Parenting

BC2M Pep Talk

BC2M’s Pep Talk tool is for listening to and creating pep talks about mental health and wellbeing. This tool allows you to search pep talks and written affirmations by geographic region and mood. Additionally, you can create your own pep talk and get it posted to the website for others to read. Examples of pep talk topics include love, hope, depression, and loneliness.

BC2M Talk Tool

The “Talk Tool” is designed to show you many ways to talk about mental health with the people in your life. You can search for how to talk about various mental health topics with different types of people. The Talk Tool will then generate video and written sources to inspire conversations. For example, a person could search how to talk about “ADHD” with “a teacher”. The Talk Tool will then generate possible methods to explain how ADHD functions in a classroom setting.

Back-to-School Mental Health Roadmap

Is your child experiencing back to school stress? In this guide for parents, we share tips for managing mental health concerns as your child transitions back into the school year.

Behaviors of Supportive Parents and Caregivers for LGBTQ Youth

This Trevor Project research brief highlights the critical role supportive parents and caregivers play in the well-being of LGBTQ youth. Key findings indicate that positive behaviors, such as open communication and validation of identity, significantly reduce the risk of mental health issues, including suicidal thoughts. The brief emphasizes that fostering an affirming environment enhances self-esteem and promotes healthy development.

Brain Waves: School Stress 2020

Back to school season has never carried so much uncertainty or anxiety. We welcome experts Dr. Victor Schwartz, the Chief Medical Officer at the The Jed Foundation, and Alison Malmon, Founder and Executive Director of Active Minds, to discuss the various stress-points that September brings this year and how we can mitigate that anxiety. This episode features an exclusive performance from singer-songwriter and Founder of The Dustbowl Revival, Zach Lupetin.

Caring for Kids After a School Shooting

Listen well, and help them help each other

Child Mind Institute LGBTQ+ Resources

People who identify as LGBTQ can be more vulnerable to bullying and mental health issues during their childhood and teen years. Child Mind Institute has gathered information about how families can help LGBTQ+ children feel supported.

Child Mind Institute Symptom Checker

The Child Mind Institute Symptom Checker is a free resource for concerned parents. You indicate the behaviors that are making you concerned about your child by answering a series of questions. The Symptom Checker analyzes your answers to give you a list of psychiatric or learning disorders that are associated with those symptoms.

Common Insecurities New Moms Face

In this workshop, Licensed Therapist Valerie Hamaker and YourMomCares mom Lesley dig into some typical insecurities faced by young moms working through their own identity development in the throes of young motherhood.

Conversation Starters

Helping children learn to talk about their thoughts, feelings and experiences when they have your full attention can provide a safe opportunity for them to talk about the things that they are having a hard time handling or are upsetting them. Ask your kids their favorite joke. Or the best thing about school. Our experts have conversation starters to help you encourage discussions about thoughts and feelings in everyday life.

Cyberbullying Resources for Parents and Caregivers

The Jed Foundation has launched cyberbullying resources for parents and caregivers, part of the Choose Kindness Project. These resources include decision trees to guide adults on addressing cyberbullying situations, engaging videos that promote kindness and empathy, and a comprehensive Parents Guide for raising kind children. The initiative aims to equip adults with tools to foster emotional well-being and resilience in youth.

DBSA Mood Crew

Early childhood is a time when young ones are learning about emotions and finding ways to express them. This fun and engaging educational program, designed for ages 4 to 10, helps adults open a positive conversation about feelings with children. Features downloadable games, worksheets, coloring pages, stories, and much more. Parents, caregivers, therapists, educators, and other adults working with young children will find this program helpful, especially for children who may be having a tough time with feelings. Building early skills in understanding and discussing our moods builds coping skills and supports lifelong mental health.

Demystifying the Digital Dilemma

While scrolling social media is supposed to be rewarding, often, it can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, or just plain “blah.” Lead students through three stories of teens who took ownership of their social media use and learned to have a healthier, more engaged social life away from the algorithm.

