Siobhan Chirico

Siobhan Chirico

Siobhan Chirico, MA, RP, OCT, is a Burlington-based registered psychotherapist and educator specializing in child and family therapy. A widely recognized expert in parenting psychology, she’s frequently quoted in major media across North America. Her latest book, Climbing Crisis Mountain, is a game-changer for anyone navigating meltdowns and challenging behavior. In addition to working directly with families, she teaches Self-Regulated Learning at the Faculty of Education, Wilfrid Laurier University.

Latest from Siobhan Chirico

The After-Fun Meltdown Is Real

The After-Fun Meltdown Is Real

A family therapist explains why having fun can be emotionally exhausting—and how to plan for the crash.

What Goldilocks Can Teach Parents About Kids' Stress

What Goldilocks Can Teach Parents About Kids' Stress

What Goldilocks can teach parents about helping kids handle the right amount of stress and build confidence, coping skills and resilience.

When Parenting Exhaustion Turns Into Burnout

When Parenting Exhaustion Turns Into Burnout

A family therapist explains what parenting burnout is and why many parents are afraid to admit they’re exhausted.

What My Passport Panic Taught Me About Parental Overload

What My Passport Panic Taught Me About Parental Overload

Is My Child’s Attention Span Normal?

Is My Child’s Attention Span Normal?

Kid can't focus? A therapist and educator weighs in on what to expect from developing attention spans.

New Year, Happier You: Science-Based Goal Setting For Parents

New Year, Happier You: Science-Based Goal Setting For Parents

January doesn’t have to be a reckoning. A therapist explains how kinder, more realistic goals lead to lasting change.

Managing Disappointment When You Expect To Feel Happy

Managing Disappointment When You Expect To Feel Happy

How to accept the unexpected when life throws you a curveball—and it will—especially during the holidays.

Help Kids Find Happiness By Modelling Joy

Help Kids Find Happiness By Modelling Joy

Emotions are contagious. Here’s how to model joy for your kids—even when you’re feeling stressed.

How Giving Back Sparks Holiday Happiness

How Giving Back Sparks Holiday Happiness

Giving back isn’t just good for the world, it actually boosts our own happiness. Here’s how generosity, presence and simple acts of kindness can make the holidays feel more meaningful for you and your family.

Are You Chasing An Unrealistic Idea Of Happiness?

Are You Chasing An Unrealistic Idea Of Happiness?

Stop trying to engineer connection. Here’s why “good enough” parenting might be the real source of joy.

Finding Happiness Amid The Chaos Of Parenthood

Finding Happiness Amid The Chaos Of Parenthood

Before you can find happiness, you need to calm your nervous system. Follow these steps from family therapist Siobhan Chirico.

Parenting Happiness Comes From Small Joys

Parenting Happiness Comes From Small Joys

What if joy isn’t about doing more, but noticing more? The secret to happier parenting might be in life’s smallest moments.

Why Happiness Can Feel Out Of Reach For Parents

Why Happiness Can Feel Out Of Reach For Parents

Feel like you “should” be happier? Family therapist Siobhan Chirico shares how to stop chasing happiness and find real joy in the messy moments.

How To Introduce A New Partner To Your Kids

How To Introduce A New Partner To Your Kids

There’s no magic timeline, but there are thoughtful steps you can take to keep everyone’s hearts protected.

Being Grateful (Even When Everything Feels Overwhelming)

Being Grateful (Even When Everything Feels Overwhelming)

Easy gratitude habits to help parents feel happier and less stressed, backed by brain science.

How To Adjust When Your Adult Kid Moves Back Home

How To Adjust When Your Adult Kid Moves Back Home

When your adult child moves back into their childhood bedroom, it’s a whole new parenting chapter. Here’s how to build a respectful adult relationship.

A Back-To-School Pep Talk For Parents Of Neurodiverse Kids

A Back-To-School Pep Talk For Parents Of Neurodiverse Kids

Back-to-school season hits different when you’re parenting a neurodiverse kid. A former special ed teacher turned therapist breaks down the real emotional load.

5 Ways To Prepare Your Family For Back-To-School Feels

5 Ways To Prepare Your Family For Back-To-School Feels

A family therapist shares five real-life tips to help families transition back to school feeling confident and connected.

I Cried More Than My Kid On The First Day Of Kindergarten

I Cried More Than My Kid On The First Day Of Kindergarten

That first day of kindergarten hits harder than you think. Here’s how one therapist-mom got through the drop-off tears, plus the simple tricks that can help you do the same.

15 Parenting Micro-Moments That Matter More Than You Think

15 Parenting Micro-Moments That Matter More Than You Think

Parenting isn’t about grand gestures. It’s about everyday interactions that build trust and well-being. Discover how to make the most of 15 moments that matter.