Due to the virus I have stopped all in-person contacts with clients and shifted to phone or video meetings. I am now meeting with parents through FaceTime, Zoom, Skype, or phone calls. I continue to encourage clients to check in by phone between scheduled meetings. Having access to support and comfort is vital for all of us, but even more so in this very difficult time. Feel free to call with questions or concerns, or to schedule a meeting time. I am also available via text or email.

I am accepting new clients and since I am not doing in-person visits at this time there are no longer any geographical limitations. I am happy to do phone or video consultations with parents throughout the state of Maine and beyond.

Stay safe and try to remember how important it is for us to focus on regulating our mood during this time of increased stress. Children don’t always grasp the importance of what we’re reacting to in the larger world. And they easily forget what we tell them. But they’re still watching our faces and overhearing our conversations. In this uncertain and worrisome time, the smiles they want to see on our faces are more important than ever.

As a child development specialist I provide consultation, coaching, and support for parents who have questions or concerns about their children’s behavior or are experiencing difficulty being the parent they want to be.

I help parents to figure out how to maintain a positive family culture that enables a safe, supportive climate in the home.

I teach parents how to create strong supportive relationships with their children without having to give them everything they ask for, and how to set limits effectively while remaining calm and in control, no matter what the provocation.

When we think about our own childhoods probably one of the first things that comes to mind is whether our parents were happy or unhappy. In family life mood is like oxygen. It pervades all family events and interactions. When the prevailing mood is largely positive we don’t really think about it, just like we don’t think about the air we breathe. But when stresses prevail nobody breathes very easily. And if we are stressed as parents our children will inevitably be stressed too.

What children need most is someone to help them keep a smile on their face.

Much of my work with families revolves around teaching parents how to do that.