My grandmother’s house, the same house where my mom and her four siblings grew up, is a three bedroom concrete one story in Ponce, Puerto Rico.
Every summer, we spent weeks there eating mangos right off of the tree in the backyard, playing in the “marquesina” while our mom and grandmother hung our clothes to dry, walking to the front of the neighborhood for fresh pan sobao (Puerto Rican sweet bread) in the morning.
We couldn’t wait to see what new, bright color the house in Puerto Rico would be painted - it was a surprise every summer. The possibilities, of course, were endless. I remember light blue, pink, teal, green - every new shade indicative of a new, sunny beginning.
Having been in school for many, many years as a student, as a faculty member, and now, as a parent; June, not January, has always marked the beginning of something new for me.
Summer is a re-set. It invites slower (less stressful) mornings because summer camp starts at 9am, not 8am. There’s time to go to the library and to read for fun. It’s the season of later bed times, night swims, and sticky popsicle fingers.
While it never seems to last long enough, summer gives us the gift of just a bit more time.
Time to try something new, get ahead, or perhaps most importantly - time to rest.
A Summer of Possibilities
This summer holds endless possibilities for you and your family. We know how precious time is – we know how fleeting the summer months are. We want to help you take advantage of the possibilities summer time affords us all.
In this first edition of our monthly newsletter we’ve includedthree free resources to help you try new things, get ahead, and rest. Download them, stick them on your fridge, and share them with others who might need them.
🌱 Try Something New
Maybe your child is anxious about sleep away camp or learning to swim - or maybe you have been avoiding something new and scary!
We’ve put together this guide to help you face your fears, step-by-step. Now is the time to try new things. Free Resource →
⏱️ Get Ahead
Maybe you’ve been too overwhelmed to implement new strategies, structures, or set new behavioral expectations for yourself or your teen.
Use our guide to help your teen learn how to structure their day, practice these tips over the summer, so you are all ready to go come August. Now is the time to get ahead. Free Resource →
🧘 Find Rest
Maybe, very likely, you’re exhausted. You need space and time to breathe deep, a compassionate ear to help you process and express your needs, or a skilled expert to teach you new ways to overcome whatever it is that is holding you back.
Now is the time to learn what self-care actually means; now is the time to rest. Free Resource →
Lunch and Learn summer series Raising Resilient Kids
June 10, July 8, August 12 @ 12pm Central
Each session tackles a real-life parenting struggle — like bedtime battles, social avoidance, or constant reassurance-seeking — with simple, helpful tips you can actually use. Register →
This June, we’re offering a small-group CBT + Art Camp for children in 3rd–6th grade, combining evidence-based coping strategies with creative expression to help kids build emotional regulation, confidence, and resilience in a fun, supportive setting. Learn More & Sign Up →
Breaking the Anxiety Cycle: A Parent-Led Approach
This 12-week structured therapy program is designed for parents whose children are struggling with anxiety, OCD, or avoidance.
Based on the evidence-based, effective treatment, Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions, you will work one-on-one with our psychologist to learn how to to shift your role from rescuer to supporter — giving your child space to build confidence and emotional resilience, while still staying connected to your child.
Simply reply to this email for more information.
SPACE Parenting Group
Virtual Parent Therapy Group
Our next 6 week group begins: September 17th
Join other parents like you in our next 6-week SPACE Therapy Group, where you'll be empowered to help your child manage anxiety through practical, evidence-based methods alongside a small group of other parents who truly understand what you're going through. Register →
We’re in town all summer - plus we all offer virtual sessions for anyone in Texas, and our psychologists are able to see clients in all 42 PsyPact approved states.
This means that you don’t have to go all summer without individualized one-on-one support, whether you are on vacation, have a summer home, your child is away at camp. Let us know, we’re flexible!
New to our practice? We're so glad you're here!
Start with our therapist matching form and our client care team will match you with the right-fit therapist for you within 1 business day.
This June, when I visit Ponce to celebrate my grandmother’s 90th birthday(!), her house will likely have a new coat of bright paint to welcome in this season of celebration and new beginnings. My cousins, my brother, and I will make more new core memories with our partners and children.
I hope that the lasting message is that no matter the season, no matter their age, there is always time to begin again.
Add these things to your summer bucket list ☀️
Houston Public Library presents "Big Feelings: Controlling the Center" This free, welcoming space for families to learn real-life coping tools together. With expert-led talks, Q&As, and a meditation room, it’s a great way to support your family’s emotional wellness.
My husband and I are really into this new show on Apple+ – Friends and Neighbors– It’s smart, well-acted, and witty. We don’t always agree on the type of show we want to watch, but we ended up bingeing this series.
Burger Friday or the Tuesday $50 BBQ Board Night atFeges BBQ. If you haven’t tried Feges BBQ… you are 100% missing out. Owned and run by our friends, Chef Erin Smith and her husband and Pit Master, Patrick Feges, it is a favorite for all of us at my house. Perfectly smoked brisket, creative sides, & delicious wine pairings all in a laid back, casual setting with a covered play area. Win, Win, Win!
