Michael Vallejo, LCSW

Confused between ADD vs. ADHD? Learn the differences in terminology, what ADD entails, and what characterizes ADHD today.

Learn how to identify and address issues with relational aggression in schools. Get tips on how to help your child cope.

Studies reveal that parents who manage their emotions help their children feel calmer and happier. Learn more here.

Did you have emotionally abusive parents? Learn what the signs are and what you can do to start your healing journey.

Bullying affects children worldwide, but a school-based program helped students improve their knowledge and reduce bullying behaviors. Learn more here.

Is your child getting enough sleep? Learn about why sleep is important for kids and how you can improve their sleep hygiene.

Is your child confessing bad thoughts? Learn why children confess these worries and discover supportive ways to respond as a parent or caregiver.

Read our study on how showing trust in young children can promote honesty, plus tips for parents and caregivers.

Help children manage worries and big feelings with these free CBT workbooks for kids. These can be used by parents, teachers, or therapists.

Sports can boost teens’ mental health. Find out what works for boys and girls, and how parents can support them on and off the field.

Mindfulness activities for kids help improve focus, compassion, empathy, and well-being. Discover some engaging activities to try with your child.

Rainbow breathing for kids is a fun, engaging, and colorful method for calming down and refocusing. Learn how to use it in stressful situations.

Research highlights that social connections protect teen mental health and reduce risky behaviors. Learn key findings here.

A feelings thermometer is a visual tool that can improve a child’s emotional vocabulary and awareness. Learn how to use it for daily check-ins.

A study shows that the kind of help children give matters. Find out when helping supports learning, and when it can hurt.

An anger thermometer provides a simple way to track and respond to feelings of frustration or disappointment. Learn how it works.

Research shows neurofeedback boosts working memory and inhibitory control in kids with ADHD. Here’s what you need to know.

Identifying emotions is key for kids and teens. Use practical resources and tools to help young people understand their feelings more easily.

Research shows that even a 5-minute break can help children focus and solve math problems more effectively. Learn more about the findings here.

Executive function skills for kids help them develop daily routines and succeed in school. Learn what you can do to help them develop these skills.

Emotional outbursts can have a long-term negative impact on kids. Learn what causes them and what you can do to support your child.

Study shows CBT calms overactive brain regions in anxious children. Read the full study to learn how these findings can inform treatment and support for kids.

Discover how virtual reality therapy can help children manage certain mental health conditions under the guidance of a licensed professional.

Research reveals mindfulness as a helpful tool for managing ADHD symptoms in children and teens. Learn more here.

Pretend play allows children to unleash their imagination and exercise their creativity. Learn how you can support your child’s pretend play routine.

Knowing how to handle disruptive behavior in the classroom can make for a more conducive learning environment. Learn helpful strategies.

How does a parent’s trauma history affect their child with ADHD or autism? This study shares important findings.

The butterfly hug is a simple self-soothing method that can help manage trauma and anxiety. Learn how it works and how to use it.

Study finds that problem-solving is most effective for treating depression in teens and young adults when used on its own. Learn more here.

Social anxiety in teens can influence how they form and handle interpersonal relationships. Learn how to help your teen overcome social anxiety.

Research links poor teen sleep with mental health risks. Here are the findings from Sleep Science and Practice, and tips for parents.

Intermittent explosive disorder in children manifests as physical and verbal violence. Here’s how you can support your child in managing their symptoms.

How does food affect teen mental health? Research shows that mealtime routines matter as much as food choices. Read more here.

ADHD games and activities for kids are a great way to improve their focus, release pent-up energy, and enhance social skills. Here are 20 options you should know.

Explore the best children’s books about friendship to help kids build empathy, kindness, and relationship skills from toddlerhood to preteens.

A new study finds that physical activity improves mental health in children and teens. We’ll break down the key results and share tips to encourage movement.

Young children may need help expressing their feelings. Discover the best books about emotion for kids to aid in their learning process.

Learn about a study showing how MBCT-C outperforms group therapy in lowering anxiety among children and find easy strategies parents can use at home.

Understand the signs and consequences of social media addiction in teens and get expert advice to support their mental health and well-being.

Every parent wants to know: why do kids lie? Learn the reasons behind lying, how to address them, and how to use them as teaching opportunities.

A study asked 10- to 14-year-olds how they deal with stress. Here’s what researchers found, what it means for parents and caregivers.

Unlock your child’s creativity with 20 open-ended toys that inspire pretend play and learning.

What does the frontal lobe do, and how does it affect kids’ behavior, language, and emotions? This research article covers five regions of the frontal lobe.

Understanding the difference between tattling and telling helps children become better problem-solvers. Learn more in this article.

Child therapist, Michael Vallejo, describes simple tips to support a child with social anxiety at school. Explore coping strategies that help your child manage symptoms and build confidence.

Support your child's growth by encouraging flexible thinking. Learn techniques and activities that can boost adaptability and resilience in kids.

A new study links increased screen time to higher myopia risk in young people. Learn which devices are most concerning and what parents can do.

Noticing toddler behavior issues in your child? Learn what behaviors are normal and what might require professional intervention and support.

A study of 12 hospitalized children shows art therapy reduces emotional distress and helps kids feel like artists, not patients. Learn more here.