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Books On Shelf

Tip Sheets

When your child is struggling, it’s not always clear what to do next. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, school challenges, behavior changes, or tough decisions about treatment, you don’t have to figure it out alone.

This collection of resources offers real-world help for parents of children with mental health or behavioral challenges. Explore guidance on everyday situations, learn what other parents have found helpful, and find support you can use right away.

Browse topics like:

  • Anxiety and panic

  • School refusal and attendance

  • Therapy and treatment decisions

  • Behavior challenges at home

  • Social struggles and friendships

13 Things Your Kids Wish You Knew

13 Things Your Kids Wish You Knew

If your child struggles to explain how they feel, you’re not alone. Learn what kids wish parents understood about their mental health and how small shifts in how you listen and respond can make a big difference.

Dad to Dad

Dad to Dad

Dads play a powerful role in their child’s mental health. Hear directly from other fathers about what helped them show up, connect, and make a difference.

Graduation for Students with Behavioral Challenges

Graduation for Students with Behavioral Challenges

Worried about what comes next after high school? Get practical tips to help your child prepare for graduation and plan next steps with confidence.

How to Meet with Your Legislator

How to Meet with Your Legislator

Want to advocate for better mental health support for families? Learn how to prepare for a meeting with your legislator and share your story effectively.

How to be a  Supportive Partner

How to be a Supportive Partner

Parenting a child with mental health challenges can strain relationships. Learn how to stay connected, communicate better, and support each other through the stress.

Mental Health Consent to Treat

Mental Health Consent to Treat

Learn about PA's Mental Health Consent Law for children ages 14 to 17. También disponible en español.

Navigating the Juvenile Justice System with a Mental Health Challenge: A Parent's Guide

Navigating the Juvenile Justice System with a Mental Health Challenge: A Parent's Guide

If your child is involved with the juvenile justice system, it can feel overwhelming. Learn what to expect and how to advocate for your child’s mental health needs along the way.

Parenting Through the Tough Days: Small Steps That Make a Big Difference

Parenting Through the Tough Days: Small Steps That Make a Big Difference

Some days feel harder than others. Get real, practical strategies from parents and experts to help you handle challenging behaviors, reduce stress, and take care of your own mental health too.

Sharing Your Story

Sharing Your Story

Not sure how to tell your family’s story in a way that makes an impact? Learn what to share, how to start, and how your voice can help drive change.

Talking about Suicide

Talking about Suicide

Worried your child might be thinking about suicide but unsure how to ask? Learn how to start the conversation, what to say, and how to support your child in a way that feels safe and direct.

Tips Parents Want to Share about Trauma

Tips Parents Want to Share about Trauma

Parenting a child who has experienced trauma can feel overwhelming. Learn what other parents have found helpful in supporting healing and building trust.

Bullying Prevention

Bullying Prevention

Learn important tips for handling the bullying your child may be experiencing.

Emotional Safety Plan

Emotional Safety Plan

When emotions run high, it can be hard to know what to do in the moment. Create a simple plan to help your child manage stress, avoid escalation, and feel supported before things reach a crisis point.

Helping Your Child Make Friends

Helping Your Child Make Friends

Making and keeping friends can be hard for kids with anxiety or behavioral challenges. Learn how to support your child in building healthy friendships and navigating social situations.

How to Pick the Right Residential Treatment Facility for Your Child

How to Pick the Right Residential Treatment Facility for Your Child

Learn from parents who have had to make the difficult decision of sending their child to an RTF. También disponible en español.

Inpatient Hospitalization: A Resource for Parents and Families

Inpatient Hospitalization: A Resource for Parents and Families

If your child may need inpatient mental health care, you likely have questions. Learn what to expect, how the process works, and how to support your child during a hospital stay.

Navigating Your Child's Anxiety

Navigating Your Child's Anxiety

If your child struggles with anxiety, everyday situations can feel overwhelming. Learn what helps, what to avoid, and how to support your child through anxious moments.

Once They’re Safe: Taking Care of Yourself While Your Child Is Receiving Mental Health Care

Once They’re Safe: Taking Care of Yourself While Your Child Is Receiving Mental Health Care

When your child is finally safe, the stress doesn’t just disappear. Learn how other parents coped during and after a crisis and how to take care of yourself too.

Residential Treatment Facility Tips

Residential Treatment Facility Tips

If your child is going to a residential program, preparation matters. Get practical tips from parents on how to plan, stay involved, and support your child during their stay.

Supporting Your LGBTQ Child

Supporting Your LGBTQ Child

When your child comes out, you want them to feel safe, loved, and understood. Learn how to respond in ways that build trust and support their mental health.

The Unique Challenges of Parenting in a Blended Family

The Unique Challenges of Parenting in a Blended Family

Blending families can be hard, especially when a child is already struggling. Learn how to support your child through transitions and reduce conflict at home.

Understanding Your Child's Social Battery

Understanding Your Child's Social Battery

Does your child get overwhelmed by social situations or need time to recharge? Learn what a “social battery” is and how to support your child before, during, and after social interactions.

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