Michael Vallejo, LCSW

Teenagers need to feel confident to succeed. Try these activities to boost self-esteem in teens and encourage them to reach their goals!

Learn more about the impact of hurried child syndrome on kids’ well-being and tips for parents to support their child’s healthy emotional growth.

Developing soft skills is one of the most formative aspects of childhood. Discover character-building activities to inspire growth in your child.

Many kids and teens struggle with anxiety when they return to school after summer break. Learn how to deal with back to school social anxiety with tips from a child therapist.

Trauma therapy for children is a powerful tool for overcoming abuse, neglect, and traumatic events. Learn how trauma therapy works.

These back to school mental health tips for parents can provide guidance to help your child start the school year off strong. They include early communication with the school, consistent schedules, teaching social-emotional skills, and more.

Parent-child interaction therapy is an evidence-based strategy for improving relationships between parents and children. Learn how it works.

This recent research article investigates how parental attachment influences a child’s ability to regulate their emotions effectively.

Good parents aren’t perfect—they’re dedicated. Learn how to be a good mother in our guide.

Learn about the latest findings on disrupted brain connectivity in youth with depression, and how they affect symptoms.

What are some behavioral issues in children? In this article, you will learn about the types of behavioral disorders commonly observed in kids, as well as their treatment approaches.

The way we speak can have a big impact on our mindset. For those looking to answer why is the word yet powerful in developing a growth mindset, discover how this simple word can transform a child’s perspective.

Here’s a study on anger management that shows how calming activities like mindfulness and deep breathing are more effective in reducing anger than certain arousal-increasing exercises.

Wondering how parental tech use affects children’s mental health? This study discusses technoference and how to minimize it to improve family connections.

These 10 books about bullying for kids can help young readers learn about kindness, empathy, and overcoming bullying.

When fears affect a child’s daily life, they can become phobias. Learn the causes, symptoms, and ways to treat phobias in children.

Interested in learning how conduct disorder affects social behavior? Here’s a summary of a research study in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health.

Generalized anxiety disorder in children can make young kids chronically anxious. Here’s what you can do to help them manage their emotions.

Learn how parents’ beliefs impact study habits and get tips to support a growth mindset for academic success.

Discover 10 books about friendship for preschoolers, which feature stories that teach kindness, sharing, and the joy of connections.

Guided journaling can promote better mental health and enhance well-being. In this article, over 100 journal prompts for kids are provided, addressing different domains.

In this study, learn how exercise in teens promotes long-term health. You’ll also find tips for parents to support physical activity from an early age.

Though worrying is normal, it may be time to intervene if anxious habits interfere with your child’s life. Learn what to do when your child worries too much.

Discover 10 children's books about kindness, filled with heartwarming stories that teach empathy, compassion, and the power of caring actions.

Ongoing childhood problems without the appropriate support can negatively impact a child throughout their lives. Learn how child therapy works and how it can help them cope.

Can mindfulness reduce test anxiety in students? Learn insights from a pilot study with sixth graders and get tips for parents to support mindfulness at home.

The Subjective Units of Distress Scale (SUDS) is a self-report tool for assessing the intensity of emotions. Read this article to learn how it can be used.

Are you looking for ways to help kids manage anxiety and depression? Learn from this study that focuses on a CBT-based program.

Persistent depression can cause dysthymia in children. Learn about its causes, symptoms, and how to manage it.

In this study, we examine how neighborhood characteristics and psychosocial risks can impact mental health in teens. We also discuss tips to support them.

Finding balance is the key to a fulfilling life. Learn how walking the middle path can help avoid black-and-white thinking.

In this study, learn how children’s prosocial behaviors, such as sharing, helping, and comforting, vary by gender and the perspective of parents and teachers.

ADHD can hinder your ability to be productive, but implementing the Pomodoro technique for ADHD can turn your work ethic around!

Behaviors can be confusing, but conducting a behavior chain analysis can help put your actions into perspective. Learn how it works.

This research links obesity treatment to reduced depression and eating disorder symptoms, while also stressing the need for mental health support.

Discover helpful grief activities for kids that provide comfort and support. These activities can guide children in processing their emotions in a healthy way.

This study reveals how frequent social media use in young teens may alter their brains and sensitivity to social cues. We also discuss practical tips.

Discover the top 10 stress relief toys for kids and teens that can help them relax and unwind. These toys are fun, engaging, and perfect for relieving stress and anxiety.

Self-control makes for a socially and academically successful child. Discover ten impulse control activities for kids that can help hone this skill.

Could simple screen-free routines improve your child’s sleep and behavior? Learn from this new study published in JAMA Pediatrics.

Explore our curated list of 60 mental health books for teens to help them navigate and understand their mental well-being.

Let’s take a look at a study published in JAMA Network that examines the impact of tablet media on toddlers’ social interactions and language development.

Looking for anxiety books for kids? These 10 books can help children handle their feelings and build emotional strength in a fun, engaging way.

Learn how to tolerate difficult circumstances and face triggers with our printable DBT mindfulness worksheets and handouts!

This study reveals how cannabis use can lead to lower grades, higher dropout rates, and missed opportunities. Learn more here.

Learn the differences between solo and single parenting, challenges they face, and helpful tips for raising children.

Here’s insightful research on how strong parent-child relationships boost gratitude in children and tips to nurture it at home.

Discover heartfelt grief books for children that discuss loss and death. These stories guide young readers in coping with their feelings and honoring loved ones.

What can you expect from your child at their age? Learn executive function skills by age and how you can help improve them.