Kickstart conversations in the classroom with the help of a companion educator guide, featuring hands-on activities to engage students before, during, and after watching.

Family Resources Center

Find information to help you support children who are struggling with mental health, behavior or learning challenges.

Going Back to School After a Tragedy

When tragedy strikes a school community, the prospect of sending kids back to school can be daunting. But it’s an important milestone, because it is essential that children get back into ordinary routines after hearing disturbing and frightening news. Children find comfort in the familiar, and going back to school and any after-school activities helps build healthy, resilient children. Here are some tips for helping kids worried about going back.

Growing Our Gratitude

Gratitude helps us grow mentally and grow as a person. Let’s grow our gratitude together! Get started by downloading our practice activity and the corresponding worksheets to talk about gratitude and the importance of practicing it every day.

Guide to Boredom

We’ve all been bored at some point – although if you are a parent or educator, it’s probably been a long time since you felt this feeling. But did you know it’s actually good for our kids’ brains to experience boredom?

Find out what boredom really is and what’s happening in our brains when we feel this way, tips to combat boredom, age-appropriate ideas for unstructured play and what to do about boredom when you’re stuck inside this winter.

Guide to Good Sleep

From infants and toddlers to school-aged kids and teens, it’s important to make sure your kids are getting the sleep they need to grow, learn and play.

Of course, we all know that life and nature can interfere with getting plenty of rest and knock us off track – cue the after-school activities, homework, studying, Daylight Saving Time and the COVID-19 pandemic, to name a few.

This combination of all these events can certainly alter our sleep schedules. But it doesn’t have to. Check out these tips, tricks and resources for getting the right amount of zzz’s, no matter your child’s age (and maybe a good refresher for you, too!).

Helping A Loved One with OCD

If a family member has been told they have OCD, you may be asking “What can I do to help?” This information provides ways family members of older teens and adults with OCD can help and includes ways to recognize and reduce accommodation behaviors.

Helping Children Cope After a Traumatic Event

A guide to supporting children of all ages who have experienced a traumatic event, including tips for teachers and an overview of symptoms of trauma.

Helping Children Cope With Frightening News

What parents can do to aid scared kids in processing grief and fear in a healthy way.

How Anxiety Leads to Disruptive Behavior

Disruptive behavior in children is often a sign of underlying anxiety. Information for parents and teachers on understanding the connection and supporting kids.

Experts say kids are growing up with more anxiety and less self-esteem. Information for parents on how social media use affects teenagers, plus tips for helping teens develop healthy tech habits.

How to Combat Bullying

Forty-nine percent of children grades 4-12 have been bullied at least once in the past month. And 3.2 million kids have been the victim of bullying. As a parent, here’s how you can recognize the signs and offer your child help.

How to Help Kids Develop Healthy Habits

Habits are so important to mental health because they affect how we think, act, feel and behave. Here are ways to help your kids adopt healthy practices and make those behaviors a part of your family’s regular routine.

How to Practice Self-Care

Resources and guides on helping kids practice self-care. Resource guides include: “Why You Should Keep Self-Care Top of Mind”, “How to Help Your Kids Practice Mindfulness”, “Downloadable Self-Care Activities and Calming Tools”, “The Benefits of Exercise”, “Day Time Break Resources”, and “Self-Care for Parents of Children With Mental Health Needs”.

How to Prepare Kids for Back to School

Multiple guides on helping children with going back to school. Resource guides include: “Back-to-School Mental Health Checklist”, “Back-to-School Conversation Starters”, “Preparing for a New School Year When Last Year Didn’t Go Well”, “Helping Children Minimize Back-to-School Anxiety”, “IEPS, 504 Plans, and FBAs Explained”, and “6 Tips for Students in the Age of Online Learning”.

How to Talk to Kids About Drugs

Guides on how to talk to kids about different drugs and drug habits. Resource guides include: “How Teens Can Quit Smoking”, “JUULing: What Parents Need to Know” and “Signs Your Teen May be Using Drugs and Alcohol”.

