Dr. Maria Rheaume, Licensed Psychologist

12/10/2025

You guys, since having children, this is the first book that I’ve finished in just a week! Usually it takes me a year to get through a book, simply because I don’t have as much time to read for fun. However, I could not put this book down!

Why am I telling you this? Because this awesome, wise, Indigenous author wrote a memoir that not only speaks to her own childhood, but also to systemic issues and generational trauma. I love that Chyana used a holistic appoach to healing, which included traditional tribal practices and modern therapies.

As a Certified Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist (ECMH-E), I am very passionate about preventing cycles of abuse from continuing. I do this by providing therapeutic support to parents and caregivers, from the time of pregnancy or birth and into the early years of childhood. I also use play therapy with the children and connect the family with appropriate resources.

I strongly suggest that you read this book! If you have the means, please purchase it yourself (versus borrow) to support Chyana. Indigenous authors are underrepresented in publishing and it would be amazing to support her!

https://www.facebook.com/share/1Rgb9QdMeN/?mibextid=wwXIfr

You can also follow her on Instagram

12/08/2025

Oh my goodness, I was invited to speak at a big, statewide conference… but their acceptance email went to my SPAM folder and I saw it a few hours too late! 🤦🏼‍♀️ Maybe they’ll still allow me to accept!

12/06/2025

lol! Relatable.

You say you don't have time for meditation? Here you go.

12/06/2025

12/04/2025

IDPWD

12/03/2025

Post credit: SAMHSA

If you're not feeling festive this season, that's okay 🦃 Help is always available if you or someone you know is struggling with or substance use

💛 Help yourself and share to help others: samhsa.gov/find-help

12/01/2025

If you're not feeling festive this season, that's okay 🦃 Help is always available if you or someone you know is struggling with or substance use

💛 Help yourself and share to help others: samhsa.gov/find-help

12/01/2025

What NOT to buy your baby this holiday season: ❌Electronic devices such as a tablet.

As a parent, you serve as your baby’s or toddler’s best learning tool! Human connection is vital for cognitive and social development. Interacting with your child fosters language development and teaches relationship skills. You don’t need to buy fancy or expensive toys or devices. In fact, screentime is not recommended for children under two years old.

Instead, try:
✅ Age-appropriate books.
You and loved ones can read to them!
✅ Simple, high- contrast images.
Newborns do best with still images, in black- and-white. Avoid fast-moving images, such as showing them videos.
✅ Music
Listening to music, singing and dancing are all excellent ways to encourage brain growth and teach culture and tradition to our children.
✅ Audio books/ devices
I really like the Tonies box because it has many songs and stories for little ones to listen to for screen-free fun. There are other options out there as well!

12/01/2025

lol I would just say, speak slowly and annunciate rather than rapidly word vomit like the second mom. Props to her for using lots of language with her baby though!

12/01/2025

These lessons about boundaries and safety are so important all throughout life. You may worry about hurting grandma and grandpa’s (or Uncle, Auntie, family friend, etc) feelings, but your child’s sense of safety and concept of consent is more important. When we ask permission or encourage them to use their voice about their own bodies, we are modeling respect and healthy interactions.

Post credit: Nurtured First

11/21/2025

Screen time is not recommended for children under two. My kids really enjoy the Tonies Box for screen-free fun! There are many popular characters, some for song and dance, and even some sleepy time ones!

Use my shopping code today for Black Friday sales! I believe it gives you an additional $15 off already discounted prices! Comment below to let me know if it worked for you!

https://share.tonies.com/hibb2wcngi

I love tonies® and I think you will too! Shop with my link and we'll both get a discount.

11/18/2025

I find that people will label you / your child anyway, so it’s best that they have an appropriate diagnosis. However, there’s such a need for more neurodiversity-affirming training and care. Many providers/ teachers/ adults in their life misunderstand, even with the proper diagnoses.