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My Child is Scared of New Places. What Can I Do?

One parent asked us about their child’s fear of going new places, and the ensuing tantrums. Here, our team of child mental health experts provided guidance about anxiety and temper tantrums.

November 21, 2022
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7 Benefits of Nursery Rhymes and Lullabies for Child Development

Learn 7 benefits of nursery rhymes and lullabies for your child’s development. Hint: it’s not just about language skills!

November 15, 2022
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How Can I Handle My 2-Year-Old’s Meltdowns?

One parent wrote to us, worried that their two year old’s tantrums might be a sign of a greater mental health concern. Here’s the question, and answers from our team of mental health experts.

November 15, 2022
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7 Benefits of Online Therapy

Wondering about telehealth? Here are 7 of the most important benefits of online therapy for kids, parents, and families.

November 9, 2022
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How Can I Stop My 3 Year Old from Hitting?

One parent wrote in about her toddler’s aggressive behavior: hitting. Here are three tips for how to handle 3 year old hitting, from our team of child mental health experts.

November 7, 2022
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How to Talk to Kids About Cancer

Learn how to talk to children about cancer, especially a caregiver’s cancer diagnosis, with age-appropriate tips for kids 2-14.

November 2, 2022
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My Child Saw a Scary Image and Can’t Sleep. What Can I Do?

One parent wrote in because their child saw a scary image on TV, and is having trouble sleeping. Here are three tips from our team of child mental health experts.

November 1, 2022
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The Importance of Self-Love for Your Family’s Wellbeing

Loving yourself isn’t selfish; it’s essential for your family’s wellness and mental health. Learn how self-love can help your family cultivate better, more compassionate relationships and support mental wellbeing.

October 26, 2022
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How Can I Help My Sibling with an Eating Disorder?

One sibling wrote in with concerns about their brother’s food avoidance. Here’s advice from our team of experts about how to help a sibling with an eating disorder.

October 25, 2022
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How to Respond to Toddler Biting

Learn the causes of toddler biting, how to respond if your child bites, and when to worry about biting.

October 19, 2022
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Is My Son Experiencing Preschool Anxiety?

One parent wrote in, asking about how to support their son in dealing with new hesitancy around school. Here’s advice from our team of experts about how to navigate preschool anxiety.

October 17, 2022
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What You Need to Know about Parental Burnout

Here’s what you need to understand about parental burnout and mental fatigue, how to address it, and its impact on children.

October 11, 2022
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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.

October 10, 2022
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What Parents Can Do to Support Body Confidence in Kids

Learn how to support your child’s body confidence with practical tips on body neutrality, media literacy, and emotional resilience.

July 25, 2025
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Why Does My Daughter Seem Stressed Before Events?

One mom wrote to us, asking why her child seems stressed or worried before events, even good ones. Here’s advice from our team of child mental health experts.

October 3, 2022
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How Can I Navigate My Addiction While Co-Parenting Daughter?

One parent wrote to us, asking about how to navigate his drug addiction while co-parenting his daughter. Here’s our response from a team of child mental health experts.

September 27, 2022
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13 Common Questions about Online Psychiatry for Children and Adults

Learn all about online psychiatry for children, adults, and families. We’ll answer 13 common questions about digital psychiatry and provide insight you can really use.

September 26, 2022
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A Child Psychiatrist’s Guide to Mindfulness vs. Meditation for Families

In this blog, you’ll learn the difference between mindfulness and meditation, as well as pros and cons of each for children and adults.

September 13, 2022
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The Story Behind the Name “Little Otter”

We get asked all the time, “Why are you called ‘Little Otter?’” Here’s the sweet story behind the company’s name.

September 12, 2022
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A Guide to Impulsive Behavior and Child Mental Health

In this blog, you’ll learn more about impulsive behavior and what it means for your child’s mental health.

September 8, 2022
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Why is My 11-Year-Old Daughter So Rude and Defiant? How Should I Respond?

One parent wrote to us, asking about how to respond to their daughter’s rude and defiant behavior. Here’s a response from our team of child mental health experts.

September 7, 2022
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ADD vs ADHD: A Family Mental Health Guide

Learn more about the differences between ADD and ADHD, and what it means for your family.

August 31, 2022
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What’s the Difference Between Anxiety and Depression?

Anxiety and depression commonly co-occur in kids and adults. Learn more about the difference between anxiety and depression, including symptoms and treatment.

August 30, 2022
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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?”

August 29, 2022
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7 Benefits of Outdoor Classrooms for Kids’ Mental Health

Learn 7 important benefits of outdoor classroom for your child’s mental health and healthy development.

