Resources to Support Your Family's Well-Being
Your relationship with the children in your care builds the foundation for their lifelong physical and mental health. What we learn and experience during the first few years of life stays with us and whether those experiences are positive and help to build resilience determines our future success in academia, friendships, and relationships as we reach maturity.
We are a resource for you. We work to provide helpful, reliable, and scientifically-sound resources for you to promote family and child well-being and resilience.
National Resources
When you visit these sites for information and resources, you know that it will be sound, reliable advice:
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- Child Mind Institute's Family Resource Center provides information to help you support children who are struggling with mental health, behavior or learning challenges.
- HealthyChildren.Org is the American Academy of Pediatrics' (AAP) Parenting Website offering sound information, from prenatal to young adulthood, backed by pediatricians.
- The National Child Traumatic Stress Network provides information and resources to support traumatized children, their families, and communities.
- Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University provides information on the early years of life, focusing on the science and innovation.
- Sesame Street provides developmentally appropriate information, videos, and activities to support health and wellness, social-emotional skills, and school readiness.
- Zero To Three's resources support parents in developing their own ways to promote their children's growth and development.
- Child Care Aware® of America has a wealth of resources focused on helping children cope after traumatic events.
- American Academy for Child & Adolescent Psychiatry's Facts for Families provides concise and up-to-date information on issues that affect children, teenagers, and their families.
Articles, Tip Sheets, and Videos
School Shootings
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) offers a variety of resources for discussing traumatic events with children. Visit their page for a variety on resources on coping after a school shooting. Some topics, with downloadable information, include:
- Age-Related Reactions to a Traumatic Event
- Parent Guide to Helping Youth After a Shooting
- Helping Teens Cope After Mass Violence
- Addressing Worries About a Child's Safety at School
- Talking to Children About the Shooting
Other Information and Resources:
- How to Talk to Kids About School Shootings - Child Mind Institute
- Once I was Very Scared - Free Book and Guide by Chandra Ghosh Ippen
- About Community and Gun Violence - Sesame Street
- Webinar: Talking Trauma with Young Children - Zero to Three with Dr. Chandra Ghosh Ippen
- How to Talk to Kids About School Shootings - Yale Medicine
- Managing Your Distress in the Aftermath of a Shooting - American Psychological Association
- Addressing School Shootings: Tips to Promote Child Well-Being and Resilience - Center for Child Counseling
- Helping Your Child Manage Distress in the Aftermath of a Shooting - American Psychological Association
- Caring for Students in the Wake of a Traumatic News Event - Education Week
Disasters and Other Traumatic Events
- Talking with Children about Disasters - HealthyChildren.org
- Disasters and Response - American Psychological Association
- Tornadoes, Hurricanes, and Children - American Psychological Association
- How to Talk to Kids about Tragedies and Other Traumatic News Events - HealthyChildren.org
- How Families Can Cope With Relocation Stress after a Disaster - HealthyChildren.org
- How to Talk to Your Child after an Act of Terrorism - HealthyChildren.org
- Talking to Your Children about Natural Disasters - American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
- Managing the Traumatic Stress of a Hurricane and its Aftermath - American Psychological Association
Helping Children Cope with Media Coverage
- How to Talk to Kids about the News - KidsHealth
- Explaining the News to Our Kids - Common Sense Media
- Helping Children Cope with Media Coverage of National Disasters: A Tip Sheet for Parents - NCTSN
When a family member dies, children react differently from adults. Preschool children usually see death as temporary and reversible, a belief reinforced by cartoon characters who die and come to life again. Children between five and nine begin to think more like adults about death, yet they still believe it will never happen to them or anyone they know.
