For parents

Navigating a baby's clingy phase can be emotionally draining, but you're not alone. And many parents face this challenge! In this Ask Dr. Ana response, she explains why clinginess is normal, when it might ease, and how you can find support.

When Does the Baby Clingy Stage End?

Question: “For the love of god, when does the baby clingy stage end? I haven’t had a moment to myself in months, and I am desperate.”

Looking for ways to encourage your baby's brain growth and give them the best start in life? Dr. Ana answers a reader's question about nurturing brain development during the first year.

How to Encourage Healthy Brain Development in Infants

Question: “How do I encourage healthy brain development in the first year?”

Dr. Ana’s Expert Answer

For any parents looking for information on how to support healthy brain development for their baby in their crucial first year, here are a few tips.

Discover psychologist-approved, non-physical discipline strategies that support your child’s well-being and foster positive behavior.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your child’s defiant behavior, you’re not alone. In this Q&A, Dr. Ana answers a caregiver’s question about managing a defiant child—offering both immediate tips and expert guidance.

How to Deal With a Defiant Child: Expert Tips for Parents

Question: “Can you please give tips on how to deal with a defiant child? I'm at the end of my dang rope.”

Is praise a helpful way to guide your child's behavior? Find expert advice on using positive reinforcement for young children as Dr. Ana answers real questions from parents about discipline, praise, and more, with warmth and expertise.

Get expert advice on positive, effective discipline methods for parents who want to avoid physical punishment and raise emotionally healthy kids.

Best Types of Discipline for Kids

Question: “When it comes to types of discipline, what kind of discipline do you recommend? I don't want to use physical punishments, but I'm also wary of telling my kid off, in case it's psychologically damaging.”

Struggling with depression as a parent? Get expert tips on navigating motherhood while caring for your mental health.

Parenting With Depression: Tips For Emotional Wellness

Question: "Do you have any tips on parenting with depression? My son's 6 now, so it's not PPD, and I haven't had mental health issues before. But I'm struggling with the term 'depressed mom' being thrown around and would like to know how to be a good mom when depressed."

Looking for guidance on how to help your young child cope with anger and aggression after divorce? Dr. Ana is here to answer your parenting questions with compassionate, expert advice.

Why Is My 3-Year-Old So Angry and Aggressive After Divorce?

Question: “Why is my 3-year-old so angry and aggressive? I recently divorced her mother, but I feel like this behavior is very out of the ordinary for little girls.”

If you’re struggling with frequent tantrums from your 3-year-old, you’re not alone—many parents have the same question for Dr. Ana.

When Do Child Tantrums Stop? Understanding Toddler Meltdowns and Development

Question: “When do child tantrums stop? My 3-year-old melts down over everything, and I'm nearly ripping my hair out about it. It's so, so frequent, literally every day.”

Looking for guidance on handling misbehavior in 8-year-olds? Dr. Ana addresses a common parenting challenge and offers expert, practical advice in this Q&A.

Effective Consequences for 8-Year-Olds Acting Out

Question: “Could you please recommend effective consequences for 8-year-olds who act out?”