Michael Vallejo, LCSW

Discover why kids feel scared in the dark and explore reassuring bedtime strategies that build confidence, comfort, and better sleep.

Discover 25 books organized by different types of anxiety, worry, and fear that children may experience.

Here are 10 printable mental health wall art resources you can use at home, in a classroom, or in a counseling or therapy office.

Understanding how to build resilience in children improves their problem-solving skills, relationships, and academic performance. Discover helpful tips in our article.

Learn the common stressors for teens, from school pressure to social challenges, and explore supportive strategies that can make a real difference.

Learning how to talk to your child about depression requires empathy, active listening, and deep understanding. Read to find helpful discussion tips.

Make back to school less stressful for kids with ADHD with 8 simple strategies to support focus, planning, and a confident first day.

Learn the difference between primary and secondary emotions, why they matter, and how to respond with greater clarity and self-awareness.

Discover 11 coping skills activities for kids that help them build healthy ways to handle big feelings.

Learn 10 encouraging ways to raise grateful children, teach lasting gratitude, and make appreciation part of everyday family life.

Understanding anger as a secondary emotion helps us address our underlying needs and core problems. Learn healthy ways to express anger in our article.

Anger can be difficult for children to process. Discover anger management activities for kids to help them express their feelings.

Choice paralysis is common in adolescents with ADHD. Learn how it manifests and how you can adequately support your child.

Learn how to spot child stress early, recognize common warning signs, and use practical, supportive ways to help your child cope.

Building emotional intelligence in kids can help them handle challenges and connect with others. Learn these 9 tips.

Emotion coaching is the practice of helping children cope with big feelings. Through emotion coaching, we can become good role models for emotion regulation.

Looking for ways to get your child to appreciate the physical world? Discover 100 fun screen-free activities for kids!

Knowing how to build frustration tolerance in kids can make them better problem-solvers in challenging situations. Discover practical tips in our article.

Social withdrawal in children can be the result of depression, temperament, and many other reasons. Learn how to support a child who is pulling away from others.

Learn why your child may resist effort and how to respond with supportive strategies that encourage persistence, growth, and self-belief.

Here are simple ways to support kids through big emotions, from naming feelings to calming down and building lifelong emotional skills.

Help kids practice important values with these character building activities. You’ll find games, crafts, challenges, and more.

School anxiety can significantly affect a child’s academic and social life. Learn how to help your child overcome school refusal.

Setting limits on screen time for kids can ensure they grow mentally, emotionally, and physically. Learn how much screen time kids should have.

Learn about agoraphobia in children, its symptoms, causes, and effective treatment options to help your child overcome anxiety and thrive.

Coping skills for kids and teens can help them manage anger, anxiety, sadness, frustration, and everyday stress. Learn more in this guide.

Differentiating between OCD vs. anxiety is important for receiving the appropriate treatment. Learn the key differences.

ADHD and anxiety can look very similar, but the two conditions are unique. Learn how to differentiate them and support your child in the best way.

Learn how executive dysfunction can affect people with ADHD. Read this article to understand its symptoms and management strategies.

Explore healthy habits worksheets and handouts that can help children develop healthy habits at home, school, or in therapy.

Discover how video games can benefit children, plus practical tips for choosing quality games, managing screen time, and keeping play balanced.

Learn whether your child’s fears may signal agoraphobia or social anxiety, including symptoms, causes, and treatment options.

Is your teen avoiding friends and events? Learn how avoidant personality disorder differs from social anxiety and when to seek support.

Wondering if your child is highly sensitive? Learn the traits, strengths, challenges, and ways to support a highly sensitive child.

Learn how to tell childhood anxiety from everyday stress, spot warning signs, and help your child feel supported, safe, and understood.

All or nothing thinking can make small setbacks feel like complete failures. Learn how to recognize this pattern and practice more balanced thinking.

Meditation for teens is a science-backed practice that improves their mental health and well-being. Read our beginner’s guide for tips on how to get your teen started.

Understanding the symptoms of autism in teens can help improve social skills and manage sensory processing issues. Learn about diagnosis, treatment, and support.

Many teens will act out, but parenting a defiant teenager can be an emotional experience. Learn what defiance is and how to deal with it.

Knowing how to improve your self-esteem can improve your relationships and success in life. Learn more here.

Discover how early childhood attachment style research has evolved, from foundational theory to today’s nuanced perspectives.

Not sure how to explain death to a child? Here’s how to talk about loss, answer common questions, and offer reassurance.

Explore why autism and anxiety often co-occur, how symptoms overlap, and practical ways to recognize and support both conditions.

Learn about reactive attachment disorder in children and teens, including symptoms, diagnosis, and effective treatment options for healthier relationships.

Discover our practical guide for parents to support a child with sensory issues. Learn tips and strategies to help your child and family thrive.

Understand what an autism meltdown is and find helpful strategies to respond with care. Empower your autism parenting journey today.

Narcissism in children may look like self-centeredness, but it often points to deeper psychological issues. Learn to spot narcissistic traits in your child.

Wondering if your toddler could have ADHD? Explore the potential early signs and what you can do to support your toddler.

Confused about depression and sadness? Understand the differences, signs, and when to seek help in this detailed guide for your well-being