Early parent-child play can be a key predictor in how successfully children interact with peers, according to a new study from the University of Georgia. Most of the time, parents take the lead role, but play can flip the script, allowing a parent to respond to a child’s lead, according to the study, summarized in […]
Stop ‘should-ing’ yourself to death and just play (it’s good for you)
The masses of parenting advice out there leave modern parents slugging along under the weight of a million “shoulds” — and their close companion, guilt. But let go of that for a minute. You love your child(ren) desperately. Now take that minute of letting go and spend it just enjoying your child(ren). We advocate playful […]
Should I seek an ADHD evaluation for my child? 5 questions to help
One million more U.S. children had received an ADHD diagnosis in 2022 compared with 2016, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About 1 in 9 children between the ages of 3 and 17 have received the diagnosis, prompting the report to label ADHD as “an ongoing and expanding […]
5 Life-Changing Habits To Transform Your Mental Health
As the saying goes, “If you keep a habit, sooner or later it can feel like a part of you.” For parents — especially those supporting their children through distinct challenges — self-care is vital to maintaining the health of the family. Fortunately, you can transform your mental health with 5 surprisingly simple habits. Start small, […]
14 Unexpected Ways to Boost Your Mental Health Now
Practicing good mental health doesn’t always mean a lengthy list of “shoulds” and “should nots.” You can boost your mental health right now through activities you want to do. Here are 14 research-backed ways to boost mental health (for adults or kids) that may surprise you: Have fun playfully boosting your spirits! We wish you […]
Xboxes and PlayStations: The World Through The Lens Of Neurodivergence
“Think of it like comparing an Xbox and a PlayStation,” neurodiversity advocate Ethan Lisi says in a TED Talk. “They’re both highly capable consoles with different programming. But if you put your Xbox game in a PlayStation, it won’t work, because the PlayStation communicates differently.” Sometimes, the world can feel like that to a neurodivergent […]
An Open Letter to Parents of Children with Autism
Dear Parents, Raising any child today means so many battle fronts — with external risks, internal worries, and often a heavy side of guilt. And when a child is on the autism spectrum, unique challenges, myths and misunderstandings can make the load heavier. But we want to reassure you: You are a great parent. All […]
The Power of Play
5 reasons play therapy helps neurodivergent children thrive For neurodivergent children, verbal communication and social cues may feel unnatural — and that can make traditional therapies difficult or uncomfortable. Enter play. This intuitive language of childhood — a language of exploration, expression, and making sense of the world — becomes an accessible connection point. By […]