Improving Mental Health of Students Parents

This report created by the Ascend at the Aspen Institute and The Jed Foundation outlines a framework of recommendations for colleges to support student parent mental health and improve graduation rates.

Is My Child's Anger Normal?

Tips for parents of children who have trouble controlling their tempers, including possible underlying causes and strategies for managing children’s anger.

Mental Health Resources Database

It can be difficult to find help for mental and behavioral health. On Our Sleeves’ national directory helps you find resources in your area, close to your child’s support system and community.

Multilingual Trauma Resources

When communities experience episodes of violence or face natural disasters these events are hard even for adults to comprehend. We can’t shield our children from pain and fear when they’re exposed to such tragedy. But we can help them process what they’re experiencing in the healthiest way possible.

The Child Mind Institute has prepared free trauma resources to aid parents, educators, and other adults in talking to children and adolescents about potentially traumatic events and identifying those who might benefit from more focused professional attention. Our children can be more sensitive to challenges around them because of their life experience and they need our support.

On Our Sleeves Mooderators

The Mooderators Resource guide includes a downloadable guidebook for children, parents, and teachers to understand and work through difficult emotions. Within the guidebook, there are video resources, written resources, and discussion guides.

On our Sleeves Guide to Loss

Multiple guides on dealing with loss and grief for children and adults. Resource guides included are: “Helping Grieving Children”, “Processing Grief With Kids”, “Helping Children Cope With Divorce and Separation”, and “How to Talk to Children About Death”.

Parent and Caregiver Support Group

The Parent and Caregiver Support Group, hosted by the International OCD Foundation, is a free virtual meeting held on the third Tuesday of each month from 5 to 6 PM. It provides a supportive environment for adults caring for children, teens, spouses, or partners with OCD or anxiety. Participants can connect with others, share experiences, and learn self-care strategies. To attend, individuals should RSVP via email.

Parenting a Depressed Teenager

Advice for parents of teenagers dealing with depression, from recognizing symptoms to seeking treatment.

Parents Guide to Autism

A guide for parents all about autism, including diagnosis, common challenges and treatment options.

Parents Guide to Getting Good Care

A complete guide for parents on getting effective treatment for children dealing with mental health or learning challenges. Including information on seeking care, understanding a child’s diagnosis and assessing treatment options.

Parents and Caregivers

This article offers resources for parents and caregivers of children with mood disorders. The page highlights tips for supporting children through their challenges, understanding mood disorders, and encouraging open communication. It provides guidance on setting boundaries, promoting self-care, and finding professional support. DBSA also offers peer-led support groups for parents to connect with others facing similar situations.

Processing The Grief of Canceled Graduation

In this workshop, YourMomCares talks about ways to process grief of a canceled graduation and ways to talk about the loss with children.

Quick Guide to Autism Spectrum Disorder

A Quick Guide to Autism Spectrum Disorder in CMI’s Family Resource Center. Also available for download.

Resources for Parents and Caregivers

The Kids Mental Health Foundation offers resources to help parents and caregivers support children’s mental health. Key tools include articles on coping with emotions, addressing bullying, fostering happiness, and initiating conversations about feelings. Their program, On Our Sleeves, collaborates with healthcare partners to promote mental health awareness and provide resources across the U.S. The foundation aims to empower families and break stigmas surrounding children’s mental health issues.

Roadmap to Back to School For Parents

The bigger the change, the bigger the possibility for mental stress. This year, we are returning to schools that look different after a year no one expected, and this shift can cause both stress and opportunity for growth. The back to school time, although it can cause stress, provides a unique opportunity for growth. Periods of transition allow you to do things in a new and improved way. This is a good time to create healthy habits for both physical and mental wellbeing.

This resource links to multiple guides about navigating social media and staying safe online. Guides include “Kids and Social Media”, “Talking to Kids About Social Media”, “Using Social Media Wisely”, “Kids Privacy and Social Media”, “How to Make a Family Social Media Plan”, “Does Your Child Have a Social Media Problem”, and “How Does Social Media Impact Kids With Mental Disorders?”.

