Pediatric Mental Health Blog

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Kids Books and Resources About Anger
Bibliotherapy, Children's Books, Anger Management, Behavior Management, Worksheet, Child Therapy, School Counselors, Early Childhood Education, Free Resources Katherine Milani Bibliotherapy, Children's Books, Anger Management, Behavior Management, Worksheet, Child Therapy, School Counselors, Early Childhood Education, Free Resources Katherine Milani

Kids Books and Resources About Anger

We’ve collected 5 children’s books and 5 free resources that guide kids through the process of identifying, expressing, and coping with angry feelings in constructive ways. Through storytelling, we can validate the experience of anger while providing supportive navigation.

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Teaching Kids Cause And Effect
Behavior Management, Counseling Activities, Bibliotherapy, Child, School Counselors, Worksheet, Free Resources, Cause and Effect Katherine Milani Behavior Management, Counseling Activities, Bibliotherapy, Child, School Counselors, Worksheet, Free Resources, Cause and Effect Katherine Milani

Teaching Kids Cause And Effect

Exploring cause and effect with kids helps them to understand the physical, social, emotional, and functional consequences of behaviors. This reflection on behaviors allows them to appropriately repair negative or unintended consequences, and refine future behaviors to seek positive outcomes.

Read on to learn how to talk to kids about Cause & Effect!

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How to [Realistically] Face A Bully
Self-Esteem, Counseling Ideas, School Counselors, Bully, Free Resources, Parenting Tools, Worksheet Katherine Milani Self-Esteem, Counseling Ideas, School Counselors, Bully, Free Resources, Parenting Tools, Worksheet Katherine Milani

How to [Realistically] Face A Bully

When working with victimized kids, it can be helpful to talk about preserving their “light” over confronting the bully. Some kids feel empowered to stand up to their bully, but many lack the social supports and/or confidence to successfully navigate a confrontation. In these cases, remind them that they don’t have to do anything except shield their light.

We have collected 10 of our free printable resources to help kids find their light and build self-esteem.

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Would You Rather…?
Free Resources, Worksheet, Conversation Starters, Child Therapy, Social Workers, Parents, School Counselors, Counseling Katherine Milani Free Resources, Worksheet, Conversation Starters, Child Therapy, Social Workers, Parents, School Counselors, Counseling Katherine Milani

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!

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Navigating Emotional Dysregulation in Kids
Emotional Regulation, Behavior Management, Emotional Dysregulation, Coping Skills, Free Resources, Worksheet, Child Therapy, School Counselors, Parents Katherine Milani Emotional Regulation, Behavior Management, Emotional Dysregulation, Coping Skills, Free Resources, Worksheet, Child Therapy, School Counselors, Parents Katherine Milani

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!

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Teaching Togetherness
Scenario Prompts, Worksheet, Free Resources, Community, Diversity, Inclusivity, Empathy, School Counselors, Social Workers Katherine Milani Scenario Prompts, Worksheet, Free Resources, Community, Diversity, Inclusivity, Empathy, School Counselors, Social Workers Katherine Milani

Teaching Togetherness

Perspective-taking takes practice, but it is essential for helping kids develop empathy, emotional intelligence, and prosocial skills. The value of being able to decode the motives of others is the ability lead with compassion, resilience, and logical reasoning. Read on to learn more about perspective-taking through storytelling!

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Navigating Childhood Friendships
Peer Relations, Social Skills, School Counselors, Parents, Child Therapy, Worksheet, Friendship Katherine Milani Peer Relations, Social Skills, School Counselors, Parents, Child Therapy, Worksheet, Friendship Katherine Milani

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!

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How To: Behavior Charts
Parents, Teachers, Psychotherapy, School Counselors, Worksheet, Behavior Management, Behavior Chart, Sticker Chart Katherine Milani Parents, Teachers, Psychotherapy, School Counselors, Worksheet, Behavior Management, Behavior Chart, Sticker Chart Katherine Milani

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!

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Draw Your Day
Worksheet, Therapeutic Activities, Counseling, School Counselors, Art Therapy, Child Therapy, Family Therapy, Parents, Teachers, Free Resources Katherine Milani Worksheet, Therapeutic Activities, Counseling, School Counselors, Art Therapy, Child Therapy, Family Therapy, Parents, Teachers, Free Resources Katherine Milani

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.

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How to Manage Jealousy
Jealousy, Counseling, School Counselors, Child Therapy, Mental Health, Parents, Worksheet, Writing Prompts Katherine Milani Jealousy, Counseling, School Counselors, Child Therapy, Mental Health, Parents, Worksheet, Writing Prompts Katherine Milani

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!

