Helping families through

Life's hard moments

Virtual Support that Works for Your Family

We are a team of mental health providers serving families all over the United States

No wait list
Open 7 days a week
Video sessions for children 4+, teens, and young adults
Phone sessions for parents needing guidance, education, and support
Transparent self-pay pricing

Get Help Today

HERE TO HELP YOU, HELP YOUR CHILD

Schedule a Free Call

Time with one of our providers to share the specific needs of your child and learn more about our services.

Learn More about our Services

Find the right service option for your family. We offer therapeutic video calls for kids 4+ and parent support calls.

You can email or call us anytime.
info@heartsconnected.org

404-516-0906

Helping kids cope, grieve and heal

Hearts Connected provides mental health support to kids, teens, and their families.

Learn How We Can Help

TESTIMONIALS

"Our child life specialist

has made the mind-blowing and overwhelming experience of leukemia, understandable and tolerable."

"My daughter received wonderful support and in one session left with a toolkit of coping skills to use at her next appointment and I received a very thorough email describing the strategies and how to best support my child."

"Working with Hearts Connected in the early days of my child losing both of her grandparents was the right decision for us. The confusion and difficulty of that early time was quickly made just a little bit easier with just 1 session with Hearts Connected and my daughter has asked when we can do it again."

"Our child life specialist came up with new and creative strategies to help my child; she clearly put a lot of thought into the specific tools that would be best suited to his personality."

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🐣 HOP into some Easter fun with these playful yoga poses for kids! Whether you’re a wobbly egg or a hatching chick, every stretch promotes feelings of calm, strength, and playfulness.
Movement is an under-utilized coping tool! When we think of “calm” we think of children being still, but calm also means that one’s nervous system is regulated. Movement helps to regulate the nervous system, boost endorphins, and provides sensory input for little ones that need help regulating emotionally or physically.
👉 Try these with your child(ren) this weekend - and tag us to show us your best Bunny Hop! 🧘‍♀️
#ChildLifeYoga #EasterYogaFun #VirtualChildLife #MindfulKids #EasterForKids

“Don’t be scared” might sound like a comforting phrase — but it can actually make kids feel like their fear isn’t real/valid, or that they are not allowed to feel the emotion of fear.
As Child Life Specialists, here are some things we say instead to support emotional safety 👇
✅ “It’s okay to feel nervous — I’m right here.”
✅ “Want to know what’s going to happen first?”
✅ “What part feels the scariest? Let’s make a plan.”
✅ “Let’s take a deep breath together — that can help your body feel calmer.”
💛 These small shifts of language can help to build trust, confidence, and coping skills that last. Need more support helping your child through fear, anxiety, or medical experiences? Our Child Life Specialists are here to help — from your home, on your schedule.
🔗 Tap the link in our bio to learn more, book a session, or connect with us today!

#ChildLifeSpecialist #ParentingTips #HelpingKidsCope #PediatricCare #KidsAndEmotions

In May, we are excited to welcome Caitlin Novelli! She is a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) with over fifteen years of clinical experience across various healthcare and community settings. Through persistence and innovation, she has developed and implemented impactful programming, initiatives, and educational tools to meet the social, emotional, and developmental needs of children and families. Her advocacy work in the field of child life has led to increased staffing and expansion of the role of a child life specialist. As a Life is Good Playmaker, Caitlin fosters joy and resilience in the face of challenges.

Webinar Discussion Points:
1. Explore how a shift in perspective can help navigate daily challenges both professionally and personally
2. Learn practical reframing strategies to manage stress and promote emotional well-being
3. Identify personal "get to" moments
4. Discuss the importance of balancing "get to" with toxic positivity

To register for this webinar, click the link in our bio or go to www.heartsconnected.org/event

Thank you to our sponsor, Back to Basics Kids for helping us host this webinar for our child life community! Go check out her amazing Wonder Discs @backtobasicscurriculum, the ultimate distraction tool/toy for procedure support! Or go to www.backtobasicskids.com

Think your child just wants attention? Think again!

