A new study from Aarhus University in Denmark led by Mikkel Wallentin looked at the connection between our inner speech (that silent voice in our head) and a fairly concrete physiological marker: heart rate.

Rejection and exclusion are among the most painful social experiences for children—and for parents, witnessing that pain can feel unbearable. Whether it shows up as tears after school, anger at home, school refusal, or quiet withdrawal, rejection can activate intense emotional responses that seem to come out of nowhere and linger far longer than adults expect.

All children struggle emotionally at times. Big feelings, emotional outbursts, moodiness, worry, and withdrawal are part of growing up in a complex world. For parents, one of the hardest questions is not whether children will struggle emotionally, but when those struggles signal the need for additional support beyond what families can provide on their own.

For many parents, returning from a break—whether it’s summer vacation, winter holidays, or even a long weekend—can be unexpectedly challenging. Children who were previously attending school without major difficulty suddenly resist getting out of bed, avoiding classrooms, or complaining of stomachaches, headaches, or fatigue. In reality, increased school refusal after breaks is a common experience for children of all ages and can have many underlying causes.

Depression can be difficult for parents to identify, especially when symptoms can mirror other changes. This table can be used as a reference chart to help identify common emotional, behavioral, and physical signs of depression

Depression is often thought of as an adult mental health condition, but it can affect children and adolescents too. For parents, recognizing depression in their children can be challenging, especially because young people may express their emotions differently than adults. Understanding the signs, symptoms, risk factors, and ways to support a child struggling with depression is essential for early intervention and effective care.

Winter can be a magical season: twinkling lights, cozy evenings, family traditions, and hot cocoa. But for many children—and especially neurodiverse children—this time of year can also bring emotional challenges. Shorter days, colder temperatures, and changes in routine can influence mood, energy, and overall well-being. For parents, it can be hard to distinguish between a normal “winter slump” and something more concerning winter blues.

The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy, connection, and celebration. Commercials show glowing families around dinner tables, social media feeds filled with matching pajamas, and conversations at school or work often center on plans for travel and festivities. But for many families, the holidays are not only complicated—they can be painful.

This boredom toolkit is designed to give parents ideas to support healthy, productive boredom. The key is not to prescribe exactly what the child must do, but to provide options and materials that encourage exploration, creativity, and problem-solving.

In today’s fast-paced, overstimulated world, boredom has become something many parents rush to avoid. With screens, organized activities, and structured schedules filling nearly every waking moment, the concept of boredom often carries negative connotations. Yet research and child development experts suggest that experiencing boredom is not only natural but also a vital part of building essential life skills.

The holiday season is often pictured as joyful, magical, and full of family togetherness. But for many children—especially those who are prone to anxiety, have sensory sensitivities, or struggle with perfectionism—this time of year can be overwhelming. If your child melts down at gatherings, worries excessively about plans, or becomes rigid and perfectionistic during the holidays, you are not alone. In fact, it’s incredibly common for children’s big feelings to surface this t

Thanksgiving is often described as a time for gratitude, reflection, and connection. Families gather around the table to share meals, traditions, and expressions of thankfulness. But for parents raising neurodivergent children—whether they have ADHD, autism, dyslexia, anxiety, or other differences—the holiday season can sometimes feel complicated.

When we think about disability, many of us imagine something visible: a child using a wheelchair, a hearing aid, or a mobility support. But the reality is that many disabilities are invisible. They don’t show up at a glance, yet they impact children’s daily lives in profound ways. For parents raising children with invisible disabilities—or navigating them in their own lives—this invisibility can be both a blessing and a challenge.

The start of a new school year brings fresh notebooks, sharpened pencils, and the promise of new beginnings. But for many families, the first months of school are also marked by tears at the breakfast table, forgotten homework, or phone calls from teachers. Parents often ask themselves: Is this just part of the back-to-school adjustment—or is my child’s struggle a sign of something deeper?

The start of a new school year is exciting—and often a little overwhelming. There are new teachers, new routines, and new expectations. For many kids, especially those who learn differently or face challenges like ADHD, dyslexia, or anxiety, a new school year also means adjusting to fresh obstacles. As parents, we naturally want to protect our children from struggle. But one of the most powerful tools we can give them is not constant protection—it’s the ability to advocate fo

Whether you're caring for toddlers or teens, neurotypical or neurodivergent kids, one thing is certain: parents rarely get a break. And that’s why Relaxation Day—celebrated every year on August 15—matters more than ever. This isn’t a post about pampering yourself into oblivion (though that sounds nice too). It’s about redefining relaxation in a way that fits your actual, real-world life. We’ll explore what relaxation can look like as a parent, how to make it more accessible.

Mental health is one of the most important aspects of our overall well-being — yet it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Despite growing awareness, many myths and misconceptions still surround mental health, mental illness, and psychological testing. These myths don’t just spread misinformation — they can actually prevent people from seeking the help they need.

Summer can feel like both a breath of fresh air and a whirlwind—especially for neurodivergent families. The routines shift, sensory environments change, and expectations (hello, social gatherings and unstructured time) pile up fast. We’re now at that midpoint—July, the heart of summer. And it’s the perfect time to pause and gently ask: How are we really doing?

Raising emotionally healthy children is no small task, and in today's world, where anxiety, stress, and big emotions show up early and often, parents need every tool they can get. One of the best resources? Books—both for you and your child. Whether you're trying to understand your child's anxiety, help them navigate big feelings, or simply foster emotional resilience, the right book can make a world of difference. In this blog post, we’ll explore must-read books for parents

Mental health is just as important as physical health and this is especially true for students with learning disabilities. These children often face unique challenges in school that can affect their self-esteem, stress levels, and emotional well-being. As a parent, understanding these challenges and knowing how to support your child’s mental health can make a powerful difference in their life.