Child Focus News https://www.child-focus.org/news/ Child Focus News Child Focus News Why Your Child's Appetite, Sleep, and Energy Can Shift in Summer https://www.child-focus.org/news/why-your-childs-appetite-sleep-and-energy-can-shift-in-summer/ Mon, 06 Jul 2026 00:00:00 EST https://www.child-focus.org/news/why-your-childs-appetite-sleep-and-energy-can-shift-in-summer/
Why Your Child's Appetite, Sleep, and Energy Can Shift in Summer

When school lets out, your child's daily rhythms shift. How they eat, how they sleep, and how much energy they carry throughout the day all look different. These changes feed directly into your child's ability to cope with everyday frustrations.  

This article covers why shifts happen during the summertime and what you can do to keep your child's body and mind balanced. 

Academic success, Activities, After School Tips, ALONE TIME, Ask for help, ATTENTION, Back to school transition, Back-to-school anxiety, Behavioral health, Behavioral Issues, Behavioral Therapy, Benefits of Extra-curricular Programs, BILINGUAL, Body Image, Build creativity, Building a Routine, Building Independence, bullying, Burnout, Busy parents, Caregiver Support, Child Abuse, Child development, CHILD FOCUS, Child Focus, Child with anxiety, Child's mental health, Children's Emotional Health, Clubs and Sports for Children, Co-Parenting, COMMUNICATION, communication, Communication, constructive and destructive thoughts, conversations with your kids, Counseling, Create, crisis intervention, depression, Detention Center, Developmental milestones, Drugs, Early childhood development, Early Childhood Mental Health Therapist, Early development, Early Head Start, Early Learning Program, Emotional health, Emotions, Empowerment, EVENT RECAP, Families and communities, Family Bonding, FAMILY DYNAMICS, Family Resources, Family therapy, First day of school, First Sleepover, FOSTER CARE, Fostering emotional resilience, Free exploration, GIVING, GIVING, SPONSOR, GOALS, Gut and brain work together, Gut health, HEAD START, Healthy habits, High School, Holiday Breaks, Holiday season, Home learning space, HOME LIFE, How To, In-Person Therapy, Individual therapy, Job Openings, Keeping Kids Engaged, Managing Stress, MENTAL HEALTH, mental health, Mental Health, Mental health, Mental Health Awareness, Mental Health Conditions, Mental Health Professionals, Mental Health Services, mental illness, Mentors, Middle School, military, military families, Mind-Body Wellness, Mind-body Wellness, Model comfort, Mood, Motivational Interviewing, New Schools, Nutrition, Organization, Paraprofessional, Parent Education & Employment Program, Parent Enrichment Program, Parent Resources, Parent's guide, Parenting Tips, Parents, Physical Activity, Physical Activity in Summer, Positive Communication, Positive Relationships, POSITIVITY, Preparing for School, Preschool, Preschool Readiness, professional counseling, Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Psychology, PTSD, Quality childcare, Quality Time, Rebellious Teens, Recovery, Relapse Prevention, Relationship Building, RELATIONSHIPS, Relationships, Resilience, Resilience is children, role model, Role of educators, RULES, Rumination, SCHOOL, School, School Staff, Seasonal Affective Disorder, Seasonal Depression, Self-Care, self-reflection, Separation Anxiety, Signs of anxiety, Single Parenting, SLEEP, Sleep Routines, Social Challenges, Social Media, Social Withdrawal, STAFF, Staying Active, STRESS, Stress Management, Substance Use, Success in Parenting, suicide prevention, SUMMER, Summer Break, Summer break, Summer Camp, Support, support, Support your child's emotional well-being, TANF, Teachers, teaching kids, Technology, Teen Behavior, Teenagers, Telehealth Therapy, therapeutic activities, THERAPY, therapy, Therapy, Time management, Tips, TRAINING, training, Transition, TRAUMA, Trauma, Unique child's journey, Warning Signs, Well-being, Why it's effective, YOUTH EMPLOYMENT, Youth mental health programs ]]> What to Do When Your Child's Emotions Catch You Off Guard https://www.child-focus.org/news/what-to-do-when-your-childs-emotions-catch-you-off-guard/ Mon, 08 Jun 2026 00:00:00 EST https://www.child-focus.org/news/what-to-do-when-your-childs-emotions-catch-you-off-guard/
What to Do When Your Child's Emotions Catch You Off Guard

Your child was fine five minutes ago. Now they're screaming in the grocery store, sobbing over a broken crayon, or shutting down completely at bedtime. You didn't see it coming. You don't know what triggered it. And in that moment, you're not sure what to do. 