Kids deserve more than just a quick fix or distraction - they deserve true connection. When they act out or shut down, they’re not trying to be “difficult” - they’re reaching out.
At Hearts Connected, we help families go beyond behavior to meet the real needs underneath. Because every child deserves to feel seen, heard, and safe.

Tap the link in our bio to get started today! 💜
#HeartsConnected #ChildLife #ConnectionOverAttention #ParentingTips

Sometimes the right words can make all the difference. 🌟 At Hearts Connected, we understand that using thoughtful language can foster cooperation, reduce stress, and strengthen your bond with your child. Instead of defaulting to ‘because I said so,’ try these language shifts that encourage communication and understanding:

🤍 ‘It’s important to me because…’ – This shows why a task or decision matters and helps children understand the bigger picture.  🤍 ‘Can you tell me why you don’t want to…’ – Opening up the conversation invites your child’s perspective and helps you address their feelings.  🤍 ‘Is there a way I can help you?’ – Teamwork makes everything easier. Offering help empowers your child to tackle challenges together.  🤍 ‘First, then…’ – Offering a simple structure provides clear expectations and makes transitions smoother.  By shifting the way we speak, we create an environment of mutual respect and cooperation. Follow us for more tips on how to make positive changes in your parenting approach! 💕 #ParentingTip #ChildLife #LanguageMatters #PositiveParenting

We are super excited to share with you our newest partner, The Butterfly Pig!! We have admired The Butterfly Pig's incredible medical play toys for years now and we can't wait to see how our partnership reaches and supports more families dealing with medical challenges. 💜

@thebutterflypig creates inclusive medical toys that empower kids through play—reducing fear and building confidence. The Butterfly Pig offers a wide range of interactive medical toys designed to help children understand and embrace their health care experiences, leading to better outcomes and smiling faces. Not only are The Butterfly Pigs's medical play toys adorable and developmentally appropriate, they are also backed by research! Check out the key benefits evidence:

🐽 40% Reduction in Patient Anxiety after just one interaction with our medical tools.
🐽 150% Increase in Patient Cooperation, reducing restraint use and improving efficiency.
🐽 112% Increase in Patient Understanding, leading to smoother procedures.
🐽 60% Increase in Parental Involvement, easing stress for both kids and providers.
🐽 8.23/10 Time Efficiency Improvement, giving staff more time for care.

Check out The Butterfly Pig at www.thebutterflypig.com to learn more or explore the many medical toys available for purchase. Child life specialists and parents alike, this resource is one-of-a-kind and valuable for anyone supporting a child going through a medical challenge or experience.

#MedicalPlay #ChildLifeSpecialist #Pediatrics

If you watched the show “Adolescence” and were left feeling shaken up, you’re not alone. It’s not just a show - it’s a warning. There’s a moment where you realize: this isn’t far-fetched. This could be any of our kids. Good homes, loving parents, and still - lost, lonely, exploding, drowning, hiding.

As Child Life Specialists, we’re here to support families through those challenging, shake-you-up moments. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or noticing changes in your child, let’s talk! 💜

Let’s build bridges before walls go up. Click the link in our bio to schedule a free consult. 📞
#AdolescenceNetflix #ParentingTeens #adolescence #ParentingTips

Have you ever told a child, “You’re so brave!”or “Be brave!” during a tough moment? While it comes from a place of love, it can sometimes make kids feel like they have to hide their fear.
As Child Life Specialists, we focus on helping kids feel safe, heard, and supported - no matter how they’re feeling. Instead of just praising bravery, let’s remind kids that all feelings are okay. 💛

✨ Try saying:
✔️ “It’s okay to feel scared. I’m here with you.”
✔️ “Would you like to hold a toy or take deep breaths together?”
✔️ “You’re doing great just by being you.”
Let’s create a world where kids feel safe to feel. Follow us for more Child Life tips!

