Dr. Mike
By Michael Oberschneider, Psy.D. Technology is ubiquitous, and as a result, our children are constantly being bombarded with information. Certainly, we as parents can do our best to make sure that the information our children view is age-appropriate, however, sometimes that’s not enough or sometimes the stories our children learn about are confusing and upsetting.…
By Michael Oberschneider, Psy.D. In today’s interconnected world, relationships have evolved in myriad ways, and while physical infidelity is well recognized, another form of betrayal, often less visible but equally impactful, has emerged. It is emotional cheating. As a psychologist in private practice, the topic of emotional cheating comes up often. Just this past week,…
By Michael Oberschneider, Psy.D. Transitioning into the “empty nest” phase of life as parents is a significant rite of passage. As your children leave home (often for college), a whirlwind of emotions can ensue. The empty space where there was once laughter, chatter, and occasional teenage drama in the home is suddenly filled with silence. …
By Michael Oberschneider, Psy.D. Separation and divorce is fraught with emotional upheaval and adjustments. Sharing the news with your children can be very challenging. However, there are compassionate and effective communication strategies that can significantly influence how your children navigate the forthcoming loss and changes. When discussing separation and divorce with your children, it’s important…
Understanding the far-reaching impacts of cannabis on teens By Michael Oberschneider, Psy.D. Cannabis became fully legal on July 1, 2021, in Virginia for adults 21 years and older. Cannabis is legal medicinally and recreationally, however, a final date for recreational or commercial sales has yet to be determined by the state. Currently, 38 states, three…
By Michael Oberschneider, Psy.D. In our ever-evolving world, the emphasis on soft skills is increasing in all spheres of life. These personal attributes, which enable individuals to interact effectively with others, are as valuable as technical skills — for teenagers especially, soft skills lay the foundation for future success. To understand how well developed your…
The impact of social media on ADHD: separating fact from fiction By Michael Oberschneider, Psy.D. Social media is ubiquitous, and while it’s a great way to stay connected to important others, to get news and to learn about what’s going on in the world, overusing or over relying on social media has become a problem…
By Michael Oberschneider, Psy.D. Dr. Mike, My husband is very strict and hard on our three boys, and he is a big believer in “Commando Parenting.” Sometimes it’s too much on our kids. The other day I found my oldest who’s 14 years old crying alone in his bedroom during the day after his dad…
What is the best parenting time schedule for special needs children? By Michael Oberschneider, Psy.D. Divorce is difficult for children, and there is no question that it is especially hard on children with special needs; children who require additional assistance, supports and accommodations for disabilities. At school, special needs children usually have an Individualized…
By Michael Oberschneider, Psy.D. There are several reasons why New Year’s Resolutions fail – the resolutions are too vague or grand, the approach lacks planning, structure and accountability, and essential things are missing. What can you do differently this year to maximize your success? I recommend that you try focusing on how you think about…