Start With Hello Family Guide

The purpose of this guide is to bring the Start With Hello message outside of the schools and into your homes. Sandy Hook Promise strives to build a community of Upstanders by empowering young people and their families to use their voices to stand up against violence. This guide is centered around restorative and transformative practices as well as focusing on social emotional well-being. The activities provide opportunities for families to hone relationship-building skills, along with strengthening social and self-awareness.

Supporting Your Teen's Mental Health

Many teens struggle with their mental health and aren’t sure where to turn for help. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or another trusted adult in a teen’s life, we’re here to help you navigate teens’ difficult emotions and give them the support they need.

Supporting Families During COVID-19

The Child Mind Institute offers information for parents and caregivers to support their family during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Talking About Current Events with Kids

MINDS & YourMomCares hosted a webinar on how parents can strive to strike a balance between protecting our children and preparing them for life out in the world.

Talking With Kids About Race and Racism

In light of recent events, many caregivers may find themselves struggling to talk about the concepts of race, ethnicity and racism with kids. What is discussed depends on a family’s make up and the community in which they live, but it is important for everyone to have the conversation. Remember: it is okay not to know all the answers. You can look them up and learn together!

Teaching Kids About Gender Pronouns

The topic of gender diversity is often thought of as something new in today’s world, but gender diverse people have been reintroducing themselves with different pronouns for centuries, such as indigenous cultures across the globe.

If your child is curious about pronouns or asks you to use different pronouns for them, here are tips on what pronouns are, why they matter, and how you can be inclusive in using and respecting pronouns.

The "Not Alone" Initiative by Inspiring Children Foundation

The “Not Alone” initiative by Inspiring Children Foundation offers resources and support for families and young children facing emotional challenges. It focuses on promoting mental health and resilience through various programs and activities. The foundation aims to transform the lives of at-risk youth by providing holistic approaches to physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

The Great Collide: How Supported Children Enable Successful Companies

Children’s mental health has always been at the forefront of what we do—so when the pandemic hit (less socializing, more stress), we knew we needed to spring into action. Partnering with the Nationwide Foundation, we surveyed 5,406 working adults across the county, and we found that children’s mental health has a large and direct impact on corporate success. Inside this report, you’ll find parents’ concerns and challenges and, most importantly, ways employers can help. We all care deeply about children’s mental health—and the future of work and family depends on our ongoing commitment to it.

Trans Lifeline Resources for Parents and Familes

The Trans Lifeline’s “Families & Parenting” resources provide support for parents and families of transgender and gender-diverse youth. It includes educational materials on gender identity, parenting guidance, and access to community support networks. Resources cover topics like family building for transgender individuals, fertility options, and peer support groups. This initiative aims to foster understanding and provide essential information to create a supportive environment for transgender youth and their families.

What to Do (and Not Do) When Children Are Anxious

Tips for parents of children with anxiety. How can parents respect children’s feelings without empowering their fears?

What's ADHD (and What's Not) in the Classroom

Guidance for teachers on recognizing ADHD, as well as information about other disorders it’s commonly confused with.

YMC Back to School Mental Wellness Checklist

This year families across America will face the most unusual and challenging “Back to School” environment of our lifetimes. YourMomCares’ team of Expert Mom have put together our 2nd Annual Back to School Mental Wellness Checklist with all the unique circumstances of 2020 in mind. Regardless of what your child’s learning environment looks like, these tips are for you.

"Know the Signs" Activities for Trusted Adults

As Trusted Adults, we all want our schools, homes, and communities safe. These easy-lift resources and activities boost connection, build empathy, and will empower students to recognize signs and speak up to Trusted Adults to foster safer communities. Find more back-to-school resources here.

1-2-1 with Lionel Richie & Governor John Kasich

Lionel Richie and Governor John Kasich spoke about their similar familial dynamics and circumstances as they’ve both grieved the loss of parents and are loving fathers trying to understand how to best support their children’s mental health during this time. They were joined by Dr. Parker Huston of On Our Sleeves who shed light on how we and our children can learn and grow from these times.

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