Parenting Concerns

Q+A: My 9-year-old grandson often feels that his younger brother gets more attention than he does. How can I help him feel that he’s getting the same amount of time and attention?

For answers to more caregiver questions about responding to kids’ big emotions in a healthy way, tune in to our “Ask Ellen” Q+A with Dr. Ellen Braaten.

My 9-year-old grandson often feels that his younger brother gets more attention than he does.

Veteran Families: Understanding and Talking With Kids About PTSD

The life of a military family is not easy, especially for parents. While nonmilitary parents typically define the roles and responsibilities of taking care of kids, it’s very different in military families when, from time to time, one has to parent as a solo pilot.

Ask Ellen: How to Respond to Your Child’s Big Emotions

During challenging times, it’s normal for families to feel overwhelmed and anxious. But kids don’t always have the necessary skills to cope with those emotions, and this can sometimes lead to tantrums and meltdowns. What can parents do in these situations? 

In our latest Ask Ellen Q&A, child psychologist Dr.

CBT Snapshot: Using Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety PDF – Ways to Support Your Child at Home

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a special kind of talk therapy that can be used to help with mental health challenges. In this CBT Snapshot series, Dr.

CBT Snapshot: Using Cognitive Behavior Therapy for PTSD

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a special kind of talk therapy that can be used to help with mental health challenges. In this CBT Snapshot series, Dr. Ellen Braaten gives a glimpse of what it looks like to use CBT for a range of mental and behavioral health disorders.

CBT Snapshot: Using Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Phobias 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based talk therapy that can be used to help with mental health challenges. In this CBT Snapshot series, Dr. Ellen Braaten gives a glimpse of what it looks like to use CBT for a range of mental and behavioral health disorders, including CBT for phobias.

CBT Snapshot: Using Cognitive Behavior Therapy for ADHD

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based kind of talk therapy that can help those struggling with mental health challenges. In this series, Dr. Ellen Braaten gives a glimpse of how CBT can be used to treat a range of mental and behavioral health disorders, including CBT for ADHD.

Coping With Disaster Fatigue: A Guide for Families

Mother nature has not been easy on us, lately.

We have shouldered one weather-related crisis after another. The United States has had a record number of wildfires, tropical storms, derechos, and tornados. And these disasters do not include other serious weather-related concerns, like record-breaking heat, droughts, floods, or mud slides.

Second Generation Antipsychotic Medications: An Overview

As child psychiatrists, we prescribe medications. As medicines go, perhaps none are more controversial than the use of second generation antipsychotics. For at least the last 15 years, concerns about these particular medications have characterized a good part of any discourse I’ve had with parents in the office or on the lecture circuit.

Q+A: My kids are 8 and 5 years old. How can I teach them executive function skills?

Question: My kids are 8 and 5 years old. How can I teach them executive function skills?

Dr. Braaten’s Answer:

Younger children aren’t really ready to have strong executive function skills, which include the ability to plan, think ahead, and remember what they are supposed to be doing.