Knowledge is power, and our goal is to make sure you have access to high-quality information about a range of important topics facing parents and families today.
We know how hard it is to find time for anything when you are busy raising a family and juggling multiple responsibilities.
Looking for something you don’t see listed?
Interested in a particular topic that you would love to see a blog post on or resource for?
Please connect with us. For more information on general mental health resources, including when and how to find help, see our resources page.
Parenting Tips
Smart Phones – The New Pacifier
The many problems associated with youth smart phone use is not new. In fact, you have probably heard many chastising messages about them (see the Surgeon General Warning here) and, if you are being completely honest, rolled your eyes to at least a few of them). As parents, we get [read more]
Freedom in the Frenzy of Fall
At YVJ, we love the Fall – apple picking, fall flavors, and everything pumpkin. That crisp New England chill in the air. A return to a familiar normalcy as the summer ends and families settle back into their routines. While there is so much to experience and enjoy, for many [read more]
Managing Back to School Stress
Speaking from the heart as both a mom and a clinical psychologist – transitions can be tough! We are here to help! [read more]
Stay Tuned!
One of our goals is to create a book series that infuses psychology into stories for children. We are hard at work writing and look forward to sharing more soon!
General Resources for Children and Families
The National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) and their local state-based chapters have resources and support groups for patients- Mental Health America offers general mental health information, screening tools, back to school resources in English and Spanish (e.g. Back-to-School Toolkits published annually)
- The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) has resources for families, parents, and children available in many languages
- SAMHSA Alcohol and Drug Addiction in Families
- Postpartum Support International: PSI Mental Health Provider Directory
- Sesame Street in Communities has a large number of activities, videos, resources, and more
Tools & Tips
Talking to Children about Racism and Violence
- Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers (NASP)
- School Shooting Resources | The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (nctsn.org)
- An Age-by-Age Guide: How to Talk to Children About School Shootings – The New York Times (nytimes.com)
- Resources for Talking about Race, Racism and Racialized Violence with Kids – Center for Racial Justice in Education
- PBS for Parents: Talking to Young Children About Race and Racism
- Sesame Street in Communities – Community & Gun Violence | Sesame Street in Communities – Sesame Street in Communities
Talking to Children about War
- National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)
- National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN)
- Tips for parents and teachers of middle school children (APA)
- Tips for parents and day care providers of preschool children (APA)
General Coping Skills
- Sesame Street in Communities – YouTube has a number of mental health skills videos (e.g. deep breathing Count Breathe Relax , Common and Colbie Caillat Sing “Belly Breathe” with Elmo; emotion identification Name That Emotion with Murray!; self-regulation Cookie Monster Practices Self-Regulation; perseverance Bruno Mars: Don’t Give Up and more)
- Coping Skills for Kids provides information and resources on coping skills that are designed for children
Note: There are many different types of mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, and other syndromes, which can present differently in different individuals. The resources offered on this website are not intended to be exhaustive and should not be used to make a mental health diagnosis nor to be used for treatment. Only a qualified, licensed healthcare practitioner can diagnose a mental health condition. If you are concerned about yourself or someone else, please seek a mental health consultation with a professional. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please utilize the Crisis Resources listed above. See our full disclaimer.
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We Bring Psychology to You
YVJ is here to help you improve your mood and overall quality of life; to help you find joy in your journey, wherever you can, whenever you can.
Access high-quality information about a range of important topics facing parents and families today.
Our Blog posts and Videos are designed to be short in nature – something you can tune into for 5 minutes a day or less!
One of the most important steps you can take to improve your mental health is to consult with a mental health professional.
Check out videos and interviews of Jennifer and Jessica sharing their knowledge.