Emotional Well-Being

High profile acts of violence, particularly in schools, can confuse and frighten children who may feel in danger or worry that their friends or loved-ones are at risk. They will look to adults for information and guidance on how to react. Parents and school personnel can help children feel safe by establishing a sense of normalcy and security and talking with them about their fears.

Offers information for caregivers on how to talk to children about war. This fact sheet includes the potential impact and considerations when talking to children about war, how to start the conversation, understanding media coverage, and how to foster resilience.

Exposure to graphic images, distressing information, and horrific headlines can affect kids' overall well-being.

Children's lives are touched by trauma on a regular basis, no matter how much parents or teachers try to keep the "bad things" away. Instead of shielding children from the dangers, violence or tragedies around us, adults should talk to kids about what is happening. 

The conversation may not seem easy, but taking a proactive stance, discussing difficult events in age-appropriate language can help a child feel safer and more secure.

Download a printable PDF workbook of our teacher checklist for preparing to teach current events to middle and high school students. We include recommended news sources, key questions to ask as yourself as you plan, and strategies for navigating emotionally difficult or complex topics.

These guidelines can help instructors facilitate classroom discussion around controversial issues.

Jack.org, School Mental Health Ontario, and Kids Help Phone present a hub of resources to help you take care of yourself and look out for the people you love during this challenging time.

Deep breathing is one of the best ways to relax your body and mind. When you breathe slowly and deeply, a message is sent to your brain to relax. If you practice regularly, you’ll be better able to use it to help you relax when you feel stressed or upset.

Self-care is about nurturing your mental, emotional, and physical health. It’s important to take time to look after yourself. Try Kids Help Phone’s quiz to find out if you’re practicing enough self-care!

Sometimes life can be overwhelming and it can be hard to work through difficult times. This virtual calming room provides tools and different strategies for managing emotions. Having a toolbox of coping strategies can provide healthy outlets for coping with challenging times.

Managing anxiety, stress, and boredom while sheltering in place is a challenge for us all. Add the all-too-common condition of “being a teenager” into the mix, and it’s a potent recipe for trouble. Dr. Damour discusses strategies for helping our young people cope.

Psychological health includes being able to bear unpleasant feelings.

Understanding how the brain works can empower you and the children in your life to discover how to change your brain to become calmer and more optimistic. This guided session will help you to harness the power of your brain to bring more focus, awareness, and calm to each day.

Deep breathing is one of the best ways to relax your body and mind. When you breathe slowly and deeply, a message is sent to your brain to relax. If you practice regularly, you’ll be better able to use it to help you relax when you feel stressed or upset.

A series of read-aloud videos by authors Billy Brodovsky and Kate Kiernan (New Directions). This storybook teaches kids about freeze, flight, and fight and helps them learn some basic self-regulation skills. Understanding freeze, flight, and fight can allow for new conversations about how your child feels and what to do to help them manage their big feelings.