August 24, 2022
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How Quickly Should a Child Receive a Diagnosis in Child Therapy?

One parent recently wrote in asking about whether their child should receive a diagnosis within 4-5 sessions of starting child therapy. Here’s the feedback from our team of mental health professionals.

August 23, 2022
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What is a Highly Sensitive Child?

What is a Highly Sensitive Child, or HSC? In this blog, you’ll learn more about what makes a child “highly sensitive” and what that really means.

August 17, 2022
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Any Advice for Dealing with An Extreme Picky Eater?

“My son can eat everything, but he’s an extremely picky eater. Lately, it’s become worse. He eats so slowly; it takes 1-2 hours to eat even things he loves! He takes small bird bites. For example, he can take a bite of a chocolate fudge cookie and ask me to save the rest for later - but he won’t finish it later. I have no idea what to do. Eating/meals have become unbearable for the whole family. He’s also one of the smallest in his class. Any advice?”

August 16, 2022
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Can Babies Be Altruistic?

Is your baby or toddler showing signs of altruistic behavior? Babies and toddlers with the desire to share what they have has made psychologists curious on the reasons.

August 9, 2022
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Trauma Therapist: When to Seek Help from a Child Expert

Recent trauma can seriously impact the mental health of your child, whether it was a parent divorce, a death in the family, or a traumatic and life changing event.

August 9, 2022
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I Have No Patience For My ADHD Child

Parenting children with ADHD can be draining, but it is possible when practicing healthy habits and encouraging good behavior. It’s ok to seek help for an ADHD child.

August 9, 2022
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How Can I Help My 12-Year-Old Manage His Anxiety?

“My 12-year-old son has been diagnosed with moderate anxiety by his doctor, and school work seems to trigger his anxiety. He’s often so emotionally overwhelmed that he’s unable to do school work…I often don't know how hard to push with school work, because he’s clearly in lots of distress. How can I support my son in his school work and help him feel calm at the same time?”

August 8, 2022
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7 Statistics about Mental Health in BIPOC Communities

In this post for BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month, were sharing key statistics about BIPOC mental health. Plus, learn ways to support mental health in these communities.

August 4, 2022
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Is It Okay for Parents to Take a Vacation Without Their Child?

“My husband and I have a trip planned in a few weeks. We’ll be leaving my 23 month old daughter with her grandparents for 6 days. I’m worried she might hate us when we get back, or feel abandoned or detached…Can a 2-year-old get detached from her parents over 6 days if spent with family?”

August 2, 2022
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My Daughters Stopped Sharing a Room & Now My 8-Year-Old Cries Herself to Sleep. Help!

“My 8-year-old daughter and her 15-year-old sister just stopped sharing a room, and now my younger daughter cries herself to sleep at night. What can I do to help her?”

July 28, 2022
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Why Won’t My Child Say Sorry?

“Our almost 4-year-old son finds it very difficult to apologize. How do we teach him to say ‘I’m sorry’?”

July 26, 2022
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A Guide to ADHD and Race in Children & Families

Black or Latinx/Hispanic children are much less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD or receive treatment than White children. Here, we’re talking about ADHD and race - and how misdiagnosis impacts kids in BIPOC families.

July 20, 2022
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How to Talk to Kids about Gender Identity

Wondering how to talk to kids about gender? Here are tips for talking to children about gender identity, gender expression, and sexuality.

July 14, 2022
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Should I Worry about My 2-Year-Old’s Tantrums about Diaper Changes?

“My two-year-old has tantrums for 10-15 minutes when try to put on her diaper. Could this be a sign of a sensory issue?”

July 12, 2022
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Tips for How to Talk to Kids about a Shooting

As we reckon with mass violence events, you may be wondering how to talk to kids about a shooting. Little Otter gathered 5 tips from experts, including research-based guidance from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, for how to have these important conversations with your children.

July 6, 2022
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Should Unhappy Parents Stay in a Loveless Marriage for the Child?

“Is it better for the parents to stay together even though the relationship is not good, so that the child has both parents in his life?”

July 5, 2022
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How to Deal with Toddler Tantrums

Here are 15 tips for how to deal with toddler tantrums, from helpful mindset shifts to actionable guidelines. Tantrums are challenging! These tips aim to make dealing with temper tantrums easier.

June 30, 2022
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I Think My Son Has a Crush on an Older Boy. How Should I Respond?

“My son appears to have developed a crush on an older boy. This has thrown me for a loop since my son is so young. I’ll love him no matter what, but how can I respond?”

