Dr. Constantina Kass

26/01/2026

🎤💬 Ask Dr. Kass — Parenting & Expat Life

Many parents notice that when they ask “How was your day?” they’re met with silence—or a simple “fine.” This is very common and not a sign that your child doesn’t want to share.

🧠 Psychology insight: broad questions are hard for children’s brains to answer, especially after a long school day. Instead, connection grows through specific, low-pressure prompts.

Try asking about one moment, one feeling, or one interaction rather than the whole day at once. When children feel relaxed and not interrogated, they’re more likely to open up naturally.

Remember—communication often happens side by side, not face to face. With patience and curiosity, the stories usually come. 💛

19/01/2026

Today I am reading The island of missing trees :by Elif Shafak. This quote struck me as very true of the expat experience, “what mattered was not the final destination but to be on the move- searching , changing and becoming.” The quote captures the expat experience as an ongoing process rather than a fixed journey. What matters is not arriving, but remaining in motion—searching, adapting, and evolving through change. For many expats, identity is shaped less by destination and more by the continuous act of becoming, where movement itself begins to feel like home.

15/01/2026

🎤💬 Ask Dr. Kass — Parenting & Expat Life

Many families feel caught in a constant rush, where schedules take over and real communication gets lost—often leading to more arguments and disconnection.

🧠 Psychology insight: consistent, predictable spaces for communication help lower family stress and improve emotional safety. One effective tool is weekly family meetings, as recommended in Raise Your Parenting IQ by Cathi Cohen and Dara Adams.

These meetings don’t need to be long or formal. They create a regular moment to check in, problem-solve together, and make everyone feel heard. Over time, this structure reduces conflict and builds stronger communication habits—because connection works best when it’s intentional.

12/01/2026

🎤💬 Ask Dr. Kass — Parenting & Expat Life

When a 16-year-old struggles to get to school on time, it’s natural to worry about what this means for the future. But this moment is less about motivation and more about skill development.

🧠 Psychology insight: executive functioning skills—such as time management, planning, and self-regulation—are still under construction in the teenage brain. Repeated lateness usually points to a gap in these skills, not a lack of responsibility.

The goal is to look under the surface. Is the phone interfering with sleep? Is waking up hard? Are mornings chaotic because things aren’t ready the night before?

Work collaboratively with your teen to identify where the system breaks down and create a routine together. When teens are involved in the solution, they’re more invested in the outcome. These small daily habits build the foundation for long-term independence and success.

02/01/2026

30/12/2025

When a difficult emotion shows up, our instinct is often to push it away or get rid of it as quickly as possible. Psychology shows that this actually makes emotions stronger.

🧠 What works instead: acceptance. When we allow an emotion to exist without fighting it, the nervous system can calm more quickly. You can acknowledge the feeling, name it, and choose how to respond—rather than letting the emotion take control of your behavior.

Emotions are information, not commands. When you accept them, you regain your sense of agency and resilience.

23/12/2025

🎤💬 Ask Dr. Kass — Parenting & Expat Life

Today’s question:
“How do I help my child deal with bullying or teasing?”

The first step is connection. Children cope better when they feel believed, supported, and not rushed to “fix” the problem. Validation reduces shame and helps regulate big emotions.

🧠 Psychology insight:
One effective strategy—especially with teasing—is to laugh it off first. Humor can cut the power of teasing by showing there’s no emotional payoff. When a child responds calmly or playfully, the brain of the teaser often loses interest.

Next, help your child build skills, not just avoidance. Practice assertive responses, role-play different scenarios, and identify safe adults they can turn to. These tools increase confidence and a sense of control.

When children feel supported and prepared, they’re better equipped to handle tough social moments.

19/12/2025

The teenage years are a critical window for depression intervention. During adolescence, the brain is still highly flexible and adaptable—a concept known in psychology as neuroplasticity. 🧠

Research shows that when emotional struggles are addressed early, teens are more responsive to support, coping strategies, and therapy. Early intervention can reduce the intensity and duration of depressive symptoms and build lifelong emotional resilience.

In short: the earlier we start, the better the outcomes. Supporting teens now helps shape healthier patterns for adulthood.

13/12/2025

🌍💬 Ask Dr. Kass — Parenting & Expat Life

Today’s question:
“How can I help my introverted 9-year-old make friends in their new school?”

Introverted children often need a gentler, more structured approach to building connections—especially after a move. Research shows that predictable, low-pressure social interactions can ease anxiety and support social confidence.

Because your child leans toward introversion, it’s perfectly okay—and often helpful—for parents to take the lead at first. A great place to start is by reaching out to other parents and arranging simple one-on-one playdates. No big group settings, no overwhelm—just calm, comfortable opportunities to connect.

Over time, these small, supported moments can grow into real friendships. 💛

09/12/2025

Love this Dr. Julie.

09/12/2025

And it was a success. So much fun to participate at the USA table.

09/12/2025

🧠✨ Did you know? A simple 6-second pause can change everything.

When you feel yourself reacting emotionally, just six seconds is enough to shift activity from the emotional part of the brain (the amygdala) to the analytical, problem-solving part (the prefrontal cortex).

Psychology research shows that this tiny pause reduces emotional flooding, increases emotional regulation, and helps you respond—not react.

So next time you feel triggered, frustrated, or overwhelmed, try giving yourself those 6 seconds of space.
It’s a small habit with a big impact. ✨