The thought of having to explain grief to a child can leave us feeling uncertain about the best way to approach the topic to avoid causing unnecessary distress for the child. Here are some resources to help you:
Grief Focused Organizations
Articles, Tip Sheets, Videos and Other Information:
- Grief and Children - American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
- How Children Understand Death - Healthy Children
- Ways to Talk to Children about Grief (video) - Center for Child Counseling
- Addressing Grief: Tips to Promote Well-Being and Resilience - Center for Child Counseling
- Childhood Traumatic Grief: Youth Information Sheet - National Child Traumatic Stress Network
- How Children Understand Death and What You Should Say - HealthyChildren.Org
Children who are having serious problems with grief and loss may show one or more of these signs:
- an extended period of depression in which the child loses interest in daily activities and events
- inability to sleep, loss of appetite, prolonged fear of being alone
- acting much younger for an extended period
- excessively imitating the dead person
- believing they are talking to or seeing the deceased family member for an extended period of time
- repeated statements of wanting to join the dead person
- withdrawal from friends
- sharp drop in school performance or refusal to attend school
Knowledge is power. Educating yourself and your children on racism is key to understanding this complex issue. Get informed with some of the following links for children and adults.
- Talking to Young Children about Race and Racism - PBS
- Talking to Children about Racial Bias - Healthy Children
- Multiracial Children - American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
- Racism and Violence: Using Your Power as a Parent to Support Children Aged Two to Five - Zero to Three
- Anti-Racism for Kids: An Age-by-Age Guide to Fighting Hate - Parents
- Your Kids Aren’t Too Young to Talk About Race: Resource Roundup
- These Books Can Help You Explain Racism and Protest to Your Kids - The New York Times
Diversity and discrimination are delicate topics and can be difficult to discuss with children. Here are some resources to support you in your conversations:
- Talking to Kids about Discrimination - American Psychological Association
- Speaking to Children about Diversity and Discrimination - GuidanceResources®
- School Services for Children with Special Needs: Know Your Rights - American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
One out of every two marriages today ends in divorce and many divorcing families include children. Parents who are getting a divorce are frequently worried about the effect the divorce will have on their children. During this difficult period, parents may be preoccupied with their own problems, but continue to be the most important people in their children's lives.
While parents may be devastated or relieved by the divorce, children are invariably frightened and confused by the threat to their security. Some parents feel so hurt or overwhelmed by the divorce that they may turn to the child for comfort or direction. This can add to the pressure and stress a child is experiencing. Divorce can be misinterpreted by children unless parents tell them what is happening, how they are involved and not involved, and what will happen to them.
Here are some resources to help you support your child's emotional well-being during a divorce:
- Tips for Divorcing Parents - Nemours KidsHealth
- Stepfamily Problems - American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
- Children and Divorce - American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
- Divorce With an Under-3 in the House: What You Need to Know - Zero to Three
Bullying
- Warning Signs for Bullying - StopBullying.Gov
- Bullying and Trauma - StopBullying.Gov
- Parenting a Bully - Bullying Statistics
- Let's Talk about Bullying, Not Bullies - InfoAboutKids.org
- Teaching Kids Not to Bully - Nemours Kids Health
Cyberbullying
- Prevent Cyberbullying - StopBullying.Gov
- Digital Awareness for Parents - StopBullying.Gov
- Social Media, Apps, and Sites Commonly Used by Children and Teens - StopBullying.Gov
Parents and caregivers play a very important role in a LGBTQ+ youth's life. Research shows that supportive parenting can significantly affect our children's positive outlook on their lives, including their mental health and self-esteem. The most crucial thing parents can do is to allow children to be exactly who they are and by doing the following:
- Create a supportive family environment
- Maintain open and honest communication with your child
- Express love and support for your child
- Help connect them to school and community resources
This animated video from the Institute for Innovation and Implementation at the University of Maryland shows simple ways to speak to your child: Support for LGBTQ Youth Starts at Home
The American Academy of Child &Adolescent Psychiatry has reliable information to guide and support you in supporting your child or teen:
- Transgender and Gender Diverse Youth
- Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Adolescents
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Parents
For additional information about Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) visit PFLAG's website at www.pflag.org.
Support for Youth
The Trevor Project provides comprehensive support and resources for LGBTQ+ youth.