#ChildLifeSpecialist #SupportingKids #FeelingsMatter #EmotionalSupport

Positivity is great, but honesty builds trust! 💙 As Child Life Specialists, we believe that when kids know what to expect, they feel more in control and cope better with medical experiences - including at the dentist! 🦷✨
Child Life practices aren’t just for hospitals. They can be used in any medical setting to help children feel safe and supported. By using kid-friendly language, offering choices, and providing honest but gentle preparation, we can reduce fear and build trust between kids, parents, and healthcare providers.
A positive approach is key, but transparency makes all the difference. What do you think of these strategies? Let’s chat in the comments! ⬇️ #ChildLife #PediatricDentistry #HonestPreparation #MedicalSupportForKids

As moms, we want to give our children the tools to express their emotions, but sometimes, we just don’t know where to start. That’s where Hearts Connected comes in—not to replace a parent’s love and guidance, but to partner with you in supporting your child’s emotional growth. 💜

One mom shared here how one of our child life specialists created a safe space for her son to explore his feelings, develop coping strategies, and truly thrive. The positive changes she’s seen are a testament to what’s possible when families and experts work together!

If your child is struggling with big emotions, you don’t have to figure it out alone. We’re here to support you as you support them.

🗓️ Book a session today and take the first step toward emotional growth and resilience for your child. Go to www.heartsconnected.org/services or email us at info@heartsconnected.org. We have no waitlist and are open 7 days a week!

#SEL #SocialEmotionalSkills #MomsTestimonial #ParentSupport

We are so excited to welcome a second new team member to our Child Life team! Joanna Floyd will be joining our team as a clinical child life specialist, serving children and families with us. 💜

Joanna Floyd, MA, CCLS has been a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) since May 2011 and has a BS in Child and Family Development and MA in Professional Communication and Leadership. She is an advocate for mental health and passionate about supporting children and families through healthcare experiences. Joanna’s personal experience with Trust-based Relational Intervention has greatly influenced her practice as a CCLS. Her child life career has grown during her work at Dwayne and Cynthia Willett Children’s Hospital of Savannah, and currently at Children’sHealthcare of Atlanta. She is a supporter of therapeutic camps and volunteers with CampSunshine. She brings a broad range of primary clinical experience in inpatient and outpatient areas: Day Surgery, Radiology, Cardiology, Oncology, Hematology, Infusion Clinic,Medical-Surgical, General Pediatrics, and general house coverage.

Joanna lives in Georgia with her husband and two daughters. In her daughter’s words, Joanna’s favorite activity is to play with them! She also enjoys cooking Thai dishes, watercolor painting, making music, and being outside.

#ChildLife #ChildLifeSpecialist

🏀✨ March Madness, Emotions Edition! ✨🏀

We have create a therapeutic March Madness-style activity for you to facilitate with your child(ren) or client/patient! This interactive activity helps kids explore and identify their most impactful emotions as they choose their front-runners each round. From joy to frustration, pride to excitement, which emotion will win it all?

How it works:

- Each round, kids will pick the emotion that feels the most powerful to them. They can share stories or scenarios related to the competing emotions and coping skills to deal with or build upon each one as well.
- Watch the bracket evolve as they work their way through and reflect on their feelings and find their "Most Impactful Emotion"

Comment "Madness", and we'll send you a FREE printable PDF bracket to get started! Let the emotion showdown begin! 🤗

#MarchMadness #EmotionsChallenge #Therapeutic Activity #FeelingsMatter #FamilyActivity

We are thrilled to welcome Meridith Bergquist as our Student Support Services Coordinator! As our student programming continues to expand and grow, we are so grateful to welcome Meridith onto our team to help with the goals and plans we have for the Students Connected Community and child life student services. 🤗

Meridith Bergquist, M.S., CCLS has been a Certified Child Life Specialist for 15 years, dedicating most of her career as a Child Life Specialist in the Emergency Department. With an undergraduate degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato and a Master’s in Child Development with a concentration in Child Life Leadership and Advocacy from the Erikson Institute; she has always demonstrated passion about serving the next generation of Child Life Specialists.

