Short guides for caregivers

Adolescents go through many changes. Their minds and bodies grow and change a lot. They learn to think and solve problems better, improve their social skills, and grow physically. Sometimes they grow so fast they might trip over their own feet! Some people say being a teenager is a time of “storm and stress” or “trials and tribulations.” One thing is sure: teens start out like children but end up

Children in this age group are becoming more independent, learning new skills, doing well in school, and forming friendships. They develop quickly in self-care, physical abilities, language, learning, social, and emotional skills. At the start, they might still seem like little kids, but by the end, they are much more like the people they will be when they grow up. All of these things happen quickly as kids grow from

The preschool years are very exciting. Kids this age are ready to explore more and do things on their own. Young preschoolers start to do more things by themselves, like getting dressed and using the bathroom. Older preschoolers can usually ride tricycles and bikes with training wheels. They also make friends and learn basic skills that help them get ready for school. What are common things preschoolers learn to do?

From the day infants are born, they start to see the world for the first time. They learn new things every day. As kids grow up, they learn different skills, called “milestones”. It’s important for kids to learn these skills at the right time. If you have a child up to 3 years old, this guide is for you. What are normal infant and toddler milestones? In the first few

Technology and the Internet are now a big part of kids’ and teens’ lives. They are needed for things like talking to people and learning. But, it’s important to use technology in good and healthy ways. Many kids and teens spend a lot of time on screens every day. They surf the Internet, post on social media, chat with family or friends, do homework, or play video games. Even though

Peers play key roles in how children and teens grow socially and emotionally. Relationships with friends help kids learn important skills like working together and understanding others’ feelings. As kids get older and start to become more independent from their parents, they rely more on their friends for support. Having friends is a natural and important part of growing up. But just as positive friendships help kids, bad ones can

Self-injury can be scary, and it’s normal for people to avoid talking about it. But talking about self-injury doesn’t make it worse. In fact, it can help us understand the problem and find ways to help those who hurt themselves. Self-injury means hurting yourself on purpose to feel better emotionally. Some people cut or scratch their skin with sharp objects like razors, paperclips, or pen caps. Some people also burn,

Sometimes, children experience things that seem strange or unusual. They might hear voices that others can’t or see things that aren’t there. They might become suspicious of others for no reason or have beliefs that don’t seem real. They might also act in ways that are hard to understand. These experiences can be frightening for both the child and their caregivers. It’s important to remember that these problems are not

Teens and sometimes younger kids use substances for many reasons. They might drink alcohol or use other substances because they see others doing it and are curious. They may also feel pressured by friends. Alcohol is legal for adults in most places and is often advertised as fun and exciting. The same goes for tobacco products like vapes and cigarettes. Many adults use alcohol and tobacco to relax and have

Young kids often cannot focus for long—they have lots on their minds. They also have a lot of energy and need to move around. They sometimes act without thinking, sometimes leading to hurt feelings, bruises, and scrapes. As kids grow older, we hope they start to outgrow these behaviours. However, some kids take longer to develop. For some, not paying attention, being overly active, and acting without thinking can cause

Some children and teens may show behaviours that are more than just acting out. They might be aggressive, damage things, or take things that aren’t theirs. They may also not seem to care about others’ feelings. These actions can be very upsetting for caregivers and others around them. It’s important to know that these behaviours are not just normal mischief. They can be signs that the child needs help. With

All children sometimes have trouble following rules or get upset. After all, rules are made to be broken, and we all get upset sometimes. However, some children have more frequent and intense problems with these behaviours. They may often feel angry or irritable and act out by not listening to adults or annoying others on purpose. These behaviours can be challenging for caregivers and may lead to conflicts at home