Resources
Below are resources I either developed or was part of developing, am part of providing, or some recommended resources I have curated to support the social-emotional development and well-being of young people.
Children’s Books & Companion Resources
My Books
- Visit the Books tab of my website for children’s books I have written to cultivate children’s social-emotional development and well-being along with companion resources for them, including read-aloud videos, downloadable/printable activities, and materials for leading a lesson on the book’s topic.
Book Recommendations
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- 15 Social-Emotional Learning Books for Kids in 2024
- Hearts & Minds: Picture Books that Strengthen Social Emotional Learning
- Book recommendations, read-aloud videos, activities, and lessons
- 55 Best Social Skills Books for Kids
Online Resources for Youth Social-Emotional Development & Well-Being
Websites
- Provides information and resources about early childhood development, specifically for babies and toddlers from birth to age three
- Educational resources, trainings, and mental health care and treatment for families
- Articles, resources, and free offerings for parents/caregivers of children ages 0-8, educators, and child-serving providers
- Find free resources for children ages 0-8 including videos, games, and articles on various topics
- Find free teaching resources for students and teachers including videos, lesson plans, and games, in various areas including social and emotional development
- Provides age-based reviews and ratings for children’s media, along with advice and tools to help families make smart media choices
- A project of the National Domestic Violence Hotline, Love is Respect offers 24/7 information, support, and advocacy to young people ages 13-26 who have questions or concerns about their romantic relationships, and for people in their lives to best support them.
- Offers resources for educators, students, and communities to support LGBTQ+ students
- Offers resources and support for LGBTQ+ youth, their families, friends, and allies
- Offers resources related to social and emotional learning (SEL) for districts, schools, classrooms, and families, including an online resource library, implementation tools, courses, and more
YouTube Channels
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- Yoga, mindfulness, and relaxation videos for kids that are fun and engaging
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- Fun, educational videos for kids that encourage movement and learning
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Apps for Children’s Social-Emotional Development & Well-Being
- Guided meditations, breathe bubble exercises, sleep stories, music, and soundscapes for both children and adults
- Includes a variety of mindfulness activities for both children and adults, such as meditations, breathing exercises, sleep resources, and more
List of Recommended Apps & Games
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- This list by Common Sense Media includes recommended apps and games to help cultivate children’s emotional intelligence
Offerings for Expecting Parents and Families with Young Children
Visit the Bright Start Connect website for free offerings for parents/caregivers of children ages 0-8 and professionals who work with young children and families, including:
- One-on-One Caregiver Consultations
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- Free 1-hour virtual sessions for parents/caregivers of children ages 0-8. Sessions provide parents/caregivers the opportunity to meet with experienced professionals specializing in child development, youth mental health, and family support and receive personalized, evidence-based advice and practical tools tailored to your family’s unique needs. Learn more and sign up for your 1-hour consultation here.
Bright Start Connect is a project by Forward-Leading IPA (FLIPA), which I work with as a consulting provider.
Finding a Mental Health Provider
- Search for therapists, psychiatrists, treatment centers, and support groups specific to your needs, insurance plan, and other preferences. You will also find informative blogs written by a wide variety of mental health professionals.
American Psychiatric Association
- The American Psychiatric Association’s psychiatrist-locator database is one way to find a psychiatrist who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental illness and substance abuse disorders through medication evaluations and medication management.
Online Therapy Platforms for Kids and Families
- Eight recommended online therapy services for kids and families, including helpful information to know about each of them and pros and cons to consider.
Crisis Resources
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
- Call or text 988 or chat live
- For those who are deaf and hard of hearing: Reach out to 988 Videophone by calling 988 with a VP number or connecting through their web portal
- The Lifeline provides 24/7/365 free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
- Call 1-866-488-7386, chat live, or text “START” to 678-678
- Confidential services that offers trained counselors who provide crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ+ youth 24/7, 365 days a year. The Trevor Project also offers guidance and resources to parents/caregivers and educators.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
- Call 1-800-799-7233, chat live, or text “START” to 88788
- The National Domestic Violence Hotline is a 24-hour confidential service for survivors, victims and those affected by domestic violence, intimate partner violence, and relationship abuse.
- Call 1-800-662-4357
- The SAMHSA National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, year-round treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.