Interview with Marina Yakovenko, a child psychologist in Ottawa
In this new episode on the “Nasha Ottawa” channel, we speak with Marina Yakovenko, a clinical psychologist in Ottawa who works with children and teenagers. As the New Year approaches, we discuss what matters most in parent–child relationships: what a “miracle” means from a psychological perspective, which adult expectations turn into illusions, and why children often need something very different from what we’re used to buying.
Marina shares a simple but powerful idea: miracles don’t fall from the sky — they are created by people. She also explains why the phrase “treat others the way you want to be treated” doesn’t always work, and how parents can avoid confusing miracles with illusions.
The core of the interview is three keys to more trusting and harmonious relationships:
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how to teach a child to dream and to want things (and how this skill develops at different ages);
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how gratitude is formed — and why it doesn’t come from “how much we did,” but from thanking a child for their effort;
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how to tell motivation apart from manipulation/coercion and find a “reason” that truly benefits the child.
👍 If you found this episode helpful, please like the video, subscribe to the channel, and share it with parents who could benefit from it. Leave your questions for Marina in the comments — she will обязательно reply.
