don, Author at Kids Mental Health

Family enjoying quality time together, with digital devices set aside to prioritize bonding and well-being.

Nurturing Your Child’s Well-Being: Molly DeFrank’s Digital Detox Insights

Embark on a digital detox journey with Molly DeFrank, a trailblazer in reclaiming family time and children’s well-being in the digital age. DeFrank’s revolutionary approach challenges the status quo, empowering parents to take control of their family’s screen time habits. Through her own transformative experience and extensive research, DeFrank offers practical strategies and profound insights that resonate with families struggling to navigate the increasingly connected world. This article delves into the heart of DeFrank’s digital detox philosophy, exploring its potential to foster mental resilience, creativity, …

Children participating in a play therapy session with activities like bubble blowing and puppet role-play, guided by a therapist, to learn emotional regulation skills.

Emotional Resilience and Coping

9 Playful Activities to Help Your Child Navigate Big Emotions

Engage children in playful activities that teach emotional regulation skills. Set up a feelings board game where they identify and discuss emotions to build awareness. Have them create an anger thermometer craft, labeling intensity levels and healthy coping strategies for each stage. Introduce deep breathing exercises by having them blow bubbles or pretend to be trees swaying in the wind. If your child has recently received a mental health diagnosis, incorporating play therapy activities into their treatment plan can provide a …

Children and teens captivated by the light of smartphones and tablets, representing the isolating impact of screen addiction.

Digital Well-being and Technology

The Silent Struggle: How Technology is Harming Our Kids’ Mental Health

Technology has become an inescapable part of modern life, transforming how we work, learn, socialize and spend our free time. While innovations like smartphones, social media and video games offer many benefits, a growing body of research suggests that excessive screen time and technology use can take a serious toll on our mental well-being, especially for children and teens. From addiction-like behaviors to increased rates of depression and anxiety, it’s crucial that we examine the potential dark side of our increasingly digital lives. Only by understanding the risks can we find balance and protect our mental health in this hyper-…

An illustration of a parent hovering over a child, symbolizing the pressure of parental involvement detracting from the child's independence and confidence.

Digital Well-being and Technology

When Parental Involvement Harms More Than Helps: Avoiding These 6 Mistakes

Encourage your child’s independence and autonomy. While parental involvement is important, being overly controlling or constantly hovering can undermine a child’s confidence and problem-solving skills. Strike a balance between support and space, allowing your child to develop resilience and self-reliance.
Focus on effort and progress, not perfection. Excessive pressure to achieve top grades or be the best at everything can lead to stress, anxiety, and burnout. Praise your child’s hard work, determination, and growth, emphasizing that learning is a journey, not a competition.
Collaborate with teachers, don&#…

A collage showing a diverse group of children engaging in interactive therapy activities, including drawing, puppet play, and music, symbolizing the diverse approaches to nurturing mental well-being.

Therapeutic Approaches

10 Interactive Therapy Tools to Boost Your Child’s Mental Well-Being

Harness the power of interactive therapy tools to nurture your child’s mental well-being. Engage them in expressive art projects that allow them to process emotions creatively. Utilize play therapy techniques like role-playing and storytelling to help children develop coping skills. Incorporate music and movement activities to regulate moods and build self-esteem. Explore digital therapy apps that provide evidence-based interventions in a fun, accessible format.
Art Therapy Activities
Drawing and …

A child engaged in a colorful drawing while an art therapist offers guidance, symbolizing the therapeutic benefits of art therapy for emotional well-being.

Therapeutic Approaches

How Art Therapy Can Brighten Your Child’s Mental Well-Being

Encourage self-expression by introducing simple art projects—drawing, painting, or clay modeling—allowing children to articulate feelings that might be difficult to express verbally. Incorporate themes like emotions or family to help children explore their thoughts and feelings in a safe, enjoyable way. Consult with an art therapist to design age-appropriate activities that align with individual needs, ensuring a supportive environment that fosters emotional growth. Observe and discuss the art creations with the child, providing empathetic feedback and encouraging storytelling about their artwork to enhance understanding and emotional …

An illustration depicting children happily engaged in a 'z activity' session, showcasing diverse elements like drawing and mindful breathing that enhance their mental and emotional well-being.

Nutrition and Physical Health

What Is ‘Z Activity’ and How It Can Boost Your Child’s Mental Well-being

Engage children in ‘z activity’ by incorporating these expert-approved methods into their daily routines. First, integrate z activities during family outings or playtime to encourage natural interaction and boost communication skills. Recognize and praise children’s efforts during these sessions to build confidence and self-esteem. Furthermore, collaborate with schools to include structured z activities in the curriculum, fostering a supportive environment for mental and emotional growth. Finally, consult with child psychologists to tailor z activities to specific needs, ensuring that every child benefits from personalized …

A young child sitting alone on a swing in a partially shadowed playground, with an indistinct background of an adult holding a bottle, symbolizing the impact of parental substance abuse on children's emotional well-being.

Substance Use and Prevention

How Parental Substance Abuse Impacts Children’s Mental Health

Recognize the impact parental substance abuse can have on children by observing behavioral changes or emotional distress as key indicators. Support affected children by promoting open communication and offering them a safe space to express their feelings. Connect with local or national support groups to access resources and share experiences that help manage the situation. Collaborate with teachers and healthcare professionals to create a well-rounded support network, ensuring children receive consistent care and understanding across different environments. Prioritize self-care and seek professional guidance, if needed, to maintain your …

Conceptual illustration of a child at a crossroads, one path leading to storm clouds and the other to a bright landscape, symbolizing the journey from trauma to healing with guidance from supportive adults.

Kids Mental Health Tips for Parents

How Childhood Trauma Shapes the Mind: What Parents Need to Know

Recognize the signs of trauma by observing changes in behavior, such as anxiety or withdrawal, to intervene early. Foster a supportive environment by maintaining open communication and validation, helping children express feelings safely. Engage with mental health professionals to assess and develop personalized coping strategies for healing and growth. Encourage resilience by teaching mindfulness and stress-reduction techniques to build emotional stability and self-regulation. Prioritize education on trauma’s impact to empower both children and adults in taking constructive steps toward healing and recovery.
Understanding …