Mental Health Resources:

Developmental Resources:
*Remember, to refer children, youth and their families to appropriate, professional mental health care providers. These links are offered to aid you in identifying mental health issues in those you serve.
*Trauma informed care can be found on our SAFETY page.
Mental Health Resources - From Yale Youth Ministry Institute come a variety of topics and helpful tools. FREE!
ADD/ADHD -ADDitude is a magazine, a website, and a weekly e-newsletter with blogs, webinars, and other information abotu strategies for parenting ADHD and LD children.
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All About Anxiety tackles tough questions kids have about what's going on in their brains when they feel anxious and equips readers with new strategies to manage anxiety so they can thrive in their daily lives.
Child regression: What it is and how you can support your little one
A child psychology expert explains that while regression can be frustrating, it’s common and usually short lived.
Living Lutheran (May 2025):  Mental Health in a Sick World article by By Emmy R. Kegler and study guide By Robert C. Blezard
Breathe with Benji is an animated short by British animation director Will Rose. The 1.5-minute sequence follows Benji from the yoga studio to the woods where he breathes in and out, finding calm.
Sitting Still Like a Frog:  Mindfulness Exercises for Kids (and Their Parents): Author Eline Snel provides simple mindfulness practices to help your child deal with anxiety, improve concentration, and handle difficult emotions.  The book comes with an audio cd.
Angst is a 56-minute film and virtual reality experience that explores anxiety, its causes, effects and what we can do about it.  
Erika's Lighthouse - Teenage depression thrives in isolation. It feeds on silence. It lives in the darkness. That’s why we’re dedicated to light, to conversation, and to community.
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Kate Bowler's resource "On Those Who Care for Teens". See several interviews, studies and book recommendations.
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  Little Steps, Big Faith - early childhood expert Dr. Dawn Rundman navigates the research to arrive at surprising insights about how very young children experience God, and how parents can use science to teach faith.  FREE Discussion Guide here.
Centers for Disease Control - Developmental milestones, tips for parents and more.
Challenging Behavior in Children - ​Why is challenging behavior more of an issue these days? I think much of it results from changes to early childhood education. From the emphasis on academics and accountability, and the attempt to accelerate child development. Following are seven reasons I believe are behind the increase in disruptive behavior...
Developmental Assets - 40 research-based, positive qualities that influence young people’s development.
Developmental Relationships - Search Institute information about the importance of developmental relationships for children. Based on research.
World Health Organization on Adolescent Development - Some basic points about what to expect in adolescents as they navigate ages 11-19.
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Mom's Voice Holds a Special Place in Kid's Hearts...that Changes in their Teens   Science now proves why teens start listening to peers more...
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Holy Listening Stones by Rev. Dr. Leanne Hadley are a tool to help children put their feelings, insights and thoughts into words. They also help adults to remember to listen to what children express. Learn more here.

Death & Dying Resources:

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This At the Time of Death Milestone Moment helps those gathered with the dying person to bring closure to relationships in a way that fosters reconciliation of any unfinished issues and the celebration of live and love.
Resiliancy:  Setting Free the Lament - from ELCA Pastor Brenda Smith and ELCA Coachinghttps://elca.org/Resources/Faith-Practices#Resiliency
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Children and Grief - Brief list of do's and don't to help a child’s experience of a family death amidst the confusing flurry (mostly centered on the adult experiences and needs).
Resource for discussing life, loss and grief by Peer Ministry Leadership.
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Funeral Care Kits for Kids No matter what a family chooses to do, the day of the funeral can quickly turn into a long, long day for kids, and a trying day for parents and caregivers. Caring for young children while carrying your own grief is an incredibly difficult season to step into. As churches, as a congregation member, as a church staff and leaders . . . we can help! Gather these few items into a bag to help the youngest among us in a time of big feelings. ​

Books about Death & Dying:

Comprehensive list of books recommended by the Association of Child Life Professionals, including resources in Spanish.
My Elephant is Blue by Melinda Szymanik illustrated by Vasanti Unka, is a story about a small child coping with the sudden onset of heavy feelings. 
Grandmother's Visit by Betty Quan illustrated by Carmen Mok, a girl's relationship with her Grandmother before and after the grandmother dies, with an emphasizes on Chinese traditions.
Where Do They Go? by Julia Alvarez illustrated by Sabra Field, with tangible examples and lots of questions this book explores life beyond death without one line answers.  
The Sour Cherry Tree by Nasseem Hrab illustrated by Nahid Kazemi.  An authentic look at death and loss centred on the experiences of a child. Drawing on the Iranian-Canadian author’s childhood memories.
Ida Always by Caron Levis and Illustrated by Charles Santoso. A beautiful, honest portrait of loss and deep friendship told through the story of two iconic polar bears. 
Everett Anderson's Goodbye by Lucille Clifton, journey with a young boy and his mother as he grieves his father's death.
The Memory Box:  A Book About Grief by Joanna Rowland,  rrom the perspective of a young child, what it is like to remember and grieve a loved one who has died. 
​Grandpa’s Window by Laura Gehl illustrated by Udayana Lugo, addresses the grieving process as a family member approaches the end of life. 
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