BIG BEHAVIOURS & BIG EMOTIONS
A parent‑friendly guide to understanding intense emotions, meltdowns, and challenging behaviour in young children. Learn why big behaviours happen, what helps in the moment, and when extra support may be needed. Includes practical strategies you can use right away.
FOCUS, ORGANIZATION & ADHD
Explains how attention and focus difficulties can show up at home, school, and in daily routines. Covers common signs of ADHD, factors that affect focus, and practical strategies to support organization, regulation, and task completion.
SCHOOL AVOIDANCE & REFUSAL
Explains why children and teens may struggle to attend school due to anxiety or distress, how school avoidance can look at different ages, and what helps support a gradual, safe return to attendance.
SELF-HARM & SUICIDAL THOUGHTS
Outlines warning signs of self‑harm and suicidal thoughts, explains why they can occur, and highlights responses that increase safety, connection, and access to support.
SLEEP
Supports families in recognizing common sleep difficulties and making small, realistic changes to improve sleep for children, teens, and young adults. Includes age‑specific strategies and guidance on when to seek extra help.
WHEN WORRY TAKES OVER
An overview of anxiety in children and teens, including how it shows up across age groups, why avoidance can increase anxiety, and tools to help young people face fears gradually and build confidence.
Crisis Lines & Support
Child, Youth & Family Crisis Line of Eastern Ontario
Offers 24/7 support and services (613-260-2360 or toll-free, 1-877-377-7775)
Kid’s Help Phone Canada
Free, bilingual, confidential and anonymous, 24-hour telephone and online counselling service for youth – 1.800.668.6868
Mental Health Information for Youth: CHEO Fact-sheets
Mental Health & Mental Illness
Depression
Social Anxiety
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Self-Harm
Coping with Suicidal Thoughts
Safety Plan Template
Helpful Websites & Apps
Mindcheck
Is a teen and young adult-focused interactive website where visitors can check out how they’re feeling and connect to support early and quickly.
Teen Mental Health
Geared towards teenagers, this website provides learning tools on a variety of mental illnesses, videos, and resources for friends.
Mindfulness for Teens
This website has resources to help teens use mindfulness to handle stress and includes apps to practice meditation and guided mediation recordings.
Mindshift App
Is an app designed to help teens and young adults cope with anxiety.