Michael Vallejo, LCSW

I” statements for kids help them express difficult feelings in a kind and constructive way. Learn how to use them and how they can benefit your child.

Here’s how later school start times improve teen sleep, mood, focus, and safety — plus how parents and teachers benefit too.

Discover the characteristics, setbacks, and examples of permissive parenting, plus tips on providing structure for healthy development.

Star breathing for kids is a fun and effective way to teach breathwork to your child. Learn the science behind breathwork to instill calmness in your child’s day.

Discover 70 powerful mental health quotes for support, reflection, and strength. Find words that remind you that you’re not alone in your journey.

New research shows diaphragmatic breathing helps kids manage stress, anxiety, and depression. You’ll also learn simple ways for them to use it daily.

Neurodiversity in children can affect how they think and behave. Learn how to support self-awareness and confidence in your child’s growth.

Art therapy helps children express their thoughts while improving their well-being. Discover fun art therapy activities to try with kids.

Pleasant activities are therapeutic and can help kids relax and recharge. Learn about good examples, and how they can help children reduce stress and improve mental health.

Discover the 10 best children's books about autism that promote understanding, inclusion, and empathy for neurotypical kids and children with autism.

We've curated a list of 15 books to help kids deal with anger. These books provide diverse approaches to managing anger and are ideal resources for children of different ages.

Panic attacks in children result from severe reactions to triggers. Learn how to help your child navigate their fears.

Discover key signs of mental health issues in kids and teens. Learn how to spot warning signs, start important conversations, and find professional support when needed.

Check out the best children's books about honesty that teach kids the value of truthfulness through fun stories and relatable characters.

Trauma-focused CBT is distinct from the traditional CBT you may be familiar with. Read on to deepen your understanding of this therapy approach.

Physical bullying can leave both physical and emotional scars on your child. Learn how to spot signs of bullying and what you can do to prevent it.

Learn how to help kids develop executive functioning skills. Discover practical strategies for planning, organization, and self-control.

Verbal bullying among kids can lead to issues in self-esteem and mental health. Learn how you can support a child being verbally bullied.

Research shows that anxiety in kids can affect social interactions. Here’s how parents and caregivers can help.

Leadership for kids is the foundation of success. Learn what makes a good leader and how you can instill leadership qualities in your child.

Here’s how household size and close family bonds influence happiness, based on insights from the 2025 World Happiness Report.

Find 15 printable feelings posters for kids that support emotional awareness, emotional regulation, and learning at home or school.

Applied behavior analysis has improved outcomes for children on the autism spectrum and other developmental disorders. Learn how it works.

The Trevor Project’s 2024 National Survey reveals the challenges LGBTQ+ young people face. Read the full report to learn more about their experiences.

Bipolar disorder in children can cause major mood swings and emotional turmoil. Learn its effects and how you can help.

Can awe make children more generous? A study explored how experiencing awe, through inspiring videos, affected kids’ willingness to help others.

Research shows that early conversations strengthen learning, problem-solving, and relationships. Learn more in this article.

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.