Big emotions in children are normal. They're also exhausting and confusing for adults trying to respond in real time.  

Academic success, Activities, After School Tips, ALONE TIME, Ask for help, ATTENTION, Back to school transition, Back-to-school anxiety, Behavioral health, Behavioral Issues, Behavioral Therapy, Benefits of Extra-curricular Programs, BILINGUAL, Body Image, Build creativity, Building a Routine, Building Independence, bullying, Burnout, Busy parents, Caregiver Support, Child Abuse, Child development, CHILD FOCUS, Child Focus, Child with anxiety, Child's mental health, Children's Emotional Health, Clubs and Sports for Children, Co-Parenting, COMMUNICATION, communication, Communication, constructive and destructive thoughts, conversations with your kids, Counseling, Create, crisis intervention, depression, Detention Center, Developmental milestones, Drugs, Early childhood development, Early Childhood Mental Health Therapist, Early development, Early Head Start, Early Learning Program, Emotional health, Emotions, Empowerment, EVENT RECAP, Families and communities, Family Bonding, FAMILY DYNAMICS, Family Resources, Family therapy, First day of school, First Sleepover, FOSTER CARE, Fostering emotional resilience, Free exploration, GIVING, GIVING, SPONSOR, GOALS, Gut and brain work together, Gut health, HEAD START, Healthy habits, High School, Holiday Breaks, Holiday season, Home learning space, HOME LIFE, How To, In-Person Therapy, Individual therapy, Job Openings, Keeping Kids Engaged, Managing Stress, MENTAL HEALTH, mental health, Mental Health, Mental health, Mental Health Awareness, Mental Health Conditions, Mental Health Professionals, Mental Health Services, mental illness, Mentors, Middle School, military, military families, Mind-Body Wellness, Mind-body Wellness, Model comfort, Mood, Motivational Interviewing, New Schools, Nutrition, Organization, Paraprofessional, Parent Education & Employment Program, Parent Enrichment Program, Parent Resources, Parent's guide, Parenting Tips, Parents, Physical Activity, Physical Activity in Summer, Positive Communication, Positive Relationships, POSITIVITY, Preparing for School, Preschool, Preschool Readiness, professional counseling, Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Psychology, PTSD, Quality childcare, Quality Time, Rebellious Teens, Recovery, Relapse Prevention, Relationship Building, RELATIONSHIPS, Relationships, Resilience, Resilience is children, role model, Role of educators, RULES, Rumination, SCHOOL, School, School Staff, Seasonal Affective Disorder, Seasonal Depression, Self-Care, self-reflection, Separation Anxiety, Signs of anxiety, Single Parenting, SLEEP, Sleep Routines, Social Challenges, Social Media, Social Withdrawal, STAFF, Staying Active, STRESS, Stress Management, Substance Use, Success in Parenting, suicide prevention, SUMMER, Summer Break, Summer break, Summer Camp, Support, support, Support your child's emotional well-being, TANF, Teachers, teaching kids, Technology, Teen Behavior, Teenagers, Telehealth Therapy, therapeutic activities, THERAPY, therapy, Therapy, Time management, Tips, TRAINING, training, Transition, TRAUMA, Trauma, Unique child's journey, Warning Signs, Well-being, Why it's effective, YOUTH EMPLOYMENT, Youth mental health programs ]]> Signs Your Child Is Struggling with the Summer Shift (and How to Help) https://www.child-focus.org/news/signs-your-child-is-struggling-with-the-summer-shift-and-how-to-help/ Tue, 02 Jun 2026 00:00:00 EST https://www.child-focus.org/news/signs-your-child-is-struggling-with-the-summer-shift-and-how-to-help/
Signs Your Child Is Struggling with the Summer Shift (and How to Help)

Has your child's behavior changed since school let out? The shift out of the school year is a big transition.  

Children process disruption through their behavior. What looks like defiance or regression is often a response to lost structure, fewer social outlets, or emotions they don't have words for yet. 

