Parenting Articles

How parents can help kids navigate holiday disappointment during COVID-19

By Dr. Mery Taylor, pediatric psychologist at CHOC By this point in the COVID-19 pandemic, many children have experienced disappointment about missing out on birthday parties, family vacations or special occasions they had been looking forward to. If your child or teen feels disappointed right now over missed holiday celebrations, let her express her feelings, … continue reading

Tips to foster a happy holiday season for children with autism

Amid stay-at-home orders, remote learning and other changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, many families are faced with finding different ways to celebrate the holiday season than they’ve done in years past. The holiday season can still be a joyful time of the year. For families with a child who has autism spectrum disorder (ASD), … continue reading

Mental health tips during COVID-19

For many of us, the COVID-19 pandemic has created a fluid environment that has forced us to adapt to countless changes in many areas of our lives – school, work, activities and socialization, to name a few. In this roundup, mental health experts from CHOC offer their go-to mental health tips during COVID for family … continue reading

At-home activity ideas for families during COVID-19

Practicing physical distancing and being away from school, sports and friends can be difficult for families. During this time, it’s important to offer children and teens and abundance of opportunities for play and to spend meaningful time together. Experts from CHOC’s Cherese Mari Laulhere Child Life Department offer these engaging at-home activity ideas to do … continue reading

CHOC patient fulfills a final wish, shaves favorite CHOC staffer’s head

Daya Tamayo grabbed the electric clippers and prepared to go to town. “Could you remove the white hair too?” joked Jaime Serna, a CHOC staff member. Daya beamed as she began to give a buzz cut to Jaime, her close confidant and a patient engagement coach and educator in nursing administration at CHOC. Jaime was … continue reading

How to help a child who feels COVID-19 burnout

By Dr. Diana Graham and Dr. Christopher Min, pediatric psychologists at CHOC For many of us, the COVID-19 pandemic has created a “new normal” as efforts to curb the spread of the virus have changed what day-to-day life looks like. It can be difficult to balance maintaining our physical and mental health while also supporting … continue reading