Meridith continues to be an advocate for continued growth and evolvement of the Child Life profession. She is a lifelong learner and strives to be an educator not only for students, but for other healthcare providers. As a presenter at the Midwest Child Life Conference, her expertise and dedication to students, providers, and Child Life is unwavering. Through her time supporting children and families in emergent procedures, emotional distress, and bereavement; she saw a need to bring students into the picture. She strongly believes that some of the hardest moments and lessons of the Child Life profession can only be taught through experience. Thus, she created and implemented a Minnesota-based practicum program for students to foster skills of their own while observing a variety of clinical experiences. She is proud to say this program continues to evolve and support students in the ever-changing world of child life.

Meridith resides in Minnesota with her family and enjoys spending time outside with her kids, trying new foods, and traveling to new places.

#ChildLife #ChildLifeSpecialist

Hey parents! 💜 Want to connect with your kids and build empathy? Mealtime is the perfect time! 🍽️ Ask questions like, “What made you smile today?” and really listen when they share. Don’t forget to share your own feelings too—it’s okay to talk about emotions at any age! 💬

Start these simple conversations at your next meal and watch your bond grow. How do you connect with your kids at dinner? Drop your tips below! 👇 #ParentingTips #BuildingEmpathy #MeaningfulConversation #MealtimeMagic

Looking for a fun way to boost your child’s confidence and creativity this St. Patrick’s Day? Try making these lucky shamrocks! ☘️

Using materials like construction paper, markers, pens, and anything else they want to use to decorate, have your little one fill in the sentence “I am lucky because…” with something positive about themselves. Not only is this a fun craft, but it also helps your kid to focus on their strengths and feel proud of who they are. 💚

What makes your child lucky? Share their shamrock with us!👇#SelfEsteem #StPatricksDay #CraftsForKids #PositiveAffirmations

Does it feel like your child gets more upset when you try to comfort them? Instead of rushing to calm them down or fix the problem, what if we simply made space for their feelings?

✨ Validating your child’s emotions helps them feel heard, understood, and supported. 💙 Remember, it’s okay to let them feel negative or hard emotions, otherwise, how will they ever learn how to handle them?!

This small shift lets them know their emotions matter and that they are safe to express them with you. When kids feel heard, they learn to process emotions in a healthier way—without the pressure to “just calm down.”

How do you validate your child’s emotions? Share your tips in the comments below! 💬 We’d love to hear from you!

#EmotionalSupport #ParentingWithEmpathy #ParentingTips #ValidatingFeelings

Did you know you can model emotional regulation as a parent by staying calm in stressful situations and being mindful of your reactions? 🌱
Emotional regulation is the ability to understand, manage, and respond to our emotions in healthy ways. It's am important skill that helps us stay balanced, even when life gets tough. 💖
Benefits of emotional regulation? ✨ ✅ Improved communication ✅ Stronger relationships ✅ Better decision-making ✅ Enhanced resilience AND MORE!

Parenting tip: Start small, be patient, and celebrate progress! 💫

Let’s work together to raise emotionally intelligent kiddos! 💪 Drop a comment below with your favorite tip for emotional regulation! 👇 #EmotionalRegulation #ParentingTips #MindfulParenting #EmotionalIntelligence

Want to help your kids practice mindfulness this spring? 🌼 Just like washing the windows and letting in fresh air, you can help your little ones organize their emotions, open the windows to new possibilities, and wash away negative thoughts!

Try these activities with your little ones and share how they’re feeling afterward in the comments! 💬👇

📞 Click the link in our bio to schedule a free call with a child life specialist today!

