
Child and Family Services
Erin Moran, Psy.D.

Challenges in Parenting
We wonder what our children will become tomorrow, yet we forget that person is someone today. ~ Stacia Tauscher
Infants & Toddlers
No one can fully prepare you for a baby. It is not until your child is delivered (or adopted) can you realize the emotional and physical challenges of becoming a parent. This can be exceptionally challenging for new mothers struggling to create a healthy attachment with her infant. Postpartum depression is extremely common in women whose own mother's were emotionally unavailable and/or overreactive. Whether struggling to develop a steady, loving bond with your baby or coping with the growing demands of a toddler, I work to help parents learn how to develop more authentic and joyful connection with their child.
Young Childhood
More than ever, children are challenged to meet ever increasing social-, academic- and technology-related demands. As a result, rates of anxiety and depression among youth are at concerning levels. Children feeling overwhelmed are often overly rigid, emotionally reactive, and less inclined to try new things. The strongest predictor for healthy emotional adjustment in a child are the strategies and supports parents implement at home. I help parents teach their children better coping strategies, more productive communication skills, and become more effective, flexible problem-solvers.
Adolescence
Adolescence marks a time in an individual's life few adults would want to re-experience. Social pressures, academic responsibilities, and dramatic changes in neurochemistry compete and contribute to cultivating individual identity. Trying to reconcile these pressures can produce emotional reactivity, physical withdrawal, and poor school performance. During this time, it is common for parents to find themselves tip-toeing around emotional landmines as they try to maintain loving but firm boundaries. I help parents learn different strategies on how to cultivate responsible independence and emotional maturity while developing a better relationship with their child.
Adulthood
Whether from the perspective of a parent with a grown child or that of an adult communicating with his/her parent, entrenched patterns of misunderstanding and conflict can drive a wedge.

What It's Like to Struggle to Connect With My Child

Struggling to feel successful with your child can take concerned parents along a gamut of thoughts and emotions.
-
You may feel frustration and worry about whether your challenging your child too much or not enough.
-
The frequency of parent-child conflicts may be affecting your own mental health and self-care.
-
It may feel like you and your child's other parent have different, and even competing, expectations and disciplinary strategies.
-
Your feeling "stuck" on how to connect with your child.
-
You worry you may be running out of time to get your child on track toward a promising future.
-
You may be experiencing feelings of guilt and hopelessness around your own ability to effectively parent your child.
Parents are often surprised at how even small shifts in approaching their child can produce lasting and meaningful change. Together, we will explore ways to help you and your child be more successful while building on your own personal values and strengths as a parent.