For parents

Worried about dealing with possessive parents who have bipolar disorder as you move to university? Dr. Ana offers advice on setting boundaries, seeking support, and caring for your well-being in this challenging transition.

If you’re struggling to support a parent with bipolar disorder but need to prioritize your own and your child’s mental health, you aren't alone. This question addresses how to balance family needs, protect well-being, and find help.

If you're considering cutting ties with a toxic adult daughter, Dr. Ana explains the importance of boundaries, therapy, and self-care, with research-backed advice for parents in rare and challenging family situations.

Cutting Ties With a Toxic Daughter for Mental Health

Question: “How should I go about cutting ties with a toxic daughter? She's 30 and horrible to me—I really need to prioritize my mental health and don't want to let myself get hurt even more.”

Looking for advice on how to manage your child's frequent meltdowns? Dr. Ana shares proven tips and insight in this helpful Q&A.

3-Year-Old Has Meltdowns Over Everything (Toddler Tantrums Solutions)

Question: “My 3-year-old has meltdowns over everything. How can I stop it?”

Dr. Ana’s Expert Answer

Tantrums are brief episodes of extreme and sometimes aggressive behaviours in response to frustration or anger. They usually include crying, hitting, throwing items, biting, pushing, going limp, and breath-holding. 

If your baby won’t stop crying and you feel overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Dr. Ana explains why babies cry, how much crying is normal, tips for soothing your baby, and when it’s important to consult a healthcare professional.

What To Do When Baby Won’t Stop Crying

Question: “Baby won’t stop crying. Please help.”

Dr. Ana’s Expert Answer

You don’t give much information, so I assume you have a baby that won’t stop crying. I sympathize because it is incredibly tough.

Looking for guidance from an experienced parenting specialist? Explore solutions for setting consequences at home when your child faces behavior issues at school.

Consequences at Home For Bad Behavior At School: Expert Parenting Advice

Question: “What would you recommend for consequences at home for bad behavior at school? He’s 12 and has been yelling, swearing, and refusing to follow rules, but our talks with him don’t seem to be doing anything?”

Potty training regression in toddlers is common and often temporary. Checking for medical causes, identifying triggers, and responding with patience can help your child regain potty confidence.

Toddler Girl Suddenly Refuses to Sit on the Potty

Question: “Is it a sign of toilet training issues if my toddler girl suddenly refuses to sit on the potty? She’s had multiple daily accidents for the last three weeks but had no issues before.”

When a child’s injury leads to secrets between parents and caregivers, it’s natural to question trust. Dr. Ana offers practical advice for keeping your child safe and navigating family tension with empathy.

Have questions about managing your child’s screen time? Dr. Ana answers one parent's query and provides insights into healthy digital habits for kids.

How Long Should My 7-Year-Old Get Screen Time?

Question: “How long should my 7-year-old get screen time? I don't want to rot his brain, but also don't want to deprive him.”

Dr. Ana’s Expert Answer

Wondering how much screen time is healthy for your 7-year-old? Get expert advice grounded in research and practical parenting.

Parenting can be incredibly rewarding, but it also brings moments of exhaustion and stress. In this Ask Dr. Ana Q&A, we address real concerns from parents about coping with stress and building resilience.

Stress Relief for Parents: Finding Balance and Support

Question: “Do you have any advice or activities for stress relief for parents? My partner and I are feeling really drained under all this parental stress lately—bills, baby feedings, no sleep, our parents trying to butt in, overwhelming jobs, etc.”