Where to start??? My son was probably 5 or so when he stopped sleeping in his own room, own bed. He was waking every night several times scared to go back to sleep. He had a bad dream about a monster or something. To get through and save our sanity we moved him into our other son’s room.… Read More »
Tatiana Matthews, LPC
tatiana@theahaconnection.com
It seems like every time I turn around another friend is telling me that their child has been diagnosed with ADHD or something that will give them extra time on standardized testing. It seems to be so commonplace these days. My child was always a good student but lately (middle school) seems to be less interested in school/homework/studying and has what may be “trouble focusing”. … Read More »
Tatiana Matthews, LPC
tatiana@theahaconnection.com
How soon after a divorce or death of a spouse is it appropriate to start dating? Is the answer different based on whether or not you have kids and how old they are? I’m asking for a couple of friends with different situations. It just seems like the older we get the more adult friends we have that are parenting alone and are lonely for adult companionship. … Read More »
Tatiana Matthews LPC
tatiana@theahaconnection.com
Update: In response to several folks asking Tatiana for resources to educate their children before leaving for school, Tatiana has provided the following link:
Dear Tatiana,
My daughter just graduated from high school and is heading off to college out of state next month. We have several friends with kids who are one and two years older and have heard a few stories about older kids with friends or roommates who have had a ton of trouble adjusting to college life for various reasons. … Read More »
Tatiana Matthews, LPC
tatiana@theahaconnection.com
My 8-year old daughter is petrified of storms. If there is even a cloud in the sky, her demeanor changes and she starts to worry that it may storm which takes her away from enjoying the day. If it ends up storming, whatever we are doing is ruined because of her panic and distress.… Read More »
Tatiana Matthews, LPC
tatiana@theahaconnection.com
My good friend is a recovering alcoholic. She’s been sober for a few years but rarely talks about it and I don’t think many people know her story. We live in a community where many social situations revolve around alcohol (moms wine nights, happy hours at the pool, etc.). I notice that she tends to decline social situations, particularly the ones that involve alcohol. … Read More »
Dear Tatiana: My concern relates to my 13-year old daughter and the amount of food she consumes. It doesn’t have to do with her weight, although she is chubby, it has to do with the quantity of food, especially junk food and the sneaking of food. She is highly active and I am sure hungry often.… Read More »
Tatiana Matthews, LPC
tatiana@theahaconnection.com
My parents are getting a divorce after 40 years. How do I tell my five year old?
Anonymous
Dear Anonymous,
Use the least amount of words to express the facts in a simple and age appropriate way. Don’t provide too much information and respond to any questions in a similar fashion. Be prepared to provide emotional and physical comfort depending on the needs of the child.… Read More »
Tatiana Matthews, LPC
tatiana@theahaconnection.com
One of my daughter’s friends at school (college) is bulimic. She (the friend) has admitted to being bulimic in the past but said she was over it. It has come to my daughter’s attention and other friends that she is still bulimic. How should my daughter approach her to see if she can help?… Read More »
Tatiana Matthews, LPC
tatiana@theahaconnection.com
My 10 year old daughter lies and takes my things without asking to send me on a “goose chase” when I need to use them. The other day she used my most expensive perfume that I could smell all the way downstairs. I approached her and asked if she used it and she denied it.… Read More »
My 18 year old son has no interest whatsoever in driving. He has his learners permit, has taken a driving course and did well with the course. He’s afraid of having a car accident and killing someone. I’ve tried to talk to him and reassure him. Can you please help me? Thanks!
Concerned Mom
Dear Concerned Mom,
It’s normal for a young adult to be apprehensive when he or she is attempting a new task, especially one that could result in a life or death outcome.… Read More »
How does one make new friends as an adult if they don’t go to church? I’m a single mom of 2, introverted and in need of some friends.
Anonymous
Dear Anonymous,
Single or married, introverted or extroverted, feelings of loneliness and social isolation are common for many adults. You are not alone. Social media frequently compounds those feelings by creating a skewed sense of reality and inappropriate expectations of what our lives are “supposed to look like.” … Read More »
My 16 1/2 yr old daughter wants a tattoo and cartilage piercing. I really don’t want her to get one but she is adamant —ugh! I know there could be worse things! Also she says when she turns 18 she is getting a tattoo and there is nothing I can do about it. Would love all the advice.… Read More »
How old should a girl be to get her ears double pierced?
-Anonymous
Dear Anonymous,
The answer is whenever her parents feel like it’s appropriate. Your daughter’s frontal lobe (the part of our brain where our decision making ability comes from) won’t be fully developed until she is 25 at the earliest. She needs to borrow yours in the meantime.… Read More »
How do you handle talking about money and your future with money if your spouse never likes to talk about it. He says we are on the same page, but our financial strain tells differently. I want to be able to have a meaningful conversation and I get nowhere.
Thanks,
Anonymous
Dear Anonymous,
When you observe male animals in the wild, they have a natural instinct to protect.… Read More »
Tatiana Matthews
tatiana@theahaconnection.com