#SpringCleaning #MindfulnessForKids #MentalHealthMatters #ParentingTips

When talking to kids about vaccines, honesty is key! 💉

Instead of saying “It won’t hurt,” try explaining the feeling honestly in a gentle way - acknowledge it’s a quick pinch while focusing on the big picture: their health and safety. After it is done, ask your child what their perspective of the experience was so you can remind them next time what they experienced.❤️
By saying “It won’t hurt” you are setting yourself up for not being a trustworthy source of information for your child when they ask you tough questions. By being honest and reassuring about what they will experience, you can help your kids feel more in control and prepared which leads to less anxiety.

Save this reel for your next vaccine appointment, and share with a fellow parent who could use this tip!

#ChildLife #VaccineSupport #NeedleFears #ParentingTips

Struggling with bedtime? Did you know you can teach breathwork to kids? Try this calming breathing technique to help your little one unwind and relax. 🌙✨ With a little patience, this calming practice can make bedtime easier for everyone!

💤 Save this reel for your next bedtime routine and tag a fellow parent who could use this!
#BedtimeRoutine #BreathingTechniques #RelaxationForKids #ParentingTips

It is with excitement and gratitude that we share our CEO and Founder, DD Fritch, is included in the Marquis Who’s Who publication! 👏 @marquiswhoswho publications feature the most renowned and accomplished individuals from around the world! DD is being included for dedicating her career to advancing pediatric mental health and wellness through the Hearts Connected virtual model.

It is an honor to be included in this publication and we are so grateful that bridging the gap in children’s mental health is receiving the recognition it deserves. To view the full press release with DD’s feature, go to www.heartsconnected.org/about-us

#MarquisWhosWho #ChildrensMentalHealth #MentalHealthIsHealth

📱 Worried about your child’s relationship with social media? Here are 4 tips to help navigate the digital world:

1️⃣ Set healthy screen time limits & encourage family activities! 
2️⃣ Have open conversations when your child feels down after social media. 
3️⃣ Help them find and follow accounts that promote positivity & self-love. 
4️⃣ Know when to seek professional help if social media impacts their mental health.

For more resources on how to support your child, reach out to us at Hearts Connected and schedule a free call! ❤️
#ParentingTips #HealthyBoundaries #SocialMediaAwareness #MentalHealthMatters

Hey parents! 👋 Is your child scared of needles? You’re not alone! Many parents wonder how to ease their child’s fear of shots, so let’s break it down. 💉

✨ First, if your child says, “I’m scared,” validate their feelings! Let them know it’s okay to be nervous and that you’re there to help them through it.
✨ Yes, it’s a good idea to mention the shot beforehand, but keep it simple! Explain that they will feel a quick poke and that it will be over once the band-aid is on.
✨ Want to make it less stressful? Give your child choices! Let them pick which arm to use, or whether they want to count or look away. Small decisions help them feel more in control.
✨ During the shot, comfort is key! Hold them close, bring a favorite stuffed animal, sing a song, or distract them with a video. Keeping their mind busy can help move the focus away from the needle.
✨ And if they cry, that’s okay! It’s normal and a form of coping. Afterward, praise them for something specific you saw them do and reward them with a sticker or treat to end on a positive note. ❤️

Save this for later and share it with a fellow parent who might need it! You’ve got this! 🙌
#ParentingTips #NeedleFear #ScaredOfShots #NeedlePhobia

✨ When disaster strikes, children are left with big emotions and even bigger questions. In the past six months, so many families have lost their homes to natural disasters, and countless children are left wondering—what happens next? How do we rebuild a sense of safety when everything familiar is gone?

💜 That’s why Hearts Connected is offering a FREE support session for parents and caregivers to help you guide your children through the emotional aftermath of a natural disaster.

📅 Saturday, Feb 22nd
⏰ 12PM-1PM EST
💻 Virtual & Free

This session is tailored for families impacted by the LA fires and Hurricane Helene, but all families affected by natural disasters in the past year are welcome.