Academic success, Activities, After School Tips, ALONE TIME, Ask for help, ATTENTION, Back to school transition, Back-to-school anxiety, Behavioral health, Behavioral Issues, Behavioral Therapy, Benefits of Extra-curricular Programs, BILINGUAL, Body Image, Build creativity, Building a Routine, Building Independence, bullying, Burnout, Busy parents, Caregiver Support, Child Abuse, Child development, CHILD FOCUS, Child Focus, Child with anxiety, Child's mental health, Children's Emotional Health, Clubs and Sports for Children, Co-Parenting, COMMUNICATION, communication, Communication, constructive and destructive thoughts, conversations with your kids, Counseling, Create, crisis intervention, depression, Detention Center, Developmental milestones, Drugs, Early childhood development, Early Childhood Mental Health Therapist, Early development, Early Head Start, Early Learning Program, Emotional health, Emotions, Empowerment, EVENT RECAP, Families and communities, Family Bonding, FAMILY DYNAMICS, Family Resources, Family therapy, First day of school, First Sleepover, FOSTER CARE, Fostering emotional resilience, Free exploration, GIVING, GIVING, SPONSOR, GOALS, Gut and brain work together, Gut health, HEAD START, Healthy habits, High School, Holiday Breaks, Holiday season, Home learning space, HOME LIFE, How To, In-Person Therapy, Individual therapy, Job Openings, Keeping Kids Engaged, Managing Stress, MENTAL HEALTH, mental health, Mental Health, Mental health, Mental Health Awareness, Mental Health Conditions, Mental Health Professionals, Mental Health Services, mental illness, Mentors, Middle School, military, military families, Mind-Body Wellness, Mind-body Wellness, Model comfort, Mood, Motivational Interviewing, New Schools, Nutrition, Organization, Paraprofessional, Parent Education & Employment Program, Parent Enrichment Program, Parent Resources, Parent's guide, Parenting Tips, Parents, Physical Activity, Physical Activity in Summer, Positive Communication, Positive Relationships, POSITIVITY, Preparing for School, Preschool, Preschool Readiness, professional counseling, Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Psychology, PTSD, Quality childcare, Quality Time, Rebellious Teens, Recovery, Relapse Prevention, Relationship Building, RELATIONSHIPS, Relationships, Resilience, Resilience is children, role model, Role of educators, RULES, Rumination, SCHOOL, School, School Staff, Seasonal Affective Disorder, Seasonal Depression, Self-Care, self-reflection, Separation Anxiety, Signs of anxiety, Single Parenting, SLEEP, Sleep Routines, Social Challenges, Social Media, Social Withdrawal, STAFF, Staying Active, STRESS, Stress Management, Substance Use, Success in Parenting, suicide prevention, SUMMER, Summer Break, Summer break, Summer Camp, Support, support, Support your child's emotional well-being, TANF, Teachers, teaching kids, Technology, Teen Behavior, Teenagers, Telehealth Therapy, therapeutic activities, THERAPY, therapy, Therapy, Time management, Tips, TRAINING, training, Transition, TRAUMA, Trauma, Unique child's journey, Warning Signs, Well-being, Why it's effective, YOUTH EMPLOYMENT, Youth mental health programs ]]> What Your Child Needs to Thrive This Summer https://www.child-focus.org/news/what-your-child-needs-to-thrive-this-summer/ Mon, 18 May 2026 00:00:00 EST https://www.child-focus.org/news/what-your-child-needs-to-thrive-this-summer/
What Your Child Needs to Thrive This Summer

Is your family ready for summer? That question can bring excitement and uncertainty in equal measure.  

The school year provides built-in structure, social connection, and support. When that disappears in June, kids respond in different ways. Some need more consistency. Some need help staying connected with peers.  

