Children’s Mental Health Blog

Explore recent articles from Little Otter’s child and family mental health and wellness experts.

Should I Worry about My 5-Year-Old’s Obsession with Halloween, Spooky Toys, and Scary Themes?

Should I Worry about My 5-Year-Old’s Obsession with Halloween, Spooky Toys, and Scary Themes?

One parent wrote in, worried that their child seemed obsessed with scary stuff. Here’s our team’s advice about if and when to worry when a child likes scary things.

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My Stepson Has ADHD and Struggles with School. Any Advice?

My Stepson Has ADHD and Struggles with School. Any Advice?

“My 8-year-old stepson was diagnosed with ADHD, ODD and anxiety at age 4 by his school district after being kicked out of daycare. He’s now in 2nd grade, and his school continues to have problems with him in the classroom. Do you have any tips for how I can help him be more successful at school?”

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How Can I Help My 11-Year-Old, Who is on the Autism Spectrum, Stop Skin Picking?

How Can I Help My 11-Year-Old, Who is on the Autism Spectrum, Stop Skin Picking?

“My 11-year-old child is on the Autism Spectrum, and experiences OCD and ADHD. Two years ago, he started picking his own skin in response to trigger words. Now it’s happening when he’s online distance learning while waiting for others to have turns. How can I get him to stop skin picking?”

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Does My Child’s Love of Electronics and Sugar Signal Potential Addictive Behavior or ADHD Risk?

Does My Child’s Love of Electronics and Sugar Signal Potential Addictive Behavior or ADHD Risk?

“I’m wondering if I should worry about addiction to electronics and the meltdowns that happen because of it. I’m also noticing what appears to be addictive behavior related to treats and sugar, and wondering if we should be thinking about a possible ADHD early intervention. Any advice?”

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