Big Feelings & Emotional Regulation
When your child melts down, shuts down, or explodes — it's usually a nervous system overwhelmed, not defiance. Learn co-regulation before correction.
Child Mind Institute Back to home
For Parents & Caregivers
Help for kids struggling with big feelings, friendships, and mental health.
If you're worried about your child, you're already doing the right thing. Below are the resources we hand to parents every week — crisis lines, trusted reading, and a clear path to finding real help.
If you need help now
Crisis support, 24/7
If your child is in immediate danger, call 911. Otherwise, these free lines are staffed around the clock by trained counselors.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988. Free, confidential, 24/7 — for kids, teens, and parents.
Call 988SAMHSA National Helpline
1-800-662-4357 — free, 24/7 treatment referral and information service.
Call SAMHSAUnderstanding what you're seeing
Start here — the four things parents ask us about most
Friendships & Social Skills
Kids who struggle to make or keep friends often need explicit coaching, not just more playdates. Practice, role-play, and small wins matter.
Understood.orgAnxiety in Kids & Teens
Signs look different at every age — stomachaches, avoidance, perfectionism, anger. Anxiety is treatable and responds well to early support.
Anxieties.com Parent GuideWorking With Your Child's School
You have the right to request a meeting, a 504 Plan, or an IEP evaluation. Written requests start the clock — email is your friend.
WrightslawWatch and learn
YouTube resources that explain what you're seeing
Short, trusted videos from child mental health organizations — for parents and kids to watch together.
10 Tips for Parenting Anxious Kids
Child Mind Institute
Practical ways to support anxious children without accidentally reinforcing their fears.
Watch on YouTubeHow to Help Children Calm Down
Child Mind Institute
Why tantrums and outbursts happen, and how to teach regulation as a skill.
Watch on YouTubeHow to Help Kids Build Positive, Healthy Friendships
Child Mind Institute
A parent-focused conversation on supporting social development and friendship skills.
Watch on YouTubeRelaxation Skills for Elementary School Students
Child Mind Institute
Short, kid-friendly paced-breathing practice to turn down stress in the body.
Watch on YouTubeThe Truth About Loneliness in Millennials and Gen Z
The Jed Foundation
Honest perspectives on loneliness, connection, and what teens and young adults need.
Watch on YouTubeWhere to start
A calm, five-step path to getting your child support
You don't have to do all of these at once. Do the next one.
- 01
Notice & name it
Track what you're seeing — when, how often, what makes it better or worse. A 2-week note on your phone is enough.
- 02
Start with your pediatrician
Ask for a behavioral health screening. They can rule out medical causes and refer you into a network.
- 03
Loop in the school
Email the counselor and teacher. Ask what they see and what supports exist (small groups, check-ins, 504/IEP).
- 04
Find the right therapist
Look for child-trained clinicians using CBT, play therapy, or family therapy. First session is a fit-check — it's okay to switch.
- 05
Care for the caregiver
You cannot pour from an empty cup. Join a parent group, protect your sleep, and get your own support in place.
Trusted organizations
Where we send parents for deeper reading
Child Mind Institute
Articles, symptom guides, and video series for parents.
The JED Foundation
Teen and young-adult emotional health resources.
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
Family support groups, education, and helpline.
Effective Child Therapy
Evidence-based treatments by concern (anxiety, ADHD, OCD, trauma).
Psychology Today Therapist Finder
Search child & adolescent therapists by insurance and specialty.
Zero to Three
Early childhood (birth–3) social-emotional development.
Talk to a person
Still not sure what your child needs?
Care Solutions offers free, non-clinical navigation for families. Tell us what's going on and we'll help you find the right next step — a program, a therapist, a support group, or just someone who's been there.
Care Solutions Inc. is an educational and referral organization. We are not a clinical or emergency service. In a crisis, call 988 or 911.