Expert Tips to Care for Your Child’s Mental Health

Parents play a pivotal role in helping their kids feel safe and supported–from comforting their newborn cries to battling teenage bullying. To help caregivers create the kind of stable environment that builds children’s emotional well-being, Mommy Poppins has partnered with Connecticut Children’s to share guidance from their free 2024 Mental Health and Wellness Toolkit. As always, the comprehensive kit provides straight-forward, age-appropriate advice from leading pediatric experts 100% dedicated to kids.

To help you address some common mental health challenges across all ages, here are five tips from pediatric pros parents can trust:

Mental Health How Tos for Kids and Parents

How to Calm a Crying Baby

A crying newborn can be seriously distressing for parents! Run down this helpful list of reasons your baby might be upset–like a dirty diaper or even a fever–then try some of the recommended soothing techniques to calm them down.

Ways to safely cope with crying >

How to Tackle a Toddler Tantrum

When you’ve got a toddler at home, having strategies to calm your kiddo and keep your cool are a must. Get a handle on major meltdowns by setting boundaries, staying consistent, and always rewarding the positives–as a start.

Strategies to keep your cool >

How to Find Your Child a Therapist

Sometimes supporting your child’s mental health means getting them the professional help they need. If you’re searching for a therapist, start by identifying the specific challenges or behaviors you want to address, then ask your “village” for recommendations.

Tips for finding the right fit >

How to Spot Cyberbullying

Unfortunately, digital platforms like social media and text messaging open the door to the possibility of cyberbullying among tweens and teens. Learn the warning signs and find out how your family can create “an anti-cyberbullying action plan.”

Ways to keep kids safe online >

How to Get Through Tough Stuff

Books are often the best teachers–and this expert-approved list includes helpful reads for all ages, including adults. Browse these recommendations by both age and theme, with books covering transitions, resilience, health challenges, neurodiversity, and more.

List of expert-approved books >

Schedule an appointment

If you have any questions about your child’s health or well-being or you find yourself in need of pediatric specialty care, you can schedule a virtual video visit with an expert at Connecticut Children’s or book an in-person appointment at the location closest to home. Plus, for many specialties, you can book quickly and easily online. And for helpful health advice throughout your parenting journey, sign-up for Connecticut Children’s Growing Healthy newsletter. For more timely health and safety tips, visit Connecticut Children’s Growing Healthy Blog.

Connecticut Children’s is the only health system in Connecticut 100% dedicated to kids. That means high-quality care across more than 30 pediatric specialties in 40+ locations throughout Connecticut, Eastern New York and Western Massachusetts. One team on a mission to improve access to healthcare from before birth and into adulthood. One team pushing the limits with breakthrough research and community partnerships so we can help you focus on what matters most: your family’s wellness journey. When you choose Connecticut Children’s, you can expect care Beyond Imagination.

The contents of this article are for informational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.