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Author Archives: Dr. Crystal Krueger
Challenge. Nurture. Repeat.
Several years ago, I was walking through the primate exhibit at the zoo when a baby monkey caught my eye. If you ever want to get my attention quickly, put a baby anything within my view and I will be captivated. So, there I was oooing and aaaaing over this cute little animal. As I …
Behavior is Communication
As I prepare for our upcoming training “The Handbook You Wish Your Child Came With,” I can’t help but feel the excitement to share with you the lessons I have learned about children over the past nine years as a therapist. It seems to be an innumerable number of times I have heard parents say: …
The Fight Against Human Trafficking in Arizona
The facts of human trafficking in Arizona. In honor of Human Trafficking Awareness Month, I wanted to mention a few facts about this topic to bring awareness to it. The average age of a victim is between 12 and 14 years old. The abuse that happens to these young people makes it extremely difficult to …
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New Year, New Goals
It’s that time of year again when we set goals to better ourselves in some way. Studies show that 90% of our goals will be abandoned by the first weeks of February. There are a lot of reasons why we don’t stick with it. Whether your goals are centered around health, self care, or are …
12 Ways to Help Your Child Stay Calm
There are so many wonderful things about this time of year—family tradition, gifts, spending time with people we love. This wonderful time of year can also bring on big feelings that are not so good. It can be the jam-packed social calendar, deadlines at school or work, the loss of a loved one, or all …
‘Tis the season to… cry, grieve, to feel blue.
So much of what we hear and see in this season is reminiscent of joy and cheer. It can almost feel like an expectation. But what if we just can’t? This season can actually be challenging to get through at all, even more so with a cheerful mood. It reminds of us of who we …
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Grateful for the Hard Things
One of my favorite things to do as an adoptive parent is talk about those taboo topics that we aren’t “allowed” to discuss with the general public, because… well, a lot of people just don’t get it. How the systems are taxing and the people are exhausting. Those are the conversation most people understand. But …
Adoption: Why Traditional Parenting Doesn’t Work
When my (adopted) son was about four years old, he brought me a picture he had drawn of himself, my husband, and me. You know those super, sweet pictures kids draw of people that are really just a circle with limbs sticking out? That’s the kind. This memory stands out because it was pivotal moment …
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Adoption: What happened to the Happily Ever After?
As we enter adoption month, it’s worth saying this is a beautiful month to celebrate. Thank you to all the families who selflessly give their hearts, time, and selves to support children who need to belong. Thank you to the communities who support these families. This is one thing that makes adoption so beautiful. It’s …
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