Saving Childhood: Protecting Kids’ Mental Health in a Digital Age

Dr. Mary and Joanne Doucette, MSW, RSW (Social Worker) discuss how smartphones and social media affect kids' mental health, what the research shows, and why delaying phones can help. They offer practical, nonjudgmental tips for parents and communities — from setting home boundaries and media literacy to school policies and advocacy — plus resources to get started. Resources: Book: "The Anxious Generation" by Dr. Jonathan Haidt Unplugged Canada: https://unpluggedcanada.com/ Protect Young Eyes: https://www.protectyoungeyes.com/ www.doucettetherapy.com

In this episode, Jenn interviews Jana DeCristofaro, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Community Response Program Coordinator at Dougy Center, and host of the  “Grief Out Loud” podcast. We discuss how grief might appear during different developmental stages across childhood and adolescence. We explore long-term effects of grief and protective factors. Jana outlines the challenges of helping your child grieve, while you as a caregiver are grieving, and ideas to manage these difficult times. The difficult question about talking to children about terminal illness is explored.   Resources: https://www.dougy.org/resources/audience/parents-caregivers?how=self-care&who=&type= https://www.dougy.org/ https://www.dougy.org/news-media/podcasts https://thecopingtoolbox.podbean.com/e/grief-in-children-with-joanne-doucette-msw-rsw/

In this episode Dr. Mary and Dr. Jenn describe self-compassion as a helpful skill to practice. They discuss how self-compassion helps us to be kinder to ourselves while navigating the challenges of raising kids. Three steps toward self-compassion are explored: 1. Noticing our thoughts; 2. Reminding ourselves that raising kids is a tough job and we are not alone; and 3. Be kind to ourselves. They examine how we tend to be critical of ourselves, particularly when we are having a difficult time. The positives of practicing self-compassion are highlighted, including that when we are more compassionate toward ourselves, we can be more compassionate toward others. Resources: https://self-compassion.org/

In this episode, Dr. Laila interviews Janine Halloran, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, author and speaker from Massachusetts. They discuss how to motivate teens to develop a coping toolbox, and coping strategies for older children and teens experiencing panic attacks (including challenging anxious thoughts, deep breathing, distraction and exposure exercises).  Resource: 1) Janine Halloran's websites and podcast: https://www.janinehalloran.com https://copingskillsforkids.com/big-feelings https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZlimmqsvd7ugw7WWa3qU4w Calm and Connected Podcast 2) Anxiety Canada's handout on panic disorder: https://www.anxietycanada.com/sites/default/files/adult_hmpanic.pdf

In this episode, Dr. Jenn is joined by Dr. Anna Campbell, a Registered Clinical Psychologist from Nova Scotia. Dr. Campbell describes what emotion coaching is, and how and when to use it. This episode describes emotions as valuable information, outlines that all emotions are okay, and highlights that emotions offer an important opportunity for connection with our kids, particularly when they are validated. Resources: Gottman Institute Website- Online Course on Emotion Coaching: https://www.gottman.com/product/emotion-coaching-the-heart-of-parenting-online/ Mental Health Foundations Website: www.mentalhealthfoundations.com Dr. Lafrance and Ashely Miller also have a fantastic book called “What to Say to Kids When Nothing Seems to Work.” Institute for Emotion-Focused Family Therapy website: efftinternational.org has a link on where to find EFFT therapists.

In this episode Drs. Jenn and Mary discuss some of the early signs of autism in young children. We discuss typical developmental milestones and what might be some indicators of differences in development. Symptoms related to language and communication, social relationships and emotional responses, as well as sensory processing and interests are explored. Drs. Jenn and Mary explore what to do if you have concerns and the role of early intervention. We emphasize that a diagnosis is not based on one symptom but rather a constellation of symptoms, and that that kids with autistic brain styles are unique and have many strengths and gifts. Resources: 1) https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/autism-spectrum-disorder-asd/signs-symptoms-autism-spectrum-disorder-asd.html 2) https://autismcanada.org/autism-explained/early-signs-characteristics/ 3) https://www.cheo.on.ca/en/resources-and-support/autism.aspx

In this episode, Drs. Laila, Mary, and Jenn examine test anxiety. They discuss why we experience test anxiety and practical tips for before and during tests. Ideas for challenging worry thoughts and suggestions for positive self talk are explored. They describe focusing on healthy striving rather than perfectionism and the role parents can play in helping children and adolescents to achieve success.  Resources: Anxiety Canada: https://www.anxietycanada.com/sites/default/files/Test_Anxiety_Booklet.pdf Here to Help: https://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/workbook/test-anxiety

In this episode, Dr. Jenn is joined once again by Joanne Doucette, Registered Social Worker to examine ideas to help navigate the holiday season while you are experiencing grief. They discuss various emotions which are commonly experienced and how to manage some of those big emotions. Joanne outlines a script for how to say “no” when it is in your best interest.  They describe the importance of identifying your needs and the value of self-compassion. Resources: 1) https://kidsgrief.ca 2) https://www.dougy.org 3) https://grief.com 4) Sign up for Joanne’s monthly newsletter for further grief-related resources: www.doucettetherapy.com

In this episode, Drs. Laila, Mary, and Jenn discuss separation anxiety and how it affects children and their caregivers. Common symptoms are discussed, and they explore ideas to help cope with the challenges associated with separation anxiety. Resources: 1) https://www.anxietycanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Separation-Anxiety-Doc-FINAL-2.pdf 2) https://www.anxietycanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/hm_Separation.pdf

In this episode, Dr. Jenn interviews Dr. Simon Sherry. Dr. Sherry is a Professor at Dalhousie University and an internationally recognized expert in perfectionism. During this episode, Dr. Sherry describes types of perfectionism and the role of genetics, parenting and social media as possible contributors. They explore mental health issues related to perfectionism such as depression and eating disorders. Dr. Sherry discusses ideas for managing perfectionism, including reframing failures and challenges as learning opportunities.  Resources: 1) Young People Drowning in a Rising Tide of Perfectionism: https://theconversation.com/young-people-drowning-in-a-rising-tide-of-perfectionism-110343 2) How Parents Might Pass on Unhealthy Perfectionism to Their Kids: https://www.forbes.com/sites/traversmark/2022/03/08/how-parents-might-pass-on-unhealthy-perfectionism-to-their-kids/?sh=22cc7b3e5498 3) Perfectionists More Likely to Develop Bulimia: https://theconversation.com/perfectionists-more-likely-to-develop-bulimia-new-research-104746 4) Helping Your Child Overcome Perfectionism by Anxiety Canada: https://www.anxietycanada.com/sites/default/files/OvercomingPerfectionism.pdf 5) Dr. Sherry's publications: https://cruxpsychology.ca/about-us/publications/ 6) Dr. Sherry's social media links: LinkedIn: Simon Sherry, Ph.D.   Instagram: @cruxpsychology Twitter: @cruxpsychology Facebook: @cruxpsychology Psychology Today: Psymon Says The Conversation: Dr. Simon Sherry