Children’s Mental Health Blog

Explore recent articles from Little Otter’s child and family mental health and wellness experts.

How Can I Help Improve Communication Between My Daughter and Her Stepfather?

How Can I Help Improve Communication Between My Daughter and Her Stepfather?

“My 9-year-old daughter recently started behaving defiantly toward my husband, her stepfather. She puts her father on a pedestal and will not give her stepdad a chance to even be a friend. Do you have any advice for how to communicate with her better and reduce the tension in our home?”

Read More
My 3-Year-Old Grandson is Behaving Aggressively Toward Other Children. What Can I Do?

My 3-Year-Old Grandson is Behaving Aggressively Toward Other Children. What Can I Do?

“My 3-year-old grandson, who I have custody of, is hitting other children and hurting them by throwing toys at their heads. He won’t follow any rules or sit still. This has been happening at daycare since the end of August. Currently, he’s suspended from daycare and may soon be expelled. I just don’t know what to do. Can you help?”

Read More
My 10-Year-Old Son Struggles to Express His Anger and Anxiety Constructively. Any Advice?

My 10-Year-Old Son Struggles to Express His Anger and Anxiety Constructively. Any Advice?

One mom asked us for tips for how to help her child express anger, and wondering whether it was related to anxiety or a recent parental separation. Here’s some advice from our child mental health experts.

Read More
My Prepubescent Daughter is Expressing Newly Defiant Behavior. Any Tips for Talking to Her In a Way She’ll Hear?

My Prepubescent Daughter is Expressing Newly Defiant Behavior. Any Tips for Talking to Her In a Way She’ll Hear?

One mom wrote to us about her pre-pubescent daughter’s defiant behavior, asking for help in how to communicate more effectively. See the expert guidance from our mental health professionals here.

Read More
Our Eldest Son Has Meltdowns After I Get Home From Work. What Can We Do?

Our Eldest Son Has Meltdowns After I Get Home From Work. What Can We Do?

One dad asked us, “My 6-year-old son has meltdowns after I get home from work. He behaves differently with me than with mom. What can we do?” Here’s our advice.

Read More