Kindness doesn't just make the world slightly better for others. It measurably improves our physical and mental health, reduces our stress reactivity, provides our children with concrete evidence that they have power to create good in the world, creates a ripple effect that touches givers, receivers, and observers alike, and literally retrains our brains to notice positive interactions instead of only threats and problems.

The cultural climate and our own adverse experiences (like divorce or a loss of a job) has an impact on adults, but children, especially neurodivergent children, are particularly vulnerable to the anxiety and confusion it creates. Kids are incredibly sensitive to their environment, so to the best you can, be mindful of what they are exposed to, and have age-appropriate conversations with them to help them process and understand

If your teen seems to lack motivation, change the focus from "how can we make you change" to "what do you actually want for your life?"

Lasting motivation doesn't come from consequences or rewards. It comes from understanding what matters and choosing to act in alignment with those values, even when it's hard.

Rituals are a meaningful anchor in schools and help teachers create the culture that builds thoughtful community members and resilient learners.

Seeing the forest through the trees: when your child or young adult may need a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation.

Strategies for Communicating with your Teen or Young Adult Child Photo by: Photo by Volodymyr Hryshchenko on Unsplash

Photo by Sean Foster on Unsplash

When a family comes to me sharing the story of their child who is struggling, I also ask, "And, how is this impacting you, their parents, your marriage, and especially their siblings?"

As a clinical social worker trained in family systems, I look at the health of the entire family system. When one child struggles, requiring more of their parents' attention and emotional energy, the siblings will be impacted. It's not a matter of if – it's a matter of how.

Whether your child needs the intensive support described in Autism Out Loud or different kinds of help along their journey, the mama bear instinct remains the same: fierce, protective, and willing to do whatever it takes.

Trust your mama bear heart. It knows the way. And remember – you are not alone in this. Reach out to jennifer@teamcrossbridge.com

Trusting a school or therapeutic program with your child can be unnerving. You’re asking strangers to care for and understand your most cared for human.

But a trusting partnership among the adults is really the only way that our kids have the chance to grow and transform in their new environment.

If you've a child with special needs, you've likely been following the news about proposed changes to federal education oversight and funding. I won't lie - it's concerning. The potential downsizing of the Department of Education, shifting oversight responsibilities, and reduced federal enforcement could impact the services our kids depend on.

But here's what we want you to remember: your child still has rights, and you still have power as their advocate. The federal laws that protect students with disabilities - IDEA, Section 504, and the ADA - are still in place. What's changing is how they might be enforced and funded. We aim to keep you informed.

School avoidance or refusal has always been a thing, but ever since the pandemic, during which kids were schooled online, and they fell behind academically and didn’t learn social skills that come with engaging with peers, it’s become more pervasive. School refusal can feel overwhelming, but it's important to remember that children do recover from this. With the right support, understanding, and interventions, kids can learn to manage their anxiety and return to successful school attendance.

When your child is struggling with mental health issues, substance abuse, or behavioral challenges, figuring out the right level of care can feel overwhelming. You're facing a maze of acronyms - PHP, IOP, RTC, TBS - and wondering what each one means and which might be right for your child.

Understanding these different levels of care is crucial because the right fit can make all the difference in your child's recovery journey. Here's a breakdown of the main treatment options, from most to least intensive.

Simple Communication Tips for Parents

Many parents feel less truly connected with their kids, despite their 24/7 texting or reading one another’s social media posts. Real connection requires intentional efforts to communicate and genuine listening. Follow the tips in this blog.

Is Your Teen Self-Harming?A Parent's Guide

Finding out your teenager is hurting themselves is devastating. Whether you discovered cuts, found hidden blades, or they told you themselves, you're likely feeling shock, fear, and confusion. Know that you're not alone – about 15-20% of teens engage in some form of self-harm.

When parents call me or Rebekah and say that their child is struggling with their mental health, one of the first questions we ask is “Are they self-harming?” It’s so very common. But the good news, is that once we get these kids help and they learn better coping skills, most often stop the behavior all-together.

Therapeutic Educational Consultant vs. Educational Consultant: What's the Difference?

Understanding which type of support your family needs

If you're reading this, you're likely seeking support for your child's educational or mental health journey. This can be an overwhelming and emotional time, and understanding the difference between types of educational consultants is an important first step in finding the right help for your family.

What is a Therapeutic Educational Consultant?

A therapeutic educational consultant provides individuals and families with curated, well-matched therapeutic (and academic) options for emotional, behavioral, academic and/or relational issues. Consultants travel frequently to ensure they maintain a real-time, firsthand understanding of school & program components.  Reputable therapeutic consultants are independent, meaning they do not accept or receive referral fees or any compensation from programs or schools for recommending.