For Parents

📮 ASK DR. SANDRA QUESTION: "Dr. Sandra, I'm desperate. My 4-year-old daughter will not stay in her bed at night. We do the whole bedtime routine - bath, books, songs - and then 5 minutes later she's out of bed with a million excuses. 'I'm thirsty.' 'I need to pee.' 'There's a monster.' 'I'm scared.' This goes on for HOURS. My husband and I are exhausted and fighting about how to handle it. What do we do?!" — Exhausted in Boca Tired child in bed ANSWER: Oh, Exhausted in Boca,

When I first encountered the term social anxiety in kids , I realized how often this quiet struggle goes unnoticed. Children, especially those between 4 and 8 years old, are just beginning to explore the world beyond their family. For some, this exploration is filled with excitement and curiosity. For others, it can be shadowed by fear and hesitation. Social anxiety in children is more common than many realize, and understanding it can make a world of difference in how we sup

Anxiety in young children can feel like a storm brewing inside a small body. It’s often invisible but deeply felt, making everyday moments challenging. When I think about childhood anxiety, I imagine a little boat navigating choppy waters. Our role is to help steady that boat, guiding it gently toward calmer seas. In this post, I want to share practical, warm, and effective childhood anxiety strategies that can help children feel safe, understood, and empowered. Understanding

Watching a child struggle with social situations can feel like watching a tiny boat caught in a stormy sea. The waves of worry and fear can seem overwhelming, but with the right guidance and support, that little boat can find calm waters and sail confidently. Helping children overcome social anxiety is a journey filled with patience, understanding, and practical steps. Today, I want to share some gentle, effective kids social confidence strategies that can make a real differe

Anxiety in young children can feel like a storm brewing inside their little hearts. It’s invisible yet powerful, and it can make even the simplest moments feel overwhelming. As someone who deeply cares about nurturing emotional growth, I want to share some gentle, effective calming strategies for children that can help ease those anxious feelings. These techniques are designed to be simple, practical, and loving—tools you can use right away to support the little ones in your

Recent data shows a dramatic spike in parents searching for help with childhood anxiety and social anxiety - and for good reason. More families than ever are noticing their children struggling with fears that go beyond typical childhood worries. As parents, your understanding and patience make an enormous difference. Sometimes the most healing thing you can do is acknowledge your child's experience and let them know they're not alone.