Pediatric Mental Health Blog
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ADHD: Strengths and Challenges
Recognizing and embracing the unique strengths and challenges associated with ADHD is the first step in supporting a child’s development.
Here, we explore symptoms, diagnosis, management, and advocacy of ADHD to cultivate open communication and collaboration between parents, educators, and clinicians to create an environment that celebrates and supports a child’s individuality.
Read on for more information and a free printable handout!
Frequently Asked Questions About Child Therapy
When it’s time to seek therapy for your child, the options can seem endless. Read on for answers to 6 common questions about child therapy!
5 Free Parenting Tools
Our collection of free printable parenting tools offers practical, easy-to-use resources to improve communication, encourage positive behavior, and create a nurturing home environment.
Would You Rather…?
“Would you rather…?” questions encourage kids to consider and compare outcomes while learning to articulate personal preferences. The exploration of likes, dislikes, passions, and outcomes builds confidence and supports emotional development.
Read on for access to our free printable resources that promote meaningful conversation!
5 Scavenger Hunts for Kids
A good scavenger hunt inspires exploration of the environment while honing observation skills. Encourage movement, spark curiosity, and practice mindfulness with our FREE PRINTABLE SCAVENGER HUNTS.
Navigating Emotional Dysregulation in Kids
Emotional regulation is often equated with calmness, but that’s not the whole picture. Rather, emotional regulation is effective management of all emotions. Anger, sadness, frustration, jealousy, grief, excitement, shock, elation, fear are not generally “calm” emotions, but a person can experience them from a place of governance.
Read on to learn more, and explore our free printable resources!
Navigating Childhood Friendships
Exploring a child’s interactions with peers can be a glimpse into their emotional well-being and social functioning. These early relationships are where children practice empathy, navigate conflict, and form a sense of identity outside the family unit.
Read on to learn more about helping kids to prepare for and manage social challenges!
How To: House Rules
By identifying house rules in terms of “dos” and “don’ts,” kids (and adults!) can benefit from clear boundaries and expectations. Read on to access our free printable PDF to outline household “dos” and “don’ts,” and use this tool to promote respect, cooperation, and accountability at home.
How To: Behavior Charts
By visually tracking progress on a sticker chart, we can help kids increase motivation, develop self-discipline, and reinforce positive habits. Read on to learn best practices for behavior charts!
Draw Your Day
This free printable art therapy activity highlights two main skills: routine conceptualization and emotional exploration. By preparing for and embracing the natural ebbs and flows of a day, kids can improve their adaptive functioning and lead more balanced lives.
Emotion Scales
An emotion scale is a therapeutic tool used to help individuals identify, communicate, and track their emotions. Learn more and print our FREE PDF emotion scales!
Feeling & Behavior Patterns
A feeling or behavior pattern develops when a person has a reoccurring emotional and/or behavioral reaction to a cue. These patterns can be adaptive or maladaptive. Read on to learn how to interrupt maladaptive patterns and print our free PDF guide with talking points for kids!
How to Manage Jealousy
By encouraging open conversations about why jealousy happens, we can help children develop empathy for themselves and others. Practicing gratitude, focusing on personal strengths, and learning to celebrate the successes of others can turn jealousy into an opportunity for growth.
Read on for a free printable worksheet about jealousy!
8 Mindfulness Worksheets for Kids
Mindfulness practice offers a guided pathway for children to develop a sense of calm, self-awareness, and emotional regulation. Our collection of free printable PDF mindfulness worksheets provides a variety of engaging activities designed to help kids explore presence of mind, manage stress, and cultivate emotional well-being.
Art Therapy: Emotion Storms
Looking at a storm through a window allows us to see what’s happening while staying safe inside. In a similar way, this therapeutic art activity gives kids an opportunity to conceptualize, visualize, and explore different emotions from a safe distance. Read on to learn how to do it!
Play Therapy: Cooperative Play
Cooperative play is a form of play that requires working together towards a common goal. It often involves teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. This type of play encourages collaboration and helps kids develop social skills as they learn to negotiate roles, share ideas, and support one another through collective effort.
In play therapy, the act of working together in a safe environment allows children to develop a sense of belonging and confidence, which can enhance emotional resilience and overall well-being.
Family Dinner Guide
Gathering for family meals has documented benefits for the mental and physical health of children. Meal planning is out of our scope of practice, but we do have tips and resources to help make family dinners feel more meaningful and connected.
Children’s Books About Grief
Grief and loss are complex emotions that children (and adults) often struggle to comprehend and express. Picture books can serve as gentle and compassionate guides to help kids navigate the emotions and challenges associated with losing a loved one or going through a hardship. Read on for our recommended children’s books about grief.
Child Therapist Tips: Building Rapport
Rapport is the foundation of effective therapy because it represents trust, respect, and positive regard. When a therapist thoughtfully establishes this connection, a child is more likely to open up, express emotions, and securely engage in the therapeutic process to facilitate healing and growth.
Behavior Management Tools & Tips
Every kid is different and we have to tailor behavior management plans to their individual needs and abilities. Read on for practical guidelines for a balanced approach to behavior management.