Our Blog

Change is a constant in life, but for children, even seemingly small transitions can feel overwhelming. Moving to a new home, starting school, or adjusting to a new sibling can spark uncertainty and anxiety. These events can disrupt the sense of security children rely on to feel safe. Fortunately, parents and caregivers can provide the tools and emotional support needed to help children manage life’s changes with resilience and confidence. This guide offers practical advice f

As many caregivers know, children thrive off consistency and routines, and bedtime is no different. A bedtime routine is especially...

According to a recent study, many children and teenagers who seek help for an anxiety disorder receive medication, and not counseling (2023)

Meltdowns, tantrums and outbursts, oh my! We’ve all been there! You are in the middle of Target and your child falls to the floor...

Hearing a child’s medical diagnosis is a moment most parents never forget. You may remember the room, the doctor’s words, the way time seemed to stretch and collapse at once. Whether the diagnosis was expected or came as a shock, the days that follow often bring a swirl of emotions, like fear, confusion, grief, numbness, or a deep worry about the future. No matter what you’ve been told, these reactions are human, valid, and shared by many parents walking the same path as you

Facing a child’s first hospital experience can feel overwhelming for families. Uncertainty, fear of the unknown, and emotional stress are all common. However, with thoughtful preparation, children can enter their stay feeling informed, supported, and comforted. At Hearts Connected, we walk families through this journey as trusted partners, offering compassionate pediatric hospital preparation rooted in emotional well-being. Check out our step-by-step first hospital stay guide

When one child in a family has medical needs, parents often face a difficult question: how do we help their sibling understand what’s happening without overwhelming or frightening them? It’s a delicate balance. Children deserve honesty, but they also need reassurance, clarity, and space to express their feelings. As providers of pediatric family guidance, we’ve seen how thoughtful, compassionate conversations can ease confusion, strengthen sibling bonds, and create a sense of

All children worry from time to time. It’s natural for kids to feel nervous about school, making friends, or trying something new. For some, however, these worries become so frequent or intense that they start to interfere with daily life. If you’ve noticed your child avoiding activities, experiencing unexplained stomachaches, or becoming overwhelmed by small changes, you might be seeing signs of anxiety in children. Fortunately, help is closer than you think. We’re diving de

Tantrums are a familiar part of parenting, but when they’re rooted in anxiety, they can feel especially overwhelming for both parent and child. Understanding the connection between anxiety and explosive behavior is essential for responding in a way that calms the situation. By learning how to recognize triggers and apply age-appropriate techniques, parents can support their child’s emotional development and reduce the frequency and intensity of these episodes. Below, Hearts C

Helping a child manage anxiety is one of the most delicate and challenging parts of parenting. For anxious children, everyday moments can feel overwhelming, like going to school, trying something new, or even attending a birthday party. While the natural instinct might be to protect them from discomfort, long-term resilience and confidence come from teaching emotional awareness and self-regulation. Emotional intelligence in children is their ability to recognize, understand,

Grief is never simple, but when it touches a child, it can be especially hard to navigate. Whether they’ve lost a parent, grandparent, sibling, pet, or someone else close to them, children process loss in ways that are deeply emotional — and often very different from adults. As a parent or caregiver, you may feel unsure about how to help, what to say, or when to worry. It’s never easy supporting children through grief, but with the right tools, language, and support systems,

As a parent, you want your child to feel confident navigating life’s changes, but when they’re facing a new school, moving homes, or welcoming a new sibling, it’s natural to wonder how to support them through the unknown. It’s during challenging transitions like these where CBT skills for kids can make a meaningful difference. CBT, or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, is widely used with children to help them better understand the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behavi

The start of a new school year can be a time of excitement, but it can also bring a wave of anxiety for many children. Perhaps you’ve noticed your child worrying about making new friends, keeping up with schoolwork, or even navigating the school environment. These feelings are natural, yet they can feel overwhelming for both children and parents. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Countless parents (and their kids) deal with these experiences — and, believe us, many h

Parenthood is one of the most rewarding and demanding journeys an individual can embark on. This experience is full of highs and lows, from managing routines to navigating breakdowns. Even while under pressure, you still need to be calm, nurturing, and present, all while juggling work, relationships, and responsibilities. It can seem impossible. The good news? You do not have to stay stuck in survival mode. With a mindful approach, you can build resilience, deepen your connec

If you notice a decline in their school performance, regular worry or anxiety, hyperactivity, aggression, or sadness, learning how to choose a mental health provider for kids should be your next step. Like adults, children can face a range of emotional and psychological challenges that may affect their daily lives, relationships, and academic performance. As such, working with a mental health professional for your child can help them develop healthy coping mechanisms and impr

Mental health is a big deal, no matter your age. For little ones, mental health is incredibly challenging to navigate because their minds...

Tips and tricks to help your child take their medicine when they are resistant. We share strategies to make medication taking stress-free!