June 28, 2022
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6 FAQs about Supporting Your Child’s Gender and Sexual Identity

Today, we’re answering 6 common questions to provide guidance about how to support your child’s exploration of their gender identity.

June 16, 2022
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Is it Bad to Bribe My Kid to Get a Haircut?

“Is it bad to bribe my 6-year-old? I never have before, but I really want him to get a haircut and he wants to grow long hair. He refuses to have it cut when I ask him, so I was thinking I would bribe him to do it for some candy or a video game. It would just be a one time thing but I'm unsure if there will be any long term implications. What do you think?”

June 21, 2022
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Our Son Says He’s a Girl. How Should We Respond?

“Our son says he’s a girl. We’re very supportive of whomever he becomes, but how can we tell if this is just play or if he really is a girl?”

June 13, 2022
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How to Talk to Kids When a Caregiver has Cancer

Parents and caregivers who are diagnosed with cancer may wonder how to talk to their kids about it. This National Cancer Survivors Month, we teamed up with Bright Spot Network to provide four tips from clinical experts for talking with children about a caregiver’s cancer diagnosis.

June 12, 2022
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How to Talk to Your Child about Pride Month

June is Pride Month! Today, we’re excited to share some expert tips for when and how to talk to your child about gender identity, gender expression, and Pride month.

June 9, 2022
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I’m Worried My 3-Year-Old Son is Experiencing Gender Confusion. Any Advice?

“I’m worried that my 3.5 year old son is experiencing gender confusion. Can you help me understand if his behaviors indicate that he will be gay or transgender?”

June 7, 2022
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How Can I Talk to My Younger Sister about Parent’s Divorce?

“How can I talk to my 6-year-old sister about the divorce of her parents in a way that will help her feel supported?”

May 31, 2022
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A Parent’s Guide to Supporting Children After a School Shooting

In the wake of yet another school shooting, parents may be wondering how best to support their children in processing the tragedy. Clinical experts at Little Otter want to share concrete strategies and tips that you can use to help validate your child’s feelings and cope in uncertain times.

May 26, 2022
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How Can I Respond to My 7 Year Old’s Defiance and Outbursts?

“How can I respond to my 7-year-old son’s defiance and outbursts?”

May 24, 2022
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10 Tips for Navigating Night Tantrums & Bedtime Struggles

Learn 10 tips to reduce night tantrums and help your child be a good sleeper. Remember: the best bedtime plan is the one that works for your family.

May 19, 2022
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Does Little Otter Treat ADHD?

“Do you guys diagnose ADHD in children and prescribe stimulant medication?”

May 17, 2022
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Spotting Signs of Dermatillomania in Toddlers

Dermatillomania is a skin picking disorder that can occur in both children and adults. Most children with dermatillomania do not notice when they are picking.

May 17, 2022
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Why Is My One-Year-Old So Clingy?

There are many reasons for clinginess in one-year-old toddlers including separation anxiety, hunger, exhaustion, or even because they simply need attention.

May 17, 2022
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What Do I Do About My Child Having Intrusive Thoughts?

Dark, scary, worrisome, or violent thoughts in children and teenagers are common. But, in some cases, bad thoughts can be a sign of a bigger problem, like OCD.

May 17, 2022
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Psychosomatic Symptoms in Children

When children have high stress and anxiety caused by common physical pain, they may be experiencing a mental health disorder called Somatic symptom disorder.

May 17, 2022
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Why Does My 5-Year-Old Have Violent Tantrums?

“I’m worried and wondering why my 5 year old gets violent when we take something from him, like his game when he is being bad. He hits, stomps, and curses. He may hit animals or a person nearby, including his parents, grandparents, and siblings. I don’t know how to get him to stop. Any advice?”

May 10, 2022
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Join “When to Worry,” A Lively Chat about Parenting Amid the Pandemic

In honor of Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week, Little Otter is proud to host “When to Worry” a lively discussion about parenting, child mental health, and how families can access mental health care.

May 5, 2022
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How Parents Can Avoid Passing Their Own Fears onto their Children

Learn how parents can avoid passing on fears to children, and the importance of parent mental health for the whole family’s wellbeing.

April 27, 2022
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Should I Worry about My 2 Year Old’s Head Banging When Upset?

“My toddler bangs their head on the ground when they get upset. Should I be worried about my child’s head banging when upset?”

April 25, 2022
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Help! My 2-Year-Old Has Tantrums Every Day

“My two-year-old has tantrums everyday. He won’t listen, either. I don’t know how to handle this. My partner and I are separating, but I’m not sure whether that is relevant, or why my son is acting this way. What can I do?”

