Mariana Plata

Bio

Mariana is a licensed psychologist, educator and mental health writer from Panama. She is currently a candidate for a Master's degree in Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychology, and a play therapist in training. Self-proclaimed pop culture connoisseur, baking enthusiast, voracious reader and avid series binge-watcher. Mariana is a passionate advocate for children and teens, mental health, and education. Also, she has a soft spot for dark chocolate and witty puns. 

Mariana Plata Articles

One of the most valuable is embracing the liberating feeling of saying “No.”

Teaching Your Child To Embrace The Power Of Saying No

Everyday ways to show children that they have a voice. And one of the most valuable is embracing the liberating feeling of saying "No."

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The fight towards gender equality is slowly, but surely, becoming an intersectional affair.

How To Challenge Your Gender Normative Parenting Habits

As a psychologist with a strong commitment to promote gender equality, I’ve found myself re-thinking traditional and gender normative parenting habits.

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By Timothy Krause [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Aziz Ansari’s Sexual Misconduct Story Highlights The Importance Of Teaching Sex Ed

How do we expect adults such as Aziz Ansari to understand the components of consent if we are not emphasizing this type of education as early as possible?

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Here are tips for practicing self-care this holiday season.

Practicing Self-Care During The Holiday Season

What happens when the most crowded and festive environments feel like the emptiest of places? Here are tips for practicing self-care this holiday season.

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There are many ways to teach your son to become a feminist ally; these are just 3 of my favorites.

3 Ways To Raise Your Son To Be A Good Feminist Ally

Teach your son to become a feminist ally; these are just 3 of my favorite ways. Show him how to leverage his privilege in a patriarchal world.

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Learning about privilege requires three key aspects: openness, humility, and self-awareness. (Image: Annie Pratt for Unsplash)

How To Talk To Your Child About Privilege

Privilege is a complex term to grasp, even for adults. The earlier we teach it to our younger generations, the easier it becomes to understand.

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Mark Salling

It's OK To Not Know How To Feel About Mark Salling's Suicide

Do I agree that [Mark] might be profoundly disturbed? [...]Yes. This is what makes this case that much complicated.

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How to talk to your daughter about her body - reinforce the quality of her body, rather than the quantity.

How To Talk To Your Daughter About Body Image

When it comes to how to talk to your daughter about her body and body image - reinforce the quality of her body, rather than the quantity.

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Your parenting network belongs to you.

The Power Of Building A Parenting Network

Your parenting network belongs to you. Only you know what type of values you want to teach, and what type of support you want to receive.

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Photo by London Scout on Unsplash

Parenting With Your Child's Love Language In Mind​

It’s important parents learn how to speak their child’s love language fluently. It makes a strong foundation for a growing and blossoming relationship.

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