When people embark on the parenting journey, they start with lots of hopes and dreams. They start to imagine their life with a child (or several children) in it. They dream about key milestones – their child’s first steps, the first day of school, high school graduation, mother-son/father-daughter … [Read more...]

Exploring the world using our five senses is important for young children. When it comes to “taste” and “touch,” it is expected that infants will put objects in their mouth. This may continue all the way through toddlerhood. Some children will continue to put objects in their mouth—including things … [Read more...]

Middle school is a new chapter in students’ lives. It can be a time of excitement and new friendships, but it can also be a time of anxiety about the unknown. Students are expected to navigate unfamiliar school environments while also going through changes related to puberty and becoming teenagers. … [Read more...]

What is Anxiety? Anxiety is a useful emotion that helps keep us safe and prepared. Adaptive anxiety helps kids to prepare for important events or stressful situations, such as a test, musical performance, or sporting event. Anxiety starts to be more harmful than helpful when the level of anxiety … [Read more...]

KEY POINTS The parent–child relationship serves as a training ground for children to build social and emotional skills. Parents can use children's screen time as a space for learning, especially when it comes to managing difficult emotions. Asking questions, bridging material with your … [Read more...]

What are you grateful for today? Take a moment, pause, close your eyes, and think of something starting with the letter ‘A’ that you are thankful for. When we practice gratitude in a deliberate way, we are often surprised at the things that come up... Maybe you thought of “Apples”, “Airplanes”, … [Read more...]

Caregivers face a range of emotional experiences and challenges. This is especially true when it comes to caring for children with medical, developmental, or mental health challenges.  Daily pressures and stress related to caring for a child with special needs can cause caregivers to ignore their … [Read more...]

As a parent, you work hard to care for your children’s feelings, but what about your own?  All caregivers experience a range of emotions. This is especially true when dealing with stressful things, like caring for children who have special medical, developmental, or mental health needs. Caregivers … [Read more...]

How Do We Promote Mental Health for All Children? In Schools With the increased need for children’s mental health services, it is more important than ever to consider ways to promote positive mental health in children. Many families may be surprised to learn that universal strategies that … [Read more...]

These days, being a parent/caregiver often means you are stretched too thin, overworked, and sleep deprived. Parents are often expected to juggle it all and place the needs of the family above their own. Many parents feel burned out, exhausted, and overwhelmed. A recent study of caregiver burnout … [Read more...]