Office of Children’s Mental Health Director Linda Hall today announces the publication of a new fact sheet, Improving Quality of Life for LGBT Youth, and details what our communities, schools, parents, and policymakers can do to make a difference. Highlights Compared to the general population, LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) youth experience higher rates […]
Children’s Wisconsin Working to Aid Youth Mental Health Effected by Pandemic
By Hayley Crandall Mental Health Awareness Month is upon us, and Children’s Wisconsin has a variety of resources available for children and families as the mental health crisis in the state grows. Children’s mental health was already being recognized as a significant issue in Wisconsin prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, but since the pandemic, circumstances […]
How to Talk to Your Kids about Going Back to School
By Lakiesha Russell Child and family therapist at Children’s Wisconsin As a parent, you’ve probably been faced with the difficult decision regarding your child going back to school — whether that’s in-person at school or from home. These decisions can bring about stress, anxiety and disappointment as you try to do what is best for […]
How to Talk to Kids About What They’re Seeing in the News
By Lakiesha Russell, LPC Child and family therapist, Children’s Wisconsin As a child and family therapist, I’ve received questions from parents wanting to talk to their children about what they’re seeing in the news — the good, the bad and the ugly. As parents, we want to be able to have conversations with our kids […]
The Many Mental Health Benefits of Nature
By Jenny Walczak, PSYD Clinical director of mental and behavioral health, Children’s Wisconsin Did you know that getting outside and enjoying a little fresh air is scientifically proven to be good for your health? Of course, most of us are trying to stay home due to COVID-19, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get some […]
Common Reactions to COVID-19 in Children
By Emily Stone BS, CCLS, certified child life specialist, Children’s Wisconsin With all of the changes COVID-19 has brought to our daily lives, children in particular have a difficult time talking about their fears and may show behavioral signs that they are experiencing an increase in stress. Below are a few common reactions children may […]
How to Talk to Kids about COVID-19
Making sense of COVID-19 can be overwhelming and stressful, not only for adults but also for children. Avoiding the difficult conversation about COVID-19 can lead to unnecessary fear and it’s important for an adult to help children process the information they are seeing or hearing. Here are a few tips for talking to children about […]