Raising children comes with countless joys but also challenges. From the toddler years to adolescence, behavioral issues can test even the most patient parents, leaving them overwhelmed and unsure about the best approach. The only way to transform these hurdles into opportunities for growth is to understand child behavior problems and solutions. How can you foster a stronger parent-child bond and equip your children with the skills they need to thrive? Common Parenting Challe

With around two billion young souls worldwide, children form the heartbeat of humanity. Each child navigates a complex world of emotions, growth, and discovery. Unfortunately, not all emotional hurdles are easy to overcome, especially when children lack the tools to manage their feelings. Among these challenges, anxiety stands out as a prevalent and complex issue. Child anxiety can overwhelm both the child experiencing it and the parent striving to provide support. As such, a

Grief is complex for people of all ages, but it can be especially challenging for children. Unlike adults, children have less experience and understanding of death and the emotions that come with it. Whether they have lost a loved one or a pet, they need support and guidance, and adults bear the significant responsibility of providing both. Read on to learn how to help a child cope with loss. The Different Ways Children Grieve The first thing you should know about a child cop

Children aged six months to three years often struggle with separation anxiety. In this developmental stage, they can feel distressed when separated from their caregivers. Since children spend most of their time with their parents or guardians, who provide them with a sense of security, it’s natural for them to be anxious when they cannot see familiar faces. They may exhibit clinginess, cry, or even refuse to sleep without their caregivers nearby. As parents, understanding ho

Dealing with challenging behaviors in children can be a daunting and stressful experience for parents and caregivers. It’s common to feel overwhelmed when tantrums, defiance, or aggression disrupt daily life. Our frustration often stems from a desire to help children learn to manage their emotions and actions, but it’s important to remember that these behaviors are typically a form of communication. Recognizing this can be the first step toward finding effective strategies th

As parents, we want to see our children happy and confident. However, when anxiety creeps in, even the simplest of challenges can feel overwhelming for our little ones. Fortunately, with the right tools, we can help our children navigate these big emotions and empower them to manage their anxiety. These tools, known as coping skills, are not just practical — they can also be fun and engaging! This blog post will explore a variety of playful children’s coping skills that you c

For children, resilience is a vital skill that helps them navigate life’s ups and downs, fostering emotional well-being and overall success. Building resilience strengthens children’s self-esteem and confidence and develops essential problem-solving and coping skills. This guide will explore effective child coping skills for nurturing resilience in your child and highlight the importance of supportive relationships in this process. Understanding Resilience and Its Importance

Learn video game ratings and how to decide which games are best for your child. Learn gaming benefits and how it can actually be supportive!

Summer break often leaves children with less sensory input at home. Here we share sensory activities to help them stay regulated!

Learn how to support your child with developing social skills and navigating peer relationships.

By employing these strategies with some patience and practice, parents can equip children toward healthier ways to handle anger.

March is recognized by the Association of Child Life Professionals as Child Life Month. As child life specialists aim to maximize coping...

All children have unique needs when it comes to experiencing something stressful, uncomfortable, or painful. By helping your child...

A list of ways to promote emotional health and well being, and activity ideas for your kids during the winter months.

It’s always exciting as we countdown the final days of December and welcome January 1st as a chance for a new start. Often we are quick...

First and foremost, for optimal success wait until your child is ready. There is no single “right age” to start potty training. Remember,...

Coping skills are strategies we use to manage feelings and handle stress. Coping is not something we are born knowing how to do; it’s...

Play is not just an enjoyable pastime for children; it is a fundamental aspect of their growth and development. As parents, educators,...

For many, there are seemingly endless questions, thoughts, and worries surrounding how to approach the year of firsts after the death of...

Mental illness is an important, yet often a difficult discussion to tackle with children. Since mental health is an essential component...

September marks the end of summer and the beginning of fall. Did you know that September is also designated by Congress as National...

Me: “Does your school have a zero-tolerance policy on bullying.” Caregiver: “Yes! I went down to the school, the kids are constantly...

Research shows that child life specialists decrease procedure time and fear in children receiving an outpatient lab draws.

It’s not just okay to cry in front of your children – it may be necessary. Show them what it looks like to FEEL.

Learn how to advocate for your child and support them with the transition back to school after a new diagnosis or serious illness.

Many children living with a chronic illness face various challenges that can impact their overall well-being. Understandably, the journey...

What exactly is child-centered play, and more importantly, why does it matter? Child-Centered Play (and language) Play is the natural...

Talking and playing with your child before surgery reduces the stress and fear often associated with the hospital by helping them...

Children's books are a developmentally-appropriate way to explain difficult topics like cancer, grief, and emotions to a child.

Just like the rest of the body, a child's mental health also needs to be supported and nurtured! Here we have listed 5 easy ways to do this.

Making shots "easier" does not mean the child does not have an emotional reaction, but rather, it creates an experience that encourages

During the school year children may experience feelings of anxiety from academic pressures such as testing, presentations, being called...

What are temper tantrums and why do toddlers have them? We discuss how to manage these difficult moments and ways to support your toddler.