Social-Emotional Wellness

Effective communication can be tricky. In today’s episode, we talk with Jennifer Leydecker, LMFT, Clinical Program Manager at CHC and expert on DBT strategies. You will learn how Dialectical Behavior Therapy (or DBT) strategies can transform the way we communicate. We’ll discuss practical tools like mindfulness, validation, and dialectics to express your needs, set boundaries, and build stronger, more authentic connections. Whether it’s navigating conflict or deepening relationships, these evidence-based techniques will help you communicate with clarity, compassion, and confidence.

In today’s episode, we dive into the power of words and how they shape your child's sense of self and connection as we talk with CHC expert, Ariela Laibson, LCSW, Care Team Program Manager. Ariela shares valuable sound bytes for parents and caregivers. You’ll hear what to say in moments when your child makes a mistake, feels lonely, or achieves success. She shares practical phrases and approaches that communicate compassion, foster belonging, and show your child they are valued no matter the circumstance. Tune in to discover how your words can nurture resilience, confidence, and deep connection with your child.

We live every day in relationship with others. Sometimes those relationships are healthy and have a positive impact on our well-being, and sometimes they do not. In this new episode, we talk with CHC experts, Emily Hsu, PhD, and Danna Torres, LMFT, about the importance of open, honest communication and why feeling valued and heard matters so much. We’ll also explore signs of an unhealthy relationship—how to recognize when your needs aren’t being met, when boundaries aren’t respected, and when communication breaks down. Join us as we unpack the essentials of building connections rooted in respect, empathy, and mutual support, helping you spot the difference between a positive, nurturing relationship and one that may not be serving you well.

Join us for this new episode with CHC experts, Karly Crockett, LCSW and Rachel O’Harra, LMFT as we explore the vital connection between healthy eating for both mental and physical well-being. Proper nutrition fuels our bodies and minds, playing a key role in overall development, mood regulation, and energy levels. We’ll share practical strategies for parents/caregivers to encourage healthy eating habits in children, focusing on fostering curiosity around food, modeling positive behaviors, involving kids in meal planning, and more. Tune in for tips that help make healthy eating a fun, engaging, and sustainable part of your family's life!

As technology continues to permeate almost all aspects of our lives, understanding how to navigate the digital world responsibly becomes critical, especially for our youth. In this episode, we talk with Eisha Buch, Director, Education Programs & Development for Common Sense Education, about helping students develop a sense of digital agency so that they can truly thrive in a tech-filled world with all its benefits, as well as navigating the potential stressors. We discuss practical strategies that parents can use at home to support the responsible use of technology and foster a culture of digital citizenship.

As technology continues to permeate almost all aspects of our lives, understanding how to navigate the digital world responsibly becomes critical, especially for our youth. In this episode, we talk with Eisha Buch, Director, Education Programs & Development for Common Sense Education, about helping students develop a sense of digital agency so that they can truly thrive in a tech-filled world with all its benefits, as well as navigating the potential stressors. We discuss practical strategies that parents can use at home to support the responsible use of technology and foster a culture of digital citizenship.

Adolescence is a period of growth in which youth are discovering who they are and where they belong. In this insightful podcast episode, we discuss the dynamic and sometimes challenging journey of parenting adolescents. As children transition into the teen years, parents face new and unique challenges. Although this time can be a fearful time for parents/caregivers because they are not sure what to expect, it can also be a time of joy and hope. Listen in to this conversation with CHC experts, Dr. Patrice Crisostomo, and Dr. Emily Hsu, both Licensed Psychologists, as we explore practical tips, expert advice, and proven strategies to help parents navigate this crucial phase of their child's development.

Nearly half of Americans report feeling left out or alone, and over two-thirds of teens report being lonely. Research shows that loneliness and social isolation are twice as harmful to physical and mental health as obesity. But did you know that even just one friend can be enough? Tune in to today’s episode as we talk with Dr. George “Alex” Lazo, licensed clinical psychologist at CHC’s Catherine T. Harvey Center for Clinical Services, about the difference between being alone and lonely, how to build tolerance in our kids and the importance of “checking in.”

School avoidance has become a major issue, exacerbated by long periods of distance learning and isolation. What causes school avoidance? How does it show up in kids and how can parents effectively support their children in getting back to the classroom? In today’s conversation with Dr. Jody Miller, Head of Esther B. Clark Schools at CHC, we learn that by identifying the motivating factors for kids to want to go to school, we can better understand and address the anxiety around their absence. Dr. Miller is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and has spent her career working with students who struggle to participate in typical classroom settings.

Social-emotional health is fundamental to life and learning: in fact, research shows that it is a greater predictor of academic success than IQ. As our kids head back to school, we are mindful of what they have been through in the past few years and the youth mental health crisis in our midst. How can we as parents best support our children’s social-emotional wellbeing at home and in the classroom? CHC’s Chief Education Officer, Chris Harris, MEd shares timely tips in today’s podcast episode.

Parenting in a pandemic is hard, and each age has specific developmental needs that are challenging to meet in isolation. The work of young children is to build language and social skills, much of which happen through family relationships, play and social interaction with peers. With kids spending so much more time at home and online, it’s important to create lots of opportunities for our young children to practice these skills in other ways. We sat down with Shirit Megiddo, Speech & Language Pathologist at CHC, to learn how to support your young child’s development, often using existing routines and items you already have around the house!

After nearly a year of remote learning, parents have a window into their child’s learning style like never before. As a parent, you may have observed some behaviors that make you wonder: does my child have a learning or attention difference or is it just Zoom-fatigue? We sat down with Chris Harris, MEd, an expert in learning, social-emotional, behavioral and attention challenges, to find out. In today’s podcast episode, Chris tells us what behaviors might be cause for concern and offers concrete action steps to support and advocate for your child.

While most young people have been spared from the severe physical effects of COVID-19, our children are reeling from the anxiety, fear and isolation the pandemic has caused. What are the best ways for you as a parent to support your child’s mental health? In this podcast, hear from Tony Cepeda, LMFT, who has over 30 years of experience helping families learn creative coping strategies to foster resilience and connectedness.

On Part 2 of "I Will Get By," Liza Bennigson shares what she's learned about adult self-care, how to start difficult conversations with your kids and tips from CHC clinicians for hanging on during hopeless moments.