In this session, we’ll cover:
1. How to tell if your child is coping well or struggling
2. How to talk with your child about the event and prepare for the future
3. Easing your child’s fears about the “what ifs” after a traumatic event
4. Activities to build coping skills as a family
5. Resources for ongoing support and information
6. Discussion prompts and open Q&A

Register now at www.heartsconnected.org/event 💜

#ParentSupport #DisasterRecovery #HurricaneHelene #LAFires #PalisadesFires

Expert ideas from Certified Child Life Specialists on how to help your child take their medicine!

Flu season is tough for many reasons! One being how difficult it can be to get your child to take their medicine! 🤒💊

As child life specialists, we have extensive experience working in the medical setting and helping kids cope with challenges associated with their medical experience. A common one is medication taking, so we have many tried and proven tips and tricks! 🤗

1. Provide choices: offer your child appropriate choices like “do you want to take your medicine in 1 minute or 2?” or “Do you want to it in a spoon or cup?” Remain firm that taking the medicine is not a choice, but here are your other choices!
2. Use Distraction: find a novel show or allow special extra screen time for only medication taking time.
3. Simple Education: Kids want to know why! Use simple language like “This medicine will help your throat to hurt less” or “This medicine will help you feel better so we can plan a playdate with ______.”
4. Mask the flavor: We use so many tricks in the hospital to mask med flavors! Make a mini slushie or milkshake, crush a pill and mush it between an Oreo cookie, mix the medicine in a yummy chocolate and peanut butter dip for apples or cookies! Get creative!*
5. Model: Demonstrate on a stuffed animal what you are asking of your child and let them practice on the stuffed animal first. This works great for eye drops, nasal sprays, respiratory treatments, etc!
6. Give control/ownership: Kids want to feel like they have control and autonomy. Let them decorate their medication taking box, go to the store and let them choose which med flavors they want, etc!

*Check with your pharmacist before crushing meds or mixing meds in certain foods.

What helps your child take their medicine? Share your favorite trick below! 👇🏻

For more information check out our most recent blog post at www.heartsconnected.org/blog inspired by our podcast interview with @levelty.app and @parenting.issues where we shared all of our tips and tricks with parents for medication taking!

#medicationtaking #kidstakingmedicine #fluseason #takeyourmedicine

🎗️ Tomorrow, February 15, is International Childhood Cancer Day. 🎗️

Every year, thousands of children face a battle no child should have to fight. Yet, only 4% of federal funding for cancer research in the U.S. is allocated to childhood cancers‼️ This leaves families and researchers striving to find better treatments with limited resources.

But childhood cancer care isn’t just about treatments - it’s also about hope and healing, too. That’s where Child Life Specialists step in, providing emotional support, therapeutic play, and moments of joy in the toughest times to bring healing and hope. 🌈

💛 Want to make a difference too? Join our fundraiser supporting @curechildcancer in our bio running throughout the rest of this month! Even a small donation can go a long way toward helping researchers and children and families affected by pediatric cancer.

Together, we can bring more hope, more joy, and more cures. 💫

#InternationalChildhoodCancerDay #MoreThan4 #ChildhoodCancerAwareness #CureChildhoodCancer

Valentine’s Day is almost here! ❤️ Create a Love Tree with your little ones to reflect on all the people who love and support them. This simple, yet heartfelt activity is a great way for kids to recognize and celebrate their support system, while also talking to about their emotions! Here’s how:

✂️ Cut out heart shapes from construction paper.
💖 Brainstorm with your child, and write the names of family, friends, teachers, medical professionals, or anyone who shows your child love and support on each heart.
🌿 Tape the hearts to your tree and watch it grow with love!
💡This activity helps kids practice gratitude while reinforcing the importance of connection and support.

Tag us in your Love Tree photos and spread the love this Valentine’s Day! 💬💌 #valentinesday #valentinesdaycraft #childlife #therapeuticactivityforkids

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