Michael Vallejo, LCSW

Learning how to be a good father can be tricky. After all, what does being a great dad mean in the first place? This article addresses this question and provides 12 tips on becoming a good dad.

Can adventurous play make kids happier and more resilient? A study reveals how small risks during playtime can support children’s mental health.

Test anxiety in children can hinder their ability to do well in exams. Learn what test anxiety is and how you can help your child manage it.

Discover how to help students with test anxiety with practical tips such as relaxation skills, test-taking strategies, and positive self-talk.

Understanding how a person with bipolar thinks can put you in a better position to support them. Learn how bipolar disorder affects thinking.

Learn key insights from a study on mental health challenges among Black teens, and how we can better support them.

Stress in teenagers is normal, but it can also become crippling and overwhelming. Learn what causes stress in teens and how you can help.

Here’s what research says about binge eating in teenagers, including key risk factors like stress and body image concerns.

Learn how to help a grieving child by discussing their emotions and identifying when to seek professional help. Get the resources you need.

Learn how to help your child talk about their feelings with a therapeutic tool used by a child therapist.

Verbal expression can sometimes be challenging for teenagers. Discover 15 art therapy activities for teens as part of their counseling.

Can open-ended games improve kids’ focus and social-emotional skills more than structured activities? A new study reveals surprising benefits.

Disruptive behavior disorders in children cause aggression, extreme rebellion, and hostility. Learn how to manage these challenging conditions.

A study in Frontiers in Psychology shows how parents’ growth mindset influences their children’s beliefs about learning and improvement. Learn more here.

Discover the best children's books about diversity that celebrate culture, identity, and inclusion. These inspiring stories teach kids about acceptance, self-love, and the beauty of differences.

Learn helpful ways to teach gratitude to kids. Discover practical tips to encourage appreciation, positivity, and the attitude of gratitude.

Negative thoughts can make us believe things that aren’t true. This list of cognitive distortions explains common thinking errors and how to challenge them.

Did you know that simple household chores can boost your child’s thinking skills? Research shows that certain tasks improve executive functioning.

Toxic stress in children can have a significant impact on their daily lives. Learn how to manage and treat it.

Many parents believe their kids love school and learn a lot, but students report a different reality. Learn about the disengagement gap in this study.

Losing a loved one can make a person feel stuck and alone. Use our printable grief worksheets to help young people process their emotions.

Learn how to teach kids this essential skill for healthy relationships. It encourages good communication, boundary setting, and conflict resolution.

Read this article to learn about this school-based effort to develop good character in the youth.

Research shows that teens with mental health struggles earn less and face more challenges as adults. However, investing in them may lead to a stronger economy.

Cyberbullying on social media can negatively impact children and teens. Learn the signs of cyberbullying and what you can do to help.

Did you know that kids often underestimate how much their peers like them? Learn about the “liking gap,” why it happens, and how parents can help children.

Children who know how to deal with a bully feel more confident and are more resilient. Learn the signs of bullying and how you can help.

Research shows that social media and teen self-esteem are interconnected. Learn strategies to help your child navigate the digital world.

These books about self-control provide kids with valuable lessons on managing impulses, understanding emotions, and making thoughtful decisions.

A study reveals how childhood trauma impacts gray matter in the brain, particularly in the frontal lobe. You’ll also learn tips to support emotional healing.

Play therapy for kids can do wonders for managing trauma, depression, and anxiety. Learn how it works.

Did you know that parental care influences a child’s genes and resilience? Explore the science of epigenetics in this research article.

Learning how to help a child grieve the loss of a pet is an excellent way to honor their memory. Here’s how to provide support as parents.

Working with neurodiverse kids reminds us that we all think differently. This newsletter was written as a reminder for each of us to make space for different minds.

Help kids manage emotions with these 15 printable anger management worksheets. They teach children about coping skills and self-regulation.

A study found that consistent sleep schedules help kids regulate emotions and make better choices. Learn more here.

ADHD emotional dysregulation can make individuals feel like their emotions are out of control. Explore healthy coping mechanisms that work.

Social media use is linked to loneliness in rural youth. Learn tips promote healthy online habits and build meaningful offline connections.

Supporting your children’s mental health keeps them stable, resilient, and confident. Learn how to support a child struggling with their mental health.

Parents and children can learn how to cope with cyberbullying. It starts with awareness and understanding effective coping strategies.

Explore our list of books about responsibility for kids, perfect for teaching accountability, good habits, and essential life lessons through engaging stories.

A study reveals that moderate online gaming may help individuals with ASD reduce loneliness and build friendships. Here are more insights from the study.

The circle of concern helps us reflect on our worries but can slow our progress. Learn how to manage the circle of concern.

This study discusses how problematic internet use affects teen loneliness and how strong family communication and support from others can help.

Read this article to learn more about dyspraxia in children, as well as the ways to support them at home and in school.

October is National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month. This is an excellent time for parents to talk to their child about bullying before it happens.

School refusal in kids and teens can lead to emotional, social, and educational consequences. Learn how you can address school refusal promptly and effectively.

In this research study, learn how brain activity relates to gaming addiction in teens. We’ll also explore tips for promoting healthier habits.

Growth mindset posters can encourage kids and teens to persevere through hard times. Discover 15 of our best growth mindset posters here.

A study on loneliness and post-traumatic stress in teens shows how these issues are linked. Here’s what you need to know.