April 19, 2022
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At What Age Does Separation Anxiety Typically Peak in Infants and Small Children?

Learn when separation anxiety typically peaks in infants and small children, how to respond to it, and when to worry about separation anxiety in children in this quick blog.

April 13, 2022
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Why Does My 13 Year Old Still Wet the Bed?

“My 13 year old and 11 year old both still wet the bed. They both seem too old to have this issue. Why do my 11 and 13 year olds still wet the bed? Is there a particular age in which bed-wetting should stop?”

April 12, 2022
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Tics in Children & Your Child’s Mental Health

Tics are estimated to impact about 20% of all children. Learn all about tics in children, what causes tics in children, and when to worry about tics.

April 7, 2022
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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?”

April 5, 2022
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11 Tips to Help Kids Deal with Grief in Childhood

Here are 11 tips to support kids dealing with grief in childhood. You’ll also learn warning signs that a child is struggling with grief, so you know when to worry.

March 31, 2022
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When Should I Worry about My 5-Year-Old’s Night Terrors?

“My 5-year-old son experiences night terrors. Is this something he’ll ‘grow out of,’ or should we be worried?”

March 29, 2022
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A Free Children’s Sleep Meditation for More Relaxing Bedtimes

Here’s a free children’s sleep meditation for a more relaxing and mindful bedtime. Plus, download our Bedtime Activity Kit with all three kids sleep meditations, plus other relaxing bedtime activities!

March 23, 2022
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Should I Worry About My Son’s Nightmares & Strange Dreams?

“My 4-year-old son frequently has nightmares and bad dreams. Should I be worried? If so, what should I do?”

March 22, 2022
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A Complete Guide to Childhood Insomnia When Your Kid Won't Sleep

This complete guide to childhood insomnia includes 5 expert-approved tips for helping your child get to sleep. Plus, you’ll learn why a good night’s sleep is so important, a few reasons why your child won’t sleep, and know when to worry.

March 17, 2022
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Should I Worry About My Daughter Going Back-and-Forth Between Mine and Her Father’s House?

“Should I be worried about my child going back and forth between visiting her father's house and returning home? She has a lot of fun at her father’s house where there’s less structure. Also, at our home she has to do her virtual schooling.”

March 15, 2022
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How to Build Resilience in Children

You’ve probably heard people say “kids are resilient!” But what does that really mean, especially in the context of pandemics, wars, and everyday stress? In this post, you’ll learn what resiliency is all about and how to build resilience in children.

March 9, 2022
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How Can I Respond to My 8-Year-Old’s Rudeness Without Pushing Him Away?

“My 8-year-old son is very disrespectful and rude. I am a single mom, and he sees his dad sometimes. Should I be worried about his behavior?”

March 8, 2022
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7 Tips for Talking about War with Children

War. It’s something we wish we didn’t have to talk about. But here we are. To help support your family during these difficult times, here are 7 tips for how to talk with your children about war.

March 2, 2022
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I’m Worried I’m Projecting My Own Trauma Onto My Daughter. Any Advice?

“I’m worried about the amount of my own trauma I'm projecting onto my 7-year-old daughter…I’ve noticed that my daughter and I sometimes have similar responses; in myself, I recognize them as trauma responses. I’m wondering whether they are the same for her, or if they’re just learned behaviors to get her way?”

March 1, 2022
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[TW: Suicide] Understanding Elevated Suicide Risk in Black Children & How to Respond

Research indicates that black children aged 5-12 are dying by suicide at nearly twice the rate of their white peers. Learn more about the research, how to talk to children about suicide, and tips for ways to respond, reduce, and even prevent suicide.

February 24, 2022
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How Can I Help Improve Communication Between My Daughter and Her Stepfather?

“My 9-year-old daughter recently started behaving defiantly toward my husband, her stepfather. She puts her father on a pedestal and will not give her stepdad a chance to even be a friend. Do you have any advice for how to communicate with her better and reduce the tension in our home?”

February 22, 2022
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3 Free Preschool Mental Health Activities

Here are three free preschool mental health activities to do with the young children in your family!

February 17, 2022
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My 3-Year-Old Grandson is Behaving Aggressively Toward Other Children. What Can I Do?

“My 3-year-old grandson, who I have custody of, is hitting other children and hurting them by throwing toys at their heads. He won’t follow any rules or sit still. This has been happening at daycare since the end of August. Currently, he’s suspended from daycare and may soon be expelled. I just don’t know what to do. Can you help?”

