identity and financial life.

Anxiety

Social Anxiety Is My Old Friend

Nancy J. Kislin, LCSW, MFT on August 30, 2021

Life is challenging for children who experience social anxiety. Parents can help kids navigate painful and scary situations such as returning to school.

Life is challenging for children who experience social anxiety. Parents can help kids navigate painful and scary situations such as returning to school.

Alcoholism

Have You Been Drinking More Than Usual?

Nancy J. Kislin, LCSW, MFT on August 11, 2021

Are stress and fear causing you to turn to alcohol to unwind at the end of the day? That may be a problem, for you and your children.

Are stress and fear causing you to turn to alcohol to unwind at the end of the day? That may be a problem, for you and your children.