Podcast Episode: Youth Mental Health: Knowing When to Help and How

Smarter Parenting and Grandparenting Series, Teachers College, Columbia University

Today's Parent – Why your toddler’s “no!” phase is so important (and how to survive it)

"... make no mistake about it: A 'no' is also meant to test you. Will you give in? Will you put your foot down? It’s a mystery to your toddler! 'The way parents respond to limit-setting behaviors is how young children learn,' explains Cindy Huang, Assistant Professor of Counseling Psychology at Teachers College, Columbia University. 'They learn rules about their own behaviors and how to navigate the complex social world around them.'

And that newfound voice of theirs? It also helps them set their own limits so that they forge healthy relationships and even protect themselves from sexual assault. 'If a child doesn’t want to be hugged or kissed by another child or adult, their ‘no’ should be respected and listened to,' says Huang. It’s crucial that we understand the context for the ‘no.’'

There’s a lot wrapped up in that little two-letter word—and it’s all really important."

Read more here.

Joining Forces to Prevent Youth Self-Harm

Read about my current research on a prevention intervention for high-risk adolescents here.