- Understanding Gender Identity
- Resources for Mental Health Support
- Supporting LGBTQ Youth with Disabilities
- Explore other topics in the Trevor Project Resource Center
- Connect to a counselor for 24/7, 365 day a year confidential crisis support
The Child Mind Institute is a comprehensive resource for parents and caregivers! Their Family Resource Center has a variety of topics that you can explore, from anxiety and bedwetting to self-harm and trauma.
Prevention Education
Our Resources
Preventing Child Abuse, Exploitation, and Trafficking.
Children who educated about their personal safety are more empowered to report when they feel "uncomfortable" thereby preventing sexual abuse or a continuous cycle of abuse and a lifetime of health concerns.
Stay KidSafe!™ is an innovative, evidence-informed and research-based curriculum designed for children, from kindergarten to 5th grade.
Tackling Difficult Conversations
Every day, we are bombarded by news and media coverage of conflict, war, school shootings, and other issues going on in our community and around the world. This is anxiety-provoking for most adults, and it’s raising questions and concerns for children too.
The horror and senseless violence of a school shooting is overwhelming to wrap one's head around and may seem impossible to explain to children. With ‘Ways to Talk to Children’ we are putting together information and resources to help you navigate those tough conversations, like schools shootings or war, with your child.
Watch our 'Ways to Talk' Videos
Play is Essential for Children
Play is essential because it contributes to the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development and well-being of your child. Play also offers a great opportunity for you, as a parent or caregiver, to positively engage and interact with your child. Click below to learn about ways you can play with your child to support their development and well-being.
- Child-Centered Play
- Pretend Play
- Sensory Play
- Art Activities
- Feelings at Play
- Nature and Outdoor Play
- Writing and Journaling
- General Play Ideas
Through play, children learn to interact with the world around them. Play allows children to create and explore a world they can learn to master, sometimes while practicing adult roles, and in turn, developing a greater understanding of the thoughts and feelings of others.
A Way of Being
What if there was a way for you to simply "be" around children -- a better way? A more effective way to handle difficult behaviors and emotions? Would you embrace ideas that could bring your family closer together and make the time you spend with your child happier and more fulfilling?
Imagine relationships where children felt accepted and parents, teachers, or caregivers felt empowered. Well, there is a way and it's based on decades of research into childhood brain development, the expertise of countless professionals, and a wealth of information on building resilience. In fact, our work is based on this way of being and is the cornerstone philosophy of our approach.
Free Workshops for Parents and Caregivers
We offer an array of brief workshops, available online and on-demand, to help you address specific concerns with your child or family. Here are some of the topics:
- How to Manage Sibling Rivalry
- How to Help My Child Listen
- Feelings and Coping Curriculum
- Preventing Child Sexual Abuse: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers
- Identifying and Addressing Suicide: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers
- Fostering Social-Emotional Learning in Elementary-Aged Children
- Achieving Success with Teenagers: A Guide to Effectively Parenting Teens
Crisis and Warm Lines
Suicide Prevention
Suicide is the third leading cause of death for children ages 10-24 in Florida, making teenage suicide a serious and growing problem. Everyone has a role to play in suicide prevention, and schools, families, and communities can provide help and support for children and teens.
Suicidal individuals may not ask for help, but that doesn't mean they don't want it. Most suicidal people are deeply conflicted about ending their lives and wish there was an alternative. If you suspect someone is considering suicide, talking openly about suicidal thoughts can save a life.
Get Help Now
Need Immediate Help? Call 2-1-1 OR text your zip code to 898211
- Call: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
- Text: TALK to 741741 Crisis Text Line
The Trevor Project provides comprehensive support and resources for LGBTQ+ youth. Connect to a counselor for 24/7, 365 day a year confidential crisis support
211 Palm Beach and Treasure Coast: 211 is a community helpline and crisis hotline that provides suicide prevention, crisis intervention, information, assessment, and referral to community services for people of all ages: 211 Online Chat
Any child or adolescent with suicidal thoughts or plans should be evaluated immediately by a trained and qualified mental health professional.
