Anita Schmalor Ph.D.

About

Anita Schmalor, Ph.D., earned her Ph.D. in Psychology at the University of British Columbia in 2023. Her research has been featured in various peer-reviewed psychology journals.

As the founder of Growing Up Connected, Dr. Schmalor is committed to guiding parents in nurturing children who are deeply connected to themselves, their families, and the broader world. She offers unique insights into how parental upbringing influences self-perception, interactions with others, and parenting styles. Her focus extends to understanding how these factors can affect parents' ability to manage stress and respond to their children’s behaviors.

Dr. Schmalor advocates for creating family environments where every member’s needs are acknowledged and met. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing children’s inherent needs, adapting to modern challenges, and helping parents overcome ingrained coping mechanisms that can hinder presence, leading to emotions like anger or frustration.

With a diverse range of offerings that include online courses, live workshops, group coaching, and personalized 1:1 coaching, Dr. Schmalor is dedicated to her vision of a world where all individuals feel a profound sense of belonging. Her work and resources are available at growingupconnected.com, a platform reflecting her commitment to healthier, happier family dynamics.

Recent Posts

Can Parents Talk to Their Children Too Much?

Contemporary parenting practices focus on narrating children’s experiences constantly for them. Here's why this could undermine their healthy development—and what to do instead.

What Parents Can Learn from 4 Children Who Survived in a Jungle

The modern view of children is that they are incapable. A look at indigenous cultures suggests that viewing and treating them as competent leads to starkly different outcomes.

Should We Teach Children Boundaries Around Physical Touch?

Contemporary parenting teaches children to give each other space and avoid unprompted touch. Here's why this undermines learning about consent and what to do instead.

Is the Holiday Spirit Getting Your Family Down?

During the holidays, children often become agitated, stressed, or have meltdowns. Here is why and what we can do about it.

Gentle Parenting Doesn’t Take It Far Enough

Gentle parenting focuses on the importance of allowing and validating children’s emotions. But this can lead us to hypocrisy if we don't also honor a child's autonomy.

Is the Way We Parent Normal?

Contemporary parenting practices leave parents feeling overwhelmed and children disconnected. Here is what we can do about it.