Academic success, Activities, After School Tips, ALONE TIME, Ask for help, ATTENTION, Back to school transition, Back-to-school anxiety, Behavioral health, Behavioral Issues, Behavioral Therapy, Benefits of Extra-curricular Programs, BILINGUAL, Body Image, Build creativity, Building a Routine, Building Independence, bullying, Burnout, Busy parents, Caregiver Support, Child Abuse, Child development, CHILD FOCUS, Child Focus, Child with anxiety, Child's mental health, Children's Emotional Health, Clubs and Sports for Children, Co-Parenting, COMMUNICATION, communication, Communication, constructive and destructive thoughts, conversations with your kids, Counseling, Create, crisis intervention, depression, Detention Center, Developmental milestones, Drugs, Early childhood development, Early Childhood Mental Health Therapist, Early development, Early Head Start, Early Learning Program, Emotional health, Emotions, Empowerment, EVENT RECAP, Families and communities, Family Bonding, FAMILY DYNAMICS, Family Resources, Family therapy, First day of school, First Sleepover, FOSTER CARE, Fostering emotional resilience, Free exploration, GIVING, GIVING, SPONSOR, GOALS, Gut and brain work together, Gut health, HEAD START, Healthy habits, High School, Holiday Breaks, Holiday season, Home learning space, HOME LIFE, How To, In-Person Therapy, Individual therapy, Job Openings, Keeping Kids Engaged, Managing Stress, MENTAL HEALTH, mental health, Mental Health, Mental health, Mental Health Awareness, Mental Health Conditions, Mental Health Professionals, Mental Health Services, mental illness, Mentors, Middle School, military, military families, Mind-Body Wellness, Mind-body Wellness, Model comfort, Mood, Motivational Interviewing, New Schools, Nutrition, Organization, Paraprofessional, Parent Education & Employment Program, Parent Enrichment Program, Parent Resources, Parent's guide, Parenting Tips, Parents, Physical Activity, Physical Activity in Summer, Positive Communication, Positive Relationships, POSITIVITY, Preparing for School, Preschool, Preschool Readiness, professional counseling, Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Psychology, PTSD, Quality childcare, Quality Time, Rebellious Teens, Recovery, Relapse Prevention, Relationship Building, RELATIONSHIPS, Relationships, Resilience, Resilience is children, role model, Role of educators, RULES, Rumination, SCHOOL, School, School Staff, Seasonal Affective Disorder, Seasonal Depression, Self-Care, self-reflection, Separation Anxiety, Signs of anxiety, Single Parenting, SLEEP, Sleep Routines, Social Challenges, Social Media, Social Withdrawal, STAFF, Staying Active, STRESS, Stress Management, Substance Use, Success in Parenting, suicide prevention, SUMMER, Summer Break, Summer break, Summer Camp, Support, support, Support your child's emotional well-being, TANF, Teachers, teaching kids, Technology, Teen Behavior, Teenagers, Telehealth Therapy, therapeutic activities, THERAPY, therapy, Therapy, Time management, Tips, TRAINING, training, Transition, TRAUMA, Trauma, Unique child's journey, Warning Signs, Well-being, Why it's effective, YOUTH EMPLOYMENT, Youth mental health programs ]]> How to Help Your Child Build Friendships That Last https://www.child-focus.org/news/how-to-help-your-child-build-friendships-that-last/ Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 EST https://www.child-focus.org/news/how-to-help-your-child-build-friendships-that-last/
How to Help Your Child Build Friendships That Last

Have you ever watched your child hang back at the playground while other kids run off together? Or listened to them say they had no one to sit with at lunch? Those moments can sting, and they tend to stick with you long after bedtime. 

Academic success, Activities, After School Tips, ALONE TIME, Ask for help, ATTENTION, Back to school transition, Back-to-school anxiety, Behavioral health, Behavioral Issues, Behavioral Therapy, Benefits of Extra-curricular Programs, BILINGUAL, Body Image, Build creativity, Building a Routine, Building Independence, bullying, Burnout, Busy parents, Caregiver Support, Child Abuse, Child development, CHILD FOCUS, Child Focus, Child with anxiety, Child's mental health, Children's Emotional Health, Clubs and Sports for Children, Co-Parenting, COMMUNICATION, communication, Communication, constructive and destructive thoughts, conversations with your kids, Counseling, Create, crisis intervention, depression, Detention Center, Developmental milestones, Drugs, Early childhood development, Early Childhood Mental Health Therapist, Early development, Early Head Start, Early Learning Program, Emotional health, Emotions, Empowerment, EVENT RECAP, Families and communities, Family Bonding, FAMILY DYNAMICS, Family Resources, Family therapy, First day of school, First Sleepover, FOSTER CARE, Fostering emotional resilience, Free exploration, GIVING, GIVING, SPONSOR, GOALS, Gut and brain work together, Gut health, HEAD START, Healthy habits, High School, Holiday Breaks, Holiday season, Home learning space, HOME LIFE, How To, In-Person Therapy, Individual therapy, Job Openings, Keeping Kids Engaged, Managing Stress, MENTAL HEALTH, mental health, Mental Health, Mental health, Mental Health Awareness, Mental Health Conditions, Mental Health Professionals, Mental Health Services, mental illness, Mentors, Middle School, military, military families, Mind-Body Wellness, Mind-body Wellness, Model comfort, Mood, Motivational Interviewing, New Schools, Nutrition, Organization, Paraprofessional, Parent Education & Employment Program, Parent Enrichment Program, Parent Resources, Parent's guide, Parenting Tips, Parents, Physical Activity, Physical Activity in Summer, Positive Communication, Positive Relationships, POSITIVITY, Preparing for School, Preschool, Preschool Readiness, professional counseling, Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Psychology, PTSD, Quality childcare, Quality Time, Rebellious Teens, Recovery, Relapse Prevention, Relationship Building, RELATIONSHIPS, Relationships, Resilience, Resilience is children, role model, Role of educators, RULES, Rumination, SCHOOL, School, School Staff, Seasonal Affective Disorder, Seasonal Depression, Self-Care, self-reflection, Separation Anxiety, Signs of anxiety, Single Parenting, SLEEP, Sleep Routines, Social Challenges, Social Media, Social Withdrawal, STAFF, Staying Active, STRESS, Stress Management, Substance Use, Success in Parenting, suicide prevention, SUMMER, Summer Break, Summer break, Summer Camp, Support, support, Support your child's emotional well-being, TANF, Teachers, teaching kids, Technology, Teen Behavior, Teenagers, Telehealth Therapy, therapeutic activities, THERAPY, therapy, Therapy, Time management, Tips, TRAINING, training, Transition, TRAUMA, Trauma, Unique child's journey, Warning Signs, Well-being, Why it's effective, YOUTH EMPLOYMENT, Youth mental health programs ]]> Job Hunting with Anxiety? How Our Parent Employment Program Helps https://www.child-focus.org/news/job-hunting-with-anxiety-how-our-parent-employment-program-helps/ Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 EST https://www.child-focus.org/news/job-hunting-with-anxiety-how-our-parent-employment-program-helps/
Job Hunting with Anxiety? How Our Parent Employment Program Helps

