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Ask a Child Psychologist

Real answers about children's mental health.

Therapy
My Child Needs to Talk to Someone

Elena Mikalsen Ph.D. on March 11, 2023

Your child shows signs of mental illness, and it's time to get help. How do you know which of the many professionals to choose?

Your child shows signs of mental illness, and it's time to get help. How do you know which of the many professionals to choose?

Motivation
How to Teach Children to Do Chores

Elena Mikalsen Ph.D. on February 3, 2023

You've bribed your child, paid them, and threatened them with no electronics to get them to do chores, but nothing has worked. Here is a secret to getting the chores done.

You've bribed your child, paid them, and threatened them with no electronics to get them to do chores, but nothing has worked. Here is a secret to getting the chores done.

Fear
Does My Child Have a Phobia?

Elena Mikalsen Ph.D. on December 16, 2022

Do you wonder if your child's fear is normal or a sign of an anxiety disorder? Here are some ways to tell whether your child has a phobia and needs psychotherapy to help.

Do you wonder if your child's fear is normal or a sign of an anxiety disorder? Here are some ways to tell whether your child has a phobia and needs psychotherapy to help.

Adolescence
Does My Teen Hate Me?

Elena Mikalsen Ph.D. on November 26, 2022

Do you ever think that your teen hates you? Do you worry you will never be able to communicate effectively with your teen? I have a very simple parenting hack to share.

Do you ever think that your teen hates you? Do you worry you will never be able to communicate effectively with your teen? I have a very simple parenting hack to share.

Adolescence
5 Tips For Navigating College Admissions

Elena Mikalsen Ph.D. on November 14, 2022

Are you stressed by the college application process as much as your teen is? Are you unsure of how to help or even whether to help? I have a few easy tips for you.

Are you stressed by the college application process as much as your teen is? Are you unsure of how to help or even whether to help? I have a few easy tips for you.

Anxiety
How Do I Get My Picky Eater to Try New Foods?

Elena Mikalsen Ph.D. on November 3, 2022

Do you have a picky eater at home? Have you tried every trick to get them to eat but nothing has worked? Here are some expert tips to get them to try new foods.

Do you have a picky eater at home? Have you tried every trick to get them to eat but nothing has worked? Here are some expert tips to get them to try new foods.