All posts by don

What are Weighted Blankets?
How Deep Pressure Works
Deep pressure stimulation, provided by weighted blankets, has a calming effect on the body. When gentle, constant pressure is applied, the body releases neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which promote relaxation and improve mood. This pressure also reduces the stress hormone cortisol, helping to alleviate anxiety and promote a sense of calm.
The deep pressure from weighted blankets activates the parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for the body’s “rest and digest” response. This can lead to slower heart rate, deeper breathing…

Parenting styles play a crucial role in shaping a child’s development, and psychologists have identified four main approaches: authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and uninvolved. Each style is characterized by distinct patterns of communication, expectations, and responsiveness, which can significantly impact a child’s emotional well-being, social skills, and academic performance. By understanding the key features of these parenting styles, caregivers can gain valuable insights into their own tendencies and make informed decisions to support their children’s growth. Whether you’re a new parent seeking guidance…

Establish consistent bedtime and wake time routines, even on weekends, to regulate your child’s natural circadian rhythm. Create a calm, cool, dark sleep environment free of electronics, noise and clutter. Sleep is a powerful ally for your child’s mental and physical well-being, so prioritize relaxing pre-bed activities like reading, drawing or listening to soft music. Ensure your child gets the recommended amount of quality sleep for their age group by setting firm limits on screen time, caffeine intake and late…

What is Anxiety?

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Recognize the critical developmental window for addressing mental health issues in children through early intervention. By identifying and treating emotional, behavioral, or learning difficulties during the formative years, we can profoundly impact a child’s trajectory and set them up for long-term success. Early intervention capitalizes on the brain’s plasticity, allowing for more effective treatment and skill-building that can reshape neural pathways and promote healthy development.
Improved Emotional Regulation

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Discover the transformative power of play therapy – an innovative mental health treatment that harnesses the natural language of play to help children express emotions, develop coping skills, and heal from trauma. Through carefully selected toys and guided interactions with a trained therapist, play therapy creates a safe, supportive space for kids to process difficult experiences, build resilience, and foster healthy development. As a powerful tool for supporting children’s mental health, play …

Embrace the power of play in early childhood! Play-based learning is not just fun – it’s crucial for fostering cognitive, social, and emotional development in young children. Through hands-on exploration, imaginative play, and joyful interactions with caregivers and peers, children gain essential skills that lay the foundation for lifelong learning. Research shows that play enhances problem-solving abilities, creativity, language development, self-regulation, and social competence. By providing rich, engaging play experiences and nurturing warm, responsive relationships, parents and educators can support children’s …

Prevalence of Parental Substance Abuse

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Engage with your child’s learning by setting aside dedicated time each day to review their schoolwork, discuss what they’re studying, and offer guidance and support.
Communicate regularly with teachers to stay informed about your child’s progress, upcoming assignments, and any areas where they may need extra support at home.
Create a positive home learning environment by establishing a quiet study space, maintaining a consistent homework routine, and expressing enthusiasm for education.
Participate in school events and activities like parent-teacher conferences, volunteering opportunities, and …

Culture profoundly shapes our understanding of mental health, influencing how we perceive, express, and cope with psychological distress. From deeply-held beliefs and values to social norms and expectations, the cultural context in which we are raised plays a crucial role in molding our mental wellbeing. Ignoring these cultural influences can lead to misdiagnosis, ineffective treatment, and a lack of support for those struggling with mental health issues. By acknowledging and incorporating cultural factors, we can develop more inclusive, culturally-sensitive approaches to promoting mental health and providing care. This article explores …