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8 Mindfulness Worksheets for Kids
Activities, Child Therapy, Coping Skills, Counseling, Early Childhood Education, Behavior Management, Mental Health, Mindfulness, Therapeutic Activities, School Counselors, Parents, Psychotherapy Katherine Milani Activities, Child Therapy, Coping Skills, Counseling, Early Childhood Education, Behavior Management, Mental Health, Mindfulness, Therapeutic Activities, School Counselors, Parents, Psychotherapy Katherine Milani

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.

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Art Therapy: Emotion Storms
Activities, Adolescent, Anxiety, Art Therapy, Child Therapy, Coping Skills, Counseling, Family Therapy, Grief, Early Childhood Education, Mental Health, Mindfulness, School Counselors, Therapeutic Activities, Parents, Therapists, Psychotherapy Katherine Milani Activities, Adolescent, Anxiety, Art Therapy, Child Therapy, Coping Skills, Counseling, Family Therapy, Grief, Early Childhood Education, Mental Health, Mindfulness, School Counselors, Therapeutic Activities, Parents, Therapists, Psychotherapy Katherine Milani

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!

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Play Therapy: Cooperative Play
Play Based Learning, Play Therapy, Preschool, Teachers, Parents, School Counselors, Social Workers, Therapists, Family Therapy Katherine Milani Play Based Learning, Play Therapy, Preschool, Teachers, Parents, School Counselors, Social Workers, Therapists, Family Therapy Katherine Milani

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.

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Best Fidget Toys for Kids
ADHD, Adolescent, Anxiety, ASD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Behavior Management, Child Therapy, Play Based Learning, Coping Skills, Counseling, Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Mental Health, School Counselors, Therapeutic Activities, Therapists, Psychotherapy, Fidget Toys, Sensory Processing Disorders, Classroom Accommodations Katherine Milani ADHD, Adolescent, Anxiety, ASD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Behavior Management, Child Therapy, Play Based Learning, Coping Skills, Counseling, Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Mental Health, School Counselors, Therapeutic Activities, Therapists, Psychotherapy, Fidget Toys, Sensory Processing Disorders, Classroom Accommodations Katherine Milani

Best Fidget Toys for Kids

Fidget toys can relieve stress, reduce anxiety, and channel excess energy to support productive habits. Fidget toys are particularly beneficial for children (or adults!) with neurodivergent brains (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, sensory processing disorders, etc.) because they provide a physical sensory outlet for suppressed energy.

We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite fidget toys that help kids engage in therapy (also great for long commutes, waiting rooms, or quiet time)!

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Children’s Books About Grief
Anxiety, Play Based Learning, Bibliotherapy, Narrative Therapy, Grief, Loss, Parents, Teachers, School Counselors, Counseling, Child Therapy, Early Childhood Education, Psychotherapy Katherine Milani Anxiety, Play Based Learning, Bibliotherapy, Narrative Therapy, Grief, Loss, Parents, Teachers, School Counselors, Counseling, Child Therapy, Early Childhood Education, Psychotherapy Katherine Milani

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.

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Child Therapist Tips: Building Rapport
Mental Health, Behavior Management, School Counselors, Counseling, Therapeutic Activities, Child Therapy, Therapists, Social Workers, Parents Katherine Milani Mental Health, Behavior Management, School Counselors, Counseling, Therapeutic Activities, Child Therapy, Therapists, Social Workers, Parents Katherine Milani

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.

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Therapeutic Activities with Play-Doh
Activities, Art Therapy, Behavior Management, Play Based Learning, Child Therapy, Coping Skills, Early Childhood Education, Mindfulness, Sensory Processing Disorders, Play Therapy, Preschool, School Counselors, Therapeutic Activities, Science Experiement Katherine Milani Activities, Art Therapy, Behavior Management, Play Based Learning, Child Therapy, Coping Skills, Early Childhood Education, Mindfulness, Sensory Processing Disorders, Play Therapy, Preschool, School Counselors, Therapeutic Activities, Science Experiement Katherine Milani

Therapeutic Activities with Play-Doh

Modeling dough (like Play-Doh) can be used as a tactile sensory tool for exploring therapeutic concepts with kids. Read on for 5 of our favorite dough activities to help kids relieve stress, exercise emotional literacy, practice coping skills, and resolve conflict.

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Sensory Processing Disorders
ADHD, Anxiety, Child Therapy, Early Childhood Education, Education, Coping Skills, Infographics, School Counselors, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ASD, Sensory Processing Disorders, Neurodevelopmental Disorders Katherine Milani ADHD, Anxiety, Child Therapy, Early Childhood Education, Education, Coping Skills, Infographics, School Counselors, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ASD, Sensory Processing Disorders, Neurodevelopmental Disorders Katherine Milani

Sensory Processing Disorders

Children with sensory issues may struggle with textures, loud noises, crowds, food preferences, etc. These sensitivities are often seen in children with neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but they can also appear in otherwise typically developing children. Understanding and supporting a child’s unique sensory needs can help them feel more comfortable and engaged in their environment. Read on for more information and free printable resources.

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