The Parenting Paradox

Adolescence

Let's Not Share on College #DecisionDay

Dana Dorfman MSW, Ph.D. on April 25, 2023

Here's why #DecisionDay posts are harmful—and how we can celebrate college admissions instead.

Here's why #DecisionDay posts are harmful—and how we can celebrate college admissions instead.

Anxiety

3 Ways Academic Anxiety Can Negatively Affect Your Teen

Dana Dorfman MSW, Ph.D. on November 1, 2021

Academic anxiety can literally inhibit, limit, and impede teens' and preteens' social, emotional, and intellectual growth.

Academic anxiety can literally inhibit, limit, and impede teens' and preteens' social, emotional, and intellectual growth.

Anxiety

The 4 Building Blocks of Academic Anxiety

Dana Dorfman MSW, Ph.D. on September 19, 2021

Is your teen struggling with academic anxiety? Here's how to know.

Is your teen struggling with academic anxiety? Here's how to know.

Suicide

Suicide Attempts in Adolescents Increased During COVID-19

Dana Dorfman MSW, Ph.D. on August 5, 2021

Concerning new statistics about adolescent suicide attempts highlight how vital it is to have a potentially awkward conversation about it with teens.

Concerning new statistics about adolescent suicide attempts highlight how vital it is to have a potentially awkward conversation about it with teens.

Adolescence

Waiting for College Letters: How to Help Your Teen Cope

Dana Dorfman MSW, Ph.D. on April 7, 2021

Four helpful reminders to help parents support their teens—and themselves—through the anxiety-producing college admissions process.

Four helpful reminders to help parents support their teens—and themselves—through the anxiety-producing college admissions process.

Adolescence

The Unexpected Perks of COVID

Dana Dorfman MSW, Ph.D. on March 26, 2021

How the COVID lockdowns and home learning has allowed many adolescents to thrive.

How the COVID lockdowns and home learning has allowed many adolescents to thrive.

Health

The Health Benefits of Pet Love

Dana Dorfman MSW, Ph.D. on June 12, 2020

A preponderance of evidence supports the contention that pets affect our overall health—both mental and physical.

A preponderance of evidence supports the contention that pets affect our overall health—both mental and physical.

Anxiety

Dads Worry Too

Dana Dorfman MSW, Ph.D. on February 10, 2020

Dads need to know that their love and fear have become entangled, and that anxiety is at the root of their conflicts with their teen about their future.

Dads need to know that their love and fear have become entangled, and that anxiety is at the root of their conflicts with their teen about their future.

Anxiety

Understanding Your Teen’s Time Management Anxiety Mode

Dana Dorfman MSW, Ph.D. on January 14, 2020

Five common time management anxiety modes to help you understand your teen.

Five common time management anxiety modes to help you understand your teen.

Adolescence

Staying Present When You're Anxious About Your Teen’s Future

Dana Dorfman MSW, Ph.D. on November 14, 2019

The more your anxiety spirals, the further you get from being the kind of parent you need to be: focused on who your teen is in the present.

The more your anxiety spirals, the further you get from being the kind of parent you need to be: focused on who your teen is in the present.

Adolescence

A Therapist’s Perspective on Operation Varsity Blues

Dana Dorfman MSW, Ph.D. on September 24, 2019

If parents don’t let our teens build confidence through direct experience, a chasm will grow between what they’re able to do and what is expected of them.

If parents don’t let our teens build confidence through direct experience, a chasm will grow between what they’re able to do and what is expected of them.