When a friend dies by suicide: Preventing suicide contagion
Suicide can shake an entire community. For some kids, a friend or classmate’s suicide increases the risk that they may resort to the same behavior. This risk, known as suicide contagion, can affect people who lived down the street from the person who died, went to school with them, or simply saw them around town. ... Read More
Ways to keep kids engaged and unplugged during the holidays
The winter holiday break is upon us. This means being away from routines and schedules and more time at home, traveling, or visiting loved ones. Bottom line: families will be spending more time together (again). But unlike the will-not-be-named reason for forced family time over the past two years, holiday togetherness centers on celebration and ... Read More
Gift-wrapping kindness: Helping others can offer children a unique kind of joy
The holidays are a time for not just receiving gifts but also giving back. It’s the ideal time to teach young children about the importance of helping others and to guide older children toward opportunities that allow them to volunteer and make a difference. “Volunteerism and giving are important traits to learn,” says Miranda Day, ... Read More
‘Never stop looking for answers’: Andrea’s journey with dysmotility
As a volunteer at Caritas Internationalis, Andrea Hernandez loves helping feed the hungry. Yet, until recently, Andrea herself was unable to eat by mouth, instead relying on a feeding tube for nutrition. Nevertheless, she says that when it comes to her health, “We are fed with hope.” Andrea, now 23, has experienced severe dysmotility problems, ... Read More
Unwrapping myths for children: How to prepare them for the truth about Santa Claus and other legends
Virginia might have been told, “Yes, there is a Santa Claus” — but someday your child will expect an honest answer about the legitimacy of a bearded, centuries-old deliverer of gifts. This holiday season isn’t just a time for families to come together and celebrate traditions. It’s also a time for children of a certain ... Read More
‘Feeling empowered’: How vaccination helped me care for my family when one son got COVID-19
In mid-November, I awoke to an email from my children’s school stating that my second grader, Kyle, had been a close contact of someone who tested positive for COVID-19. I wasn’t overly concerned. While this was the first “close contact” email we had received, we had previously been notified that both our children were in ... Read More