Does the thought of updating your resume or walking into an interview make your chest tighten? Many parents carry anxiety around job searching, and it only gets heavier when employment gaps or family demands are part of the picture. 

The longer you wait, the harder it gets to start.

Academic success, Activities, After School Tips, ALONE TIME, Ask for help, ATTENTION, Back to school transition, Back-to-school anxiety, Behavioral health, Behavioral Issues, Behavioral Therapy, Benefits of Extra-curricular Programs, BILINGUAL, Body Image, Build creativity, Building a Routine, Building Independence, bullying, Burnout, Busy parents, Caregiver Support, Child Abuse, Child development, CHILD FOCUS, Child Focus, Child with anxiety, Child's mental health, Children's Emotional Health, Clubs and Sports for Children, Co-Parenting, COMMUNICATION, communication, Communication, constructive and destructive thoughts, conversations with your kids, Counseling, Create, crisis intervention, depression, Detention Center, Developmental milestones, Drugs, Early childhood development, Early Childhood Mental Health Therapist, Early development, Early Head Start, Early Learning Program, Emotional health, Emotions, Empowerment, EVENT RECAP, Families and communities, Family Bonding, FAMILY DYNAMICS, Family Resources, Family therapy, First day of school, First Sleepover, FOSTER CARE, Fostering emotional resilience, Free exploration, GIVING, GIVING, SPONSOR, GOALS, Gut and brain work together, Gut health, HEAD START, Healthy habits, High School, Holiday Breaks, Holiday season, Home learning space, HOME LIFE, How To, In-Person Therapy, Individual therapy, Job Openings, Keeping Kids Engaged, Managing Stress, MENTAL HEALTH, mental health, Mental Health, Mental health, Mental Health Awareness, Mental Health Conditions, Mental Health Professionals, Mental Health Services, mental illness, Mentors, Middle School, military, military families, Mind-Body Wellness, Mind-body Wellness, Model comfort, Mood, Motivational Interviewing, New Schools, Nutrition, Organization, Paraprofessional, Parent Education & Employment Program, Parent Enrichment Program, Parent Resources, Parent's guide, Parenting Tips, Parents, Physical Activity, Physical Activity in Summer, Positive Communication, Positive Relationships, POSITIVITY, Preparing for School, Preschool, Preschool Readiness, professional counseling, Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Psychology, PTSD, Quality childcare, Quality Time, Rebellious Teens, Recovery, Relapse Prevention, Relationship Building, RELATIONSHIPS, Relationships, Resilience, Resilience is children, role model, Role of educators, RULES, Rumination, SCHOOL, School, School Staff, Seasonal Affective Disorder, Seasonal Depression, Self-Care, self-reflection, Separation Anxiety, Signs of anxiety, Single Parenting, SLEEP, Sleep Routines, Social Challenges, Social Media, Social Withdrawal, STAFF, Staying Active, STRESS, Stress Management, Substance Use, Success in Parenting, suicide prevention, SUMMER, Summer Break, Summer break, Summer Camp, Support, support, Support your child's emotional well-being, TANF, Teachers, teaching kids, Technology, Teen Behavior, Teenagers, Telehealth Therapy, therapeutic activities, THERAPY, therapy, Therapy, Time management, Tips, TRAINING, training, Transition, TRAUMA, Trauma, Unique child's journey, Warning Signs, Well-being, Why it's effective, YOUTH EMPLOYMENT, Youth mental health programs ]]>