February 15, 2022
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Tips for Parental Peace of Mind with The Dumb Dads

Parenting is hard, but it doesn’t always have to be heavy. Tune into this light-filled, genuine conversation between Dr. Helen Egger and The Dumb Dads, Kevin Laferriere and Evan Kyle Berger.

February 10, 2022
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How Can I Help My Daughter Deal with the Recent Absence of Her Father?

“How can I help my daughter cope with her father leaving and abandoning us? She misses him quite often, and I do my best to explain to her what happened but I know it’s a tough concept for her to grasp. I just want to know what else I can do to help her deal with everything.”

February 8, 2022
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5 Ways to Support Child Mental Health in this Pandemic

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is having a significant impact on the mental health of children and families. There’s no way to sugarcoat it: kids and families are suffering. Learn what you can do to support your child’s wellness today.

February 2, 2022
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My 10-Year-Old Son Struggles to Express His Anger and Anxiety Constructively. Any Advice?

One mom asked us for tips for how to help her child express anger, and wondering whether it was related to anxiety or a recent parental separation. Here’s some advice from our child mental health experts.

February 1, 2022
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40+ Resources for Child and Family Mental Health [January 2022 Update]

Here is a big list of 40+ child and family mental health resources, updated in January 2022. It includes federal agencies, books, toys, games, free downloads, and more.

January 27, 2022
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My Prepubescent Daughter is Expressing Newly Defiant Behavior. Any Tips for Talking to Her In a Way She’ll Hear?

One mom wrote to us about her pre-pubescent daughter’s defiant behavior, asking for help in how to communicate more effectively. See the expert guidance from our mental health professionals here.

January 25, 2022
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A Quick Primer on Health Insurance for Mental Health Care

In this article, you’ll learn a quick overview of key terms related to health insurance, and get answers to a few important questions about health insurance for mental health care.

January 20, 2022
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How Can I Help My Grandson, Who is on the Autism Spectrum, Become More Flexible?

Learn our advice for how to help manage Autism rigidity in children, even during COVID.

January 18, 2022
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The Promise of Online Therapy for Children

Early research indicates that online therapy for children works. Learn more about why this matters for child mental health today, 5 benefits of online mental health care for children, and Little Otter’s unique child mental health app.

January 13, 2022
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What Can We Do About Our 3-Year-Old’s Constant Tantrums?

We recently received a question from a parent, wondering whether it’s time to talk to an expert about their 3-year-old’s near-constant temper tantrums. Here’s advice from our child mental health experts.

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Little Otter Raises $22M in Series A Funding to Support Family Mental Health Nationwide

Little Otter was founded to bring on-demand, family-centric mental health and wellness to every family because families need more than daycare and diapers. Today, we’re proud to announce a major step forward in that journey with the closing of our $22M Series A fundraise!

January 6, 2022
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Should I Be Worried About My Child’s Interest in Death?

One parent wrote to us, wondering whether to worry that their child talks about death and dying. Here’s a response from our child mental health experts.

January 4, 2022
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6 Ways to Help Your Child Deal with Climate Anxiety

Wondering how to help children deal with climate anxiety? Here are 6 activities designed to help your family navigate climate change worries, with options for kids of all ages.

December 29, 2021
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I’m Worried That My Postpartum Depression Negatively Impacted My Children. Any Guidance?

One mother wrote in asking about the potential impact of postpartum depression on her children. Below is her question, and a response from our child mental health experts.

December 28, 2021
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Family Activity Guide: Mood Jars

Here’s a fun activity you can do with your whole family this holiday season!

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My Daughter Tends to Respond Defensively. Any Tips for Better Communication With Her?

One mom wrote in about her teenage daughter’s defensive responses, and how to communicate more productively.

December 21, 2021
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3 Tips for Helping Kids Cope with Grief During the Holidays

Grief and loss can take a toll mentally on the entire family. Here are 3 therapist-approved mental health coping skills to help navigate grief this holiday season.

December 16, 2021
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Does My Grandson Have Aggressive Tantrums Because He Witnessed Abuse?

One grandparent wrote in wondering if their grandson’s aggressive tantrums could be a result of seeing his mother being abused. Here’s advice from our team of child mental health experts.

December 14, 2021
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Our Eldest Son Has Meltdowns After I Get Home From Work. What Can We Do?

One dad asked us, “My 6-year-old son has meltdowns after I get home from work. He behaves differently with me than with mom. What can we do?” Here’s our advice.

December 8, 2021