Michael Vallejo, LCSW

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.

Learning how to deal with toddler tantrums can be tough. Here’s how to support your child when they experience big emotions.

Research has shown a connection between physical activity and mental health for kids. Learn 7 ways to encourage your child to be more active.

The ADHD brain vs. the normal brain functions differently and can cause learning challenges. Learn how the ADHD brain works so you can support it.

Children who attend preschool and have engaged parents perform better in school, especially in math, according to a study. Find out more.

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy employs mindfulness to reduce stress and depression. Learn how it works.

Here’s how playing sports boosts kids’ emotional health, based on a study of 4,000 children in the Generation R project.

Find 10 of the best children’s books about neurodiversity that promote empathy and inclusion.

Teaching your child to deal with failure can help build their self-esteem and resilience for the future. Learn 4 simple tips from a child therapist.

A study shows that involving kids with disabilities in goal setting is key, but professionals need more guidance and resources. Learn more here.

The anger stage of grief may be difficult to navigate, but with proper support, you can move past it. Read on to learn more about this stage of grief.

A study shows how loneliness, confidence, and social support can influence help-seeking behaviors among students.

Self-regulation strategies for kids can make them more resilient, emotionally intelligent, and better problem-solvers. Learn how to help your child develop self-regulation skills.

Self-validation can help improve a child’s self-esteem and self-confidence. Learn 4 simple strategies to support your child with self-validation.

Discover fun and effective emotional regulation activities for kids to express and manage big feelings.

Hope can protect kids from risky behaviors. Learn what research says and how to build hope.

Siblings fighting can cause psychological damage when things get out of hand. Learn why siblings fight and what you can do to support them.

Curious about whether working together boosts performance and memory? Check out this research on joint attention.

Discover 15 calm-down corner printables that can help kids manage big emotions at home or in the classroom.

Use these anxiety worksheets to help kids handle anxiety, learn healthy coping tools, and express emotions.

A study found that classroom calming corners help students manage emotions during school transitions. Read the study and learn what it means for kids.

Major depressive disorder in children can negatively impact their relationships and daily life. Learn the ins and outs of MDD.

Learn how emotional granularity relates to teen depression and anxiety, and why teaching them to name their emotions matters.

Differentiating between ADHD vs. bipolar disorder can put you in a better position to support your child. Learn their differences and treatments.

Here are leadership games and activities for kids that build confidence, teamwork, and communication.

Can teaching forgiveness really help teens feel better? A new study shows how school-based forgiveness lessons improved students’ mental health.

Wondering what age should your child get a smartphone? Learn the pros and cons of giving your child a smartphone and how to guide them in using it wisely.

A large study finds that teachers are more accurate than parents at spotting ADHD in children. Learn what this means and how you can take action.

Twice-exceptional kids are both gifted and face developmental challenges. Learn what twice-exceptionality entails and how you can support your child.

The physiological sigh can be a helpful tool for stress reduction and relaxation. Learn how it works and some tips for using it.