Need to talk to someone? A warmline is a phone number you call to have a conversation with someone who can provide support during hard times. Whether you’re in crisis or just need someone to talk to, a warmline can help. Visit the warmline directory.
Myth: People who talk about suicide won't really do it.
Fact: Almost everyone who attempts suicide has given some clue or warning. Don't ignore even indirect references to death or suicide. Statements like "You'll be sorry when I'm gone," "I can't see any way out," - no matter how casually or jokingly said - may indicate serious suicidal feelings.
Myth: Anyone who tries to kill him/herself must be crazy.
Fact: Most suicidal people are not psychotic or insane. They are upset, grief-stricken, depressed or despairing, but extreme distress and emotional pain are not necessarily signs of mental illness.
Myth: If a person is determined to kill him/herself, nothing is going to stop them.
Fact: Even the most severely depressed person has mixed feelings about death, wavering until the very last moment between wanting to live and wanting to die. Most suicidal people do not want death; they want the pain to stop. The impulse to end it all, however overpowering, does not last forever.
Myth: People who die by suicide are people who were unwilling to seek help.
Fact: Studies of suicide victims have shown that more than half had sought medical help in the six months prior to their deaths.
Myth: Talking about suicide may give someone the idea.
Fact: You don't give a suicidal person morbid ideas by talking about suicide. The opposite is true - bringing up the subject of suicide and discussing it openly is one of the most helpful things you can do.
Warning signs that a teen may be considering suicide:
- Change in eating and sleeping habits.
- Withdrawal from friends, family, and regular activities.
- Violent or rebellious behavior, running away.
- Drug and alcohol use.
- Unusual neglect of personal appearance.
- Persistent boredom, difficulty concentrating, or a decline in the quality of schoolwork.
- Frequent complaints about physical symptoms, often related to emotions, such as stomachaches, headaches, fatigue, etc.
- Rejecting praise or rewards.
Thoughts about suicide and suicide attempts are often associated with depression. In addition to depression, other risk factors include:
- family history of suicide attempts
- exposure to violence
- impulsivity
- aggressive or disruptive behavior
- access to firearms
- bullying
- feelings of hopelessness or helplessness
- acute loss or rejection
Children and adolescents thinking about suicide may make openly suicidal statements or comments such as, "I wish I was dead," or "I won't be a problem for you much longer." Young people who are thinking about suicide may also stop planning for or talking about the future. They may begin to give away important possessions.
Suicide Prevention Tips:
Speak up if you are worried. Ask them directly how they are doing and that you are concerned about them. Listen and be sympathetic.
Respond quickly if they have a suicide plan, a means to carry out the plan, a time set for doing it, and the intention to do it. Specific examples of such questions include:
- Are you feeling sad or depressed?
- Are you thinking about hurting or killing yourself?
- Have you ever thought about hurting or killing yourself?
Rather than putting thoughts in your child's head, these questions can provide assurance that somebody cares and will give your child the chance to talk about problems.
Parents, teachers, and friends should always err on the side of caution and safety. Any child or adolescent with suicidal thoughts or plans should be evaluated immediately by a trained and qualified mental health professional.
The School District of Palm Beach County has an anonymous hotline for reporting bullying. Options to report include:
- Call the Bullying Hotline: 561-434-8200 or
- Submit and online Bullying Report
En Español
Nemours Kids Health
KidsHealth.org: ¿Es simplemente una etapa o es un problema serio? Ayude a su hijo a manejar los altibajos de la vida, desde enfrentar un divorcio hasta un nuevo hermano. O sepa cómo comprender el comportamiento de su hijo, ya sea el berrinche de un niño pequeño o la depresión de un adolescente.
- Acerca del suicido en los adolescentes
- Cómo ayudar a los niños a enfrentar el hostigamiento
- Cómo ayudar a su hijo después de un trauma
- Estrés infantil: Cómo pueden ayudar los padres
Child Mind Institute
El Child Mind Institute se dedica a transformar la vida de los niños y las familias que enfrentan trastornos de salud mental y del aprendizaje, al brindarles la ayuda que necesitan para salir adelante.