CT Kids Matter

04/18/2025

We see you. You are precious. You belong & you have innate greatness. 💙

New data from the CDC shows an increase in children with autism spectrum disorder. The numbers are increasing because of better and earlier screening, identification and access to autism evaluations. This is encouraging because when children are identified early, appropriate supports and services can be better tailored to their needs. Pediatricians want all children to thrive, including autistic children, and they are here to help families navigate screenings and diagnoses. Autistic children demonstrate behaviors that are different from some of their peers, but they are children who deserve love and belonging like all children. Learn more in AAP News: https://bit.ly/4jxVkNQ

08/04/2024

❤️

06/28/2024

Feeling manipulated is a HUGE trigger for basically everyone.

Manipulation feels disingenuous. Like, the person's insides (what they are feeling or what they want) doesn't match their outsides (what they actually do or say).

This mismatch is a cue of danger so of course it sends us down the watchdog or possum pathway.

When we understand the neuroscience of manipulation, it helps us hold onto our owl brain a little longer so we can support our children in developing new ways to get their needs met.

If you need a deeper dive into how to navigate the really tough behavior of manipulation, you might consider joining The Club the next time we are open. We have a couple video trainings about manipulation!

In the meantime, hop over to The Baffling Behavior Show and listen to episode 95.

12/13/2023

Connection ☔️⛈️🩶

12/05/2023

10/06/2023

Extremely humbled & thankful to work together with individuals & families in our community.
Thank you for voting us Top 3 mental health provider & Top 3 developmental disorders provider in Central CT! ❤️

05/30/2023

Community Event located at 35 Groton St Hartford 10-2pm today!

Free! Food & great information

05/14/2023

Today can be very difficult, challenging, emotional, hard & painful for so many. Look for those who are lonely & hurting today and let these people know they are loved, appreciated, supported, and not forgotten. Those who give us Connection & Nurturing should be celebrated - no matter their title or genetic ties. ❤️

05/06/2023

Today is a beautiful day! Come to the Southington Drive-in for Family Fun Day!

05/03/2023

Come visit the CT Kids Matter booth!

04/23/2023

Graphic credit: Flourishing Homes & Families

04/11/2023

I've had the deep privilege of knowing a lot of hurting kids and adults.

In one way or another, they have all told me that it would have mattered to them if they had a parent who had known they were hurting them and were trying to stop.

With this awareness, children know that they are seen and known by you. And not just in their goodness, but in their hurt, even in the hurt that you cause. And that really matters.

The absolute most important things you can do are to:

❤ strengthen your self compassion muscles. Compassion is the neurobiology of change, after all.

❤ find people who can reflect your infinite worth while setting compassion boundaries.

❤ care for the parts of you that hold the pain and trauma that cause overwhelm in your system. You deserve it so so much.

If you are working so hard to heal the parts of you that sometimes lead you to parent in ways you regret, this might be episode to listen to over, and over, and over, and over again.

Search your podcast app for the Parenting after Trauma podcast (be sure to hit subscribe!)