Many twice exceptional (2e) children feel different, like they just don’t fit in, and can be more susceptible to mental health challenges. They may feel isolated from their peers because of their giftedness and their neurodiversity, whether it be autism, learning differences, ADHD, anxiety or otherwise. Some live with the constant feeling that they are not living up to their ‘gifted’ potential, or feel the weight of the world on their shoulders. With this in mind, how can parents, caregivers and educators effectively support 2e children? Join us for today’s podcast episode as we talk with Christine Pearston, PsyD, licensed clinical psychologist at CHC’s Catherine T. Harvey Center for Clinical Services, who suggests we start by looking at the whole child — strengths, interests and challenges alike.

Many twice exceptional (2e) children feel different, like they just don’t fit in, and can be more susceptible to mental health challenges. They may feel isolated from their peers because of their giftedness and their neurodiversity, whether it be autism, learning differences, ADHD, anxiety or otherwise. Some live with the constant feeling that they are not living up to their ‘gifted’ potential, or feel the weight of the world on their shoulders. With this in mind, how can parents, caregivers and educators effectively support 2e children? Join us for today’s podcast episode as we talk with Christine Pearston, PsyD, licensed clinical psychologist at CHC’s Catherine T. Harvey Center for Clinical Services, who suggests we start by looking at the whole child — strengths, interests and challenges alike.

Most kids complain about school sometimes. But if your child’s gripes come almost daily and they are begging you not to go to school at all, you might be wondering if there’s something deeper going on. Are they falling behind? Not making friends? Does the pace of instruction leave them feeling lost and confused? If feedback from parent/teacher conferences validates your concerns, perhaps it’s time to consider a different type of school environment. Join us for this timely conversation with CHC education experts, Chris Harris, MEd, Chief Schools Officer and Miki Walker, Director of Sand Hill School, as we discuss the many different types of specialized schools and how to know whether to make the change for your child.

Emotional regulation is the ability to control our emotional state so that it matches the situation at-hand. It is not something we are born knowing how to do, but rather we learn over time. How can we teach our kids to respond to various situations appropriately, even if it means behaving on the outside differently than they are feeling on the inside? In today’s podcast episode, CHC Licensed Clinical Social Workers Leeanne Merritt and Karen Moos share strategies for helping our kids and teens develop critical emotional regulation skills. Hint: it’s not about jumping in and trying to solve or make those feelings change or go away. “Sometimes,” says Karen, “they just need to sit with the feeling and eventually figure out how to regulate themselves.

Sleep. We all need it and yet most of us don’t get enough of it. Did you know that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 9-12 hours per night for younger kids and 8-10 hours for teens? It’s hard to fit everything in — from school work and sports to social lives and screens. But the importance of sleep on our physical and mental health cannot be understated. Tune into today’s podcast episode to hear from CHC’s Catherine T. Harvey Center for Clinical Services experts Eric Loughhead, LMFT and Jensi Gise, MA as they share the science and strategies behind a good night’s sleep.