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Raising Resilient Athletes: Expert Insight on Mindset, Performance, and Pressure in Kids and Teens
Youth sports can be an incredible place for kids to grow in confidence, resilience, discipline, and teamwork, but they can also bring pressure, anxiety, comparison, and emotional ups and downs that are easy to miss from the outside. For parents, knowing how to support a child through those challenges is not always straightforward. Introducing Rob […]
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Apr 114 min read
A High School Counselor’s Advice: Confidence, Stress, Social Media, and Support
If you’re parenting a tween or teen right now, it can feel like the ground keeps shifting. Social dynamics, academics, technology, mental health and more are all so difference than when we were kids. I asked a high school counselor what they’re seeing most, what’s changed, and what parents can do at home and at […]
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Mar 45 min read
Top 5 “Things” Gift Ideas for Tweens & Teens – and the Top 5 Experiences They’ll Remember Forever
Shopping for tweens and teens can feel like trying to solve a puzzle with no picture on the box. They’re growing fast, their interests shift overnight, and they’ve officially outgrown toys… but still want something special. If you’re in the same boat as many parents this year, you might be tired of gifting more “stuff” […]
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Dec 2, 20253 min read
Supporting Kids’ Health and Confidence: Expert Advice from Dr. Beth on Chiropractic Care for Children
At Dream Catchers, we know that raising strong, confident kids goes beyond emotional support — it’s about nurturing their bodies, too. To give parents more insight into children’s physical well-being, we spoke with Dr. Elizabeth Smolick, DC, CACCP, a certified pediatric, prenatal, and family chiropractor. She and her husband, Dr. Nathaniel Reese, run Life in […]
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Sep 9, 20253 min read


Back-to-School Confidence: Expert Tips from Huntington Learning Center, McMurray, PA
At Dream Catchers, we believe every child is more than just their grades. It’s about who they are, who they’re becoming, and how they feel about themselves. That’s why we love connecting with experts who work with children every day. Recently, we had the privilege of sitting down with Lorie Strennen, the owner of Huntington […]
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Jul 30, 20253 min read


5 Tips for Taking Beautiful Prom Photos of Your Teen
(BONUS: Tips for cool and rainy weather days) Prom night is a milestone your teen will remember for years – and as a parent, you’ll want to capture every bit of it. Whether you’re snapping photos in your backyard, a nearby park, or just before they hop in the limo, these quick tips will help […]
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May 5, 20253 min read


Capturing Confidence
I was honored to write an article in NAPCP (National Assoc. of Child & Portrait Photographers) Magazine that came out this past month, and I had no idea that it would become a 15 page spread! I wrote about how I am developing a program to help kids regain and strengthen their confidence and self-esteem […]
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Apr 15, 20255 min read


Fueling Confidence: How Nutrition Impacts Kids’ Mental & Physical Well-Being
Good nutrition does more than just fuel a child’s body—it fuels their confidence, focus, and emotional resilience. With the rise of social media, diet culture, and busy schedules, kids today face more challenges than ever when it comes to developing a healthy relationship with food.
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Mar 9, 20253 min read


Helping Kids Navigate Back-to-School Social Challenges: 5 Tips for Parents
As Pittsburgh kids prepare for a new school year, many face social challenges that can significantly impact their self-esteem and well-being. For tweens in particular, these back-to-school issues often include: For many Pittsburgh students, especially middle school kids, transitioning back to a structured school environment can be overwhelming. This is particularly true if they’ve experienced […]
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Aug 28, 20242 min read


Top 5 Questions About How to Prepare for Professional Headshots
Your professional headshot is often the first impression people get of your personal brand. An amateurish or unflattering photo can immediately undermine your credibility. Investing in proper headshots that reinforce confidence, competence and approachability is critical. It’s not just a photo; it’s a powerful marketing tool that can open doors and create opportunities. In this […]
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Jul 15, 20245 min read


Tips for Taking a Killer Selfie
Selfies are so much fun and you probably have several stored on your smartphone. How many times have you had to take a dozen different shots just to get one that you’re happy with? Below are some easy tips that you can try the next time a selfie moment strikes.
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Aug 11, 20212 min read


4 Reasons Why You Should Invest in a Family Portrait
Why family portraits are one of the best investments you can make. There’s nothing more important than family; they’re the people you share your home and life’s experiences with, the people you share meals and happy moments with. You create memories with your family, which is why it’s so important to capture moments together as […]
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Aug 4, 20212 min read


A Quick Guide to Taking Better Vacation Photos
Taking a vacation, whether it’s on your own or with family and friends, is a happy and exciting time. There is always a memorable, funny or majestic moment to capture as you relax and unwind. Taking great photos is not a skill that comes naturally to everyone but there are a few things you can […]
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Jul 28, 20212 min read


6 Ways to Always Look Fantastic in Photos
From school yearbooks to friends’ weddings, we’ve all been in front of the camera at some point or another. And if you or someone you know has recently looked at a photo with regrets then this post is for you. Here are six tips to get a better picture in the future! As much as […]
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Jul 21, 20212 min read


Quick Tips for Photographing Your Kids
A parent can never take enough photos of their children but sometimes it can be difficult to get a really great shot. Below are a few quick tips that you can apply the next time you take your camera out to capture a moment with your kids.
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Jul 14, 20212 min read


Tips on Preparing for Your Maternity Photo Session
Bringing a baby into the world is a wonderful life event that should be captured. It’s a time you are going to want to remember and share with your little one once they are a bit older. If you are thinking about or have recently booked a maternity photo session then the below tips should […]
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Jul 9, 20212 min read


4 Reasons to Book a Photo Shoot with Your Child
As a parent, you can never have enough photos of your children and while you probably have tons of fun pictures on your phone and your computer at home, photos that have been professionally captured and edited are extra special. There’s no time like the present to create new memories with your child or children […]
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Jun 30, 20212 min read


Ways to Preserve Your Photos
In the attic, in the closet, in boxes on the bookcases… we all have photos scattered around the house that we just don’t know what to do with. While most opt for the shoebox method of storing their loose printed images, this isn’t always the best way to ensure they aren’t damaged or lost. For […]
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Jun 22, 20212 min read


Convincing Your Spouse to Invest in a Family Photo Session
All too often, men will do something just to make their wives happy, and photo sessions can fall into this category. I go through this every year or two when I think it’s time we got some updated photos! Most men don’t really enjoy having their photos taken, which is why you need to focus […]
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Jun 21, 20212 min read


What to Expect During Your Baby’s Cake Smash Session
Organizing a cake smash photography session to mark your child’s birthday is such an adorable way to capture this special moment in their lives! If this is your first child or parenting brain has blocked out what happens, this is all the information you need on what to expect during a cake smash session, how […]
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Jun 17, 20212 min read
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