I work with children and adolescents ages 3-17, many of whom have diagnosed anxiety disorders. While these children come from a variety of socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds, their levels of anxiety are often equally severe. Some children worry about gun violence or abuse while others worry about making decisions or social interactions. Regardless of how insignificant some of these concerns may seem to an outside viewer, they are negatively impacting these children in very similar ways.

Summer break offers children a break from the stresses of school. However, the absence of school’s daily structure can lead to irregular routines, disrupted sleep schedules, excessive screen time, and increased negative behaviors. While summer should be a time for relaxation and fun, maintaining some level of structure is essential for children's well-being and development. The key is finding age-appropriate balance that offers freedom and flexibility without abandoning routine entirely.

ADHD can significantly impact daily functioning, relationships, and academic performance. It is important to recognize that ADHD is not simply a childhood disorder; many individuals carry these symptoms into adulthood and face challenges in maintaining focus, organizing tasks, managing time, and regulating emotions.

We live in a time that can feel very uncertain and anxiety-provoking. Anxiety is not always a bad thing; in fact, anxiety can help keep us safe, encourage us to problem-solve, and motivate us to complete difficult tasks. However, anxiety also has the ability to trap our thoughts in rumination of the past or worry about the future, and in doing so, robs us of our present. When I was a child, my grandmother used to say “worry is like a rocking chair; it gives you something to do, but doesn’t get you anywhere.”