Anxiety & Mental Health
Mental Health Awareness Month: Teaching Children Kindness
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to breaking mental health stigma and promoting emotional well-being for people of all ages. In 2025, as conversations about mental health grow more inclusive and proactive, one thing is clear: nurturing mental health must begin early. One powerful way to do this is by teaching children…
Debunking Common Myths About Childhood Anxiety
Childhood anxiety is often misunderstood. In the social environment of out-of-school time (OST) programs, staff play an essential role in supporting children who are still learning to manage their emotions. Recognizing the role anxiety plays in children’s behavior is critical, as young kids can experience real and overwhelming anxiety, even if they can’t always express…
Teaching Kids Emotional Regulation: 5 Strategies for Your Program
Teaching kids emotional regulation skills is essential, both for their future well-being and for the success of your early childhood programs. Children who learn effective emotional regulation strategies are better equipped for whatever life may throw at them. Encouraging effective co-regulation in your program ensures a positive environment for children as well as childcare providers…
How to Deal with Bullying in Out-of-School Settings
Bullying is not limited to school environments; bullying outside of school can occur in after-school programs, extracurricular activities, and other out-of-school time (OST) settings — including digital spaces. Bullying behaviors are as varied as the contexts in which they occur. That’s why it is essential that adults know how to recognize and address diverse types…
Anxiety in Children: Creating a Supportive Atmosphere in Childcare
Childhood anxiety is a significant and growing issue in the United States. The Annie E. Casey Foundation’s 2022 KIDS COUNT Data Book highlights that 12% of US children ages three to seventeen experienced anxiety or depression — a marked increase from 9% in 2016. Anxiety in young children can feel overwhelming and confusing, as they…