This week is National Suicide Prevention Week, a pivotal time to turn our focus toward the emotional well-being of our kids. Acknowledging that they, too, grapple with real internal struggles is the first step. This guide steers you on nurturing age-appropriate, simple yet open conversations, facilitating a pathway for them to grow strong and joyous. Let's take steady steps in understanding and addressing mental health, encouraging kind dialogues, learning, and comfortable pacing for them.

The American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and Children's Hospital Association have declared a national state of emergency in child and adolescent mental health. The declaration comes in response to the soaring rates of mental health challenges among children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Play is essential for social-emotional learning. It's how kids learn and grow their emotional intelligence, and it can also have a ton of benefits for families and healthy development.