don, Author at Kids Mental Health

A child deeply engaged in drawing during an art therapy session, accompanied by a supportive therapist, conveying a safe space for emotional expression.

How Art Therapy Helps Your Child Express What Words Can’t

Drawing unlocks powerful healing pathways in therapy, offering a safe harbor for emotions too complex for words alone. When traditional talk therapy feels overwhelming, especially for young clients, art therapy for children creates a bridge between inner turmoil and outer expression. Through simple strokes of color and form, clients discover their voice, process trauma, and build resilience without the pressure of perfect verbal articulation.
Research shows that drawing activates multiple brain regions simultaneously, engaging both emotional and logical …

A conceptual image of a child's silhouette split into two contrasting sides: one half showing immersion in digital devices and screens, and the other depicting a serene environment with nature and books, representing the balance between media consumption and mental well-being.

Societal and Environmental Factors

Screen Time’s Silent Impact on Your Child’s Mental Health

In an era where screens dominate our daily lives, the relationship between media consumption and mental health has become increasingly complex and concerning. From social media’s constant connectivity to the endless stream of news and entertainment, our minds are processing more digital information than ever before. Parents watching their children navigate this digital landscape face a particularly challenging reality: while media offers unprecedented opportunities for learning and connection, it also presents significant risks to mental well-being.
Recent studies reveal that excessive media consumption can contribute to …

A diverse group of students practicing mindfulness exercises in a well-lit classroom with a cozy reading corner, soft lighting, and a quiet space for stress relief.

Digital Well-being and Technology

Help Your Students Thrive: Practical Anxiety Management in Today’s Classroom

Anxiety in today’s classrooms affects up to 32% of students, fundamentally changing how they learn, interact, and develop. Teachers stand at the forefront of helping students overcome anxiety, yet often lack the practical tools needed to support these vulnerable learners effectively. While traditional academic strategies focus on curriculum delivery, addressing anxiety requires a more nuanced, whole-child approach that combines immediate intervention techniques with long-term support systems.
Recent research from the National Education Association reveals …

Professional social worker sitting at a young child's eye level, offering a supportive and understanding presence in a safe environment, symbolizing intervention and stability during a crisis.

Crisis and Trauma Management

Crisis Intervention in Social Work: When Every Second Counts for Child Safety

Crisis intervention in social work serves as a crucial lifeline when families face overwhelming challenges, trauma, or emergency situations. Like first responders in mental health, social workers step in during critical moments to provide immediate support, stabilize situations, and prevent further escalation of crises.
In these intense moments, trained crisis intervention social workers assess immediate safety concerns, deploy rapid response strategies, and create stability for vulnerable individuals and families. Whether responding to mental health emergencies, family violence, or acute trauma, these professionals combine clinical…

A conceptual illustration showing a teenager lit by smartphone light, with an idealized social media world on one side and their real surroundings on the other.

Substance Use and Prevention

Social Media’s Dark Side: How It’s Really Affecting Your Child’s Mental Health

In an era where digital connection defines childhood, social media’s mental health impacts on our youth have reached unprecedented levels. Recent studies reveal that teenagers spending more than three hours daily on social platforms experience twice the rate of anxiety and depression compared to their less-connected peers. As parents and educators, we’re witnessing a troubling transformation: young minds trapped in an endless cycle of comparison, validation-seeking, and digital anxiety.
The statistics are alarming: 59% …

A parent and child observing a cannabis plant surrounded by molecular symbols, symbolizing the intersection of natural remedies and scientific research in exploring CBD oil for children's mental health.

Kids Mental Health Mental Health Education and Awareness Tips for Parents

CBD Oil and Your Child’s Mental Health: What Parents Need to Know

As parents increasingly explore natural alternatives for supporting their children’s mental health, CBD Canada and similar resources have sparked important discussions about CBD oil’s potential role in pediatric care. The intersection of CBD oil and children’s mental health represents one of today’s most complex and carefully considered therapeutic frontiers.
Recent clinical studies suggest promising applications for CBD in managing certain childhood conditions, including anxiety, attention difficulties, and autism spectrum disorders. However, this emerging field demands …

A healthcare provider compassionately explaining the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale to a new mother in a supportive clinic setting.

Mental Health Education and Awareness

7 Warning Signs Your Postpartum Depression Screening Might Miss (A Parent’s Guide)

Understanding the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)
What Is the EPDS?
The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a widely-used screening tool designed to identify mothers who may be experiencing postpartum depression. This simple 10-question survey helps healthcare providers assess a new mother’s emotional well-being during the weeks and months after childbirth.
Each question on the EPDS asks about different feelings and experiences common during the postpartum period, such as anxiety, sadness, difficulty sleeping, and thoughts of self-harm. Mothers rate their experiences over the past seven…

Artistic representation of a young plant with roots intertwined with colorful neural pathways, symbolizing the growth and development of a child's mind through early mental health support.

Professional Collaboration and Intervention

7 Critical Signs Your Child Needs Mental Health Support Now

Every child deserves the best possible start in life, and recognizing early signs of developmental or mental health challenges can make all the difference. Research consistently shows that the benefits of early intervention extend far beyond childhood, shaping lifetime outcomes in education, relationships, and emotional well-being.
When we catch concerns early – whether they’re behavioral, emotional, or developmental – we can address them before they become deeply rooted patterns. …

A parent providing compassionate support to a child in distress in a calming, safe environment, emphasizing the importance of nurturing during a mental health crisis.

Crisis and Trauma Management

7 Life-Saving Mental Health Crisis Techniques Every Parent Should Know

When a mental health crisis erupts, recognizing the early warning signs and responding with calm, decisive action can mean the difference between escalation and stabilization. As parents, teachers, and caregivers, we face moments when a child’s emotional distress demands immediate, skilled intervention – moments that require both quick thinking and deep compassion.
Mental health crisis intervention isn’t just about managing immediate emergencies; it’s about building a foundation of trust and understanding that supports long-term emotional wellbeing. Through evidence-based techniques and trauma-informed …

A parent actively listening to their child in a cozy living room, demonstrating engaged communication and creating a nurturing environment for emotional well-being.

Emotional Resilience and Coping

7 Powerful Ways to Boost Your Child’s Emotional Well-being Today

Transform your emotional landscape by creating a dedicated daily self-care ritual – even 10 minutes of meditation, journaling, or gentle movement can rewire your brain for greater resilience. Build meaningful connections by intentionally nurture your child’s mental well-being through quality time and open dialogue, fostering a supportive environment where emotions are acknowledged and validated.
Establish clear boundaries in both personal and professional relationships, communicating your needs with …