It takes a village: The frontlines of the behavioral health crisis
As challenging as navigating the pandemic has been for adults, it has been at least as stressful for children and teens. Yet even before COVID-19 transformed the way we live, kids were coping with mental and behavioral health challenges. In the past decade, children’s trips to emergency departments for mental health disorders rose by some ... Read More about It takes a village: The frontlines of the behavioral health crisis
Cannabis edibles: Keep kids safe from adult ‘treats’
Candy and chips aren’t necessarily for kids anymore. These days, a chocolate bar, gummy, or bag of cheesy treats may contain a very adult ingredient: cannabis (also known as marijuana). As more states legalize marijuana for medical and recreational use, more of these potent treats are finding their ways into children’s mouths. While older kids ... Read More about Cannabis edibles: Keep kids safe from adult ‘treats’
How to help young kids cope when a parent has to isolate
Parents: If you’ve tested positive for COVID-19 and need to isolate or quarantine, you understandably may have questions and concerns about what this means for your family. On top of coordinating logistics around work, child care, and safety measures, you may be worried about the psychological impact separation will have on your child. For children ... Read More about How to help young kids cope when a parent has to isolate
Six tips for how families can manage Omicron
Omicron, a highly transmissible COVID-19 variant, is straining hospitals, canceling events, and emptying store shelves of test kits. It seems almost inevitable that it will find its way into households. Nearly two years into the pandemic, staying on top of COVID-19 guidance can seem exhausting. But you shouldn’t lose hope. Eventually, we will see the ... Read More about Six tips for how families can manage Omicron
Quarantining and isolating for COVID-19: Answers for families
Someone in your family has tested positive for COVID-19. You know you need to take steps to keep it from spreading — but just what does that involve? Here, we answer common questions about quarantine and isolation, based on guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). What is “close contact”? Being ... Read More about Quarantining and isolating for COVID-19: Answers for families
When a parent has mental illness, how to support kids
Between the long hours, many responsibilities, and lack of control, few jobs in our society are as demanding as parenting. If a parent has a mental illness like depression or anxiety, raising kids becomes even more difficult. Many parents live in secrecy, believing that they are the only ones who struggle like they do. But ... Read More about When a parent has mental illness, how to support kids
Outdoors and indoors — How to keep your child active in winter
Don’t let frigid temperatures, snow and ice, and fewer hours of sunlight prevent your child from being active. Instead of giving into the winter blues, embrace the season and ensure that fun physical fitness activities are part of your child’s daily routine. There’s good reason to stay active: “Exercise increases aerobic fitness, strengthens muscles and ... Read More about Outdoors and indoors — How to keep your child active in winter
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 about When a friend dies by suicide: Preventing suicide contagion
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). So, how can we find ways to put down our phones and engage in the yuletide cheer together? Join in ... Read More about Ways to keep kids engaged and unplugged during the holidays
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 about Gift-wrapping kindness: Helping others can offer children a unique kind of joy