Author name: Devora Samet

(1.5-minute read) How ODD Can Affect Social Skills In previous blog posts, we’ve explored how ADHD and anxiety can interfere with a child’s ability to connect with others. This week, I want to take a closer look at Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and how it can impact social development. Children with ODD frequently lose their […]

(1-minute read) Why Anxious Kids Sometimes Struggle Socially In last week’s blog, I addressed how ADHD affects social skills. This week, I’d like to focus on anxiety—and how it can impact social development as well. Although we all want our children to thrive socially and have friends, for kids who experience anxiety, social situations can

(2-minute read) (2-minute read) Does a Child with Social Challenges Automatically Have Autism? As parents or teachers, it can be concerning when we notice a child struggling socially. Maybe they interrupt others often, miss subtle social cues, or have a hard time managing their emotions around peers. One question I often get is: “Does this

(2-minute read) Question: Hi Devora, I’m wondering if you can help me with my question. I attended Sarah Ward’s workshop last year and gained a lot in different areas. However, while I heard all the “Do Not’s,” I’m still at a loss when it comes to the “Do’s.” I know that lists aren’t beneficial and

(30-second read) Is Our Family Normal? Are Our Children Okay? A Social Behavior Story Especially For Parents… We often imagine and wish that the time we spend on holidays and Yomim Tovim with our children and family will bring us nachas (pride) and joy — but oftentimes, it can be quite the opposite. A lot

(30-second read) Hi All, Last year, I wrote a short book which was actually a social story to prepare children for the expectations of Erev Pesach and Pesach. It contains behaviors that parents and professionals requested to be in the book. I modified it slightly to make it relevant to this year’s yomtov schedule. To

(1-minute read) We Do Our Part—And Let Go of the Rest I learned a powerful idea this week from Rabbi Dr. Abraham J. Twerski that really resonated with me, and I wanted to share it. I’m grateful to my TorahMate in Dallas, Betty, with whom I study Twerski on Chumash each week. This sefer (book)

(1-minute read) How to Respond When Anxiety Says, “Stay Home”: The Power of Your Response In last week’s post, we explored the anxiety formula: (Threat Likelihood × Threat Severity) + Physiology ÷ Coping = Anxiety Intensity While building coping skills is key, sometimes the most powerful tool we have as adults is how we respond to a

(1-minute read) Why Do Some Kids Experience More Intense Anxiety Than Others? A parent recently asked me, Why does my son’s anxiety feel so overwhelming compared to other kids? It’s a great question—anxiety looks different for every child, but some experience it far more intensely than others. I recently came across a simple formula that helps explain

(2.5-minute read) Expanding Your Anti-Anxiety Toolbox: Strategies for Every Kind of Mind In continuation of last week’s blog, it’s important to remember that there’s no single anxiety strategy that works for everyone. That’s why it’s so helpful to have a whole “bag of tricks” — a variety of approaches to suit different situations and personalities.