Plain-language guides to children's emotional health, written for parents and caregivers rather than professionals.
Each guide explains one topic: what is typical, what signs may call for help, what treatment usually involves, and what helps at home. They are general information, not advice about an individual child. If you are worried about your child, start with your pediatrician or family doctor.
Is my child okay?
Signs Your Child May Need to See a TherapistHow to tell ordinary ups and downs from problems worth a professional's opinion: what to watch, how long to wait, and who to call first.
Depression in Children and TeenagersHow depression looks different in children and teens, warning signs parents can notice, how it is treated, and how to support a child at home.
ADHD in Children: Signs, Evaluation and SupportWhat ADHD is, how its signs differ from ordinary childhood energy, how an evaluation works, and the treatments and home strategies that help.
Everyday challenges
Tantrums and Meltdowns: A Guide for ParentsWhy young children have tantrums, how to respond in the moment, how to prevent them, and when frequent outbursts are worth discussing with a doctor.
Sleep and Your Child's Emotional HealthHow much sleep children need at each age, how poor sleep affects mood and behavior, and practical steps for better sleep at home.
Bullying and Cyberbullying: Helping Your ChildSigns a child may be bullied, how to respond and work with the school, cyberbullying, and what to do if your child is the one bullying others.
Building Healthy Self-Esteem in ChildrenWhat healthy self-esteem is, signs of low self-esteem, and everyday ways parents can help children feel capable, accepted and resilient.
How to Talk With Your Child About FeelingsPractical ways to help children name and manage emotions, listen so they keep talking, and handle difficult conversations at each age.
Loss, change and trauma
Helping a Child Through Grief and LossHow children understand death at different ages, common grief reactions, how to talk honestly about loss, and signs a grieving child needs extra help.
Helping Children Cope With Separation or DivorceHow to tell children about a separation, common reactions by age, how to co-parent in ways that protect children, and when to consider counseling.
Helping Children After a Traumatic EventHow children may react to frightening events such as accidents, violence or disasters, how parents can help them feel safe, and signs they need treatment.
Getting help
How to Choose a Child TherapistThe kinds of professionals who treat children, how to find one, questions to ask, what the first appointment is like, and how to tell if therapy is working.
Types of Therapy for Children and TeensA plain-language overview of common therapy approaches for children: CBT, play therapy, PCIT, family therapy, DBT, trauma-focused CBT and more.
Family Therapy: What to ExpectWhat family therapy is, when it can help, who attends, what happens in sessions, and how to prepare your family for the first appointment.
Looking After Yourself as a ParentWhy parents' wellbeing affects children, signs of parental burnout, practical ways to manage stress, and when to get help for yourself.
In a crisis in the US, call or text 988 or call 911. Elsewhere, call your local emergency number. See the disclaimer.