jacqulinenjeri – Jacquline Njeri

The Role of Shame in Teen Decision-Making

Shame is one of the most powerful and destructive emotions an adolescent can experience. While guilt involves feeling bad about a specific action, shame is the internal belief that the

How Teens Experience Authority on an Emotional Level

Teenagers are often stereotyped as rebellious, defiant, or simply difficult, especially when it comes to authority figures. While it is true that adolescence is a period of pushing boundaries, labeling

How Teens Learn to Hide Parts of Themselves at Home

It is one of the most challenging transitions in the journey of parenthood. The sudden and heavy silence that replaces a once vibrant connection can be jarring. The child who

When a Teen Stops Talking: Understanding Emotional Shutdown

It is one of the most challenging transitions in the journey of parenthood. The sudden and heavy silence that replaces a once vibrant connection can be jarring. The child who

Why Teen Emotions Feel Extreme (Even When Nothing Is “Wrong”)

For parents of teenagers, it can feel like living in a house with a hair-trigger alarm system. A simple question about homework can lead to a door-slamming exit; a minor

How Children Internalize Unspoken Family Rules

Every family operates under a complex web of rules. Some are explicit: “No shoes on the carpet,” “Homework before screen time,” or “Always say please and thank you.” But alongside

When Love Feels Conditional to a Child and How It Shapes Behavior

Love is often spoken of as an unconditional force, a bedrock upon which healthy development rests. However, for some children, love feels anything but unconditional. When affection, praise, or even

How Children Learn to Hide Emotions to Protect Their Parents

Children are exquisitely attuned to their parents’ emotional states. From infancy, they absorb cues, recognizing joy, stress, or sadness long before they can articulate these feelings. While this sensitivity is

Why Your Child Feels Invisible: Recognizing Emotional Neglect

Parenting is often envisioned as providing food, shelter, and physical safety. While these are fundamental, a child’s healthy development hinges just as much on emotional nourishment. When a child’s emotional

When Therapy Becomes a Lifeline: Helping Your Child Open Up

The decision to seek therapy for a child is a significant one, often accompanied by a mix of hope, apprehension, and even a touch of stigma. Yet, for many families,