Amerigroup’s Post

Do you make New Year's resolutions? Here are some of ours: 1. Increase representation in family therapy by uplifting BIPOC therapists 2. Help every family get the mental health care they need 3. Fund research on critical mental health topics like immigration, foster care and adoption, and gender expansive youth

The science of child development shows that the foundation for sound mental health is built early in life, as early experiences—which include children’s relationships with parents, caregivers, relatives, teachers, and peers—shape the architecture of the developing brain. Disruptions in this developmental process can impair a child’s capacities for learning and relating to others, with lifelong implications. For society, many costly problems, ranging from the failure to complete high school to incarceration to homelessness, could be dramatically reduced if attention were paid to improving children’s environments of relationships and experiences early in life. Learn more: https://ow.ly/PJ0P50Rn6Bl #EarlyChildhood #MentalHealth #HealthyFamilies #Children #Families #Awareness

How do you cultivate resilience in your kids? For some of our kids, resilience seems to come naturally. These kids roll with the punches, persevere through challenges, and come out the other side with minor wear or tear to show for it. However, many of our children who have been exposed to trauma, including prenatal substance exposure, struggle to manage their reactions to daily frustrations or disappointments. They don’t know how to navigate challenging moments, give up easily, or feel frustrated and afraid. Resilience can be challenging for many adopted, foster, or kinship kids. How can we help our children “bounce forward,” as Dr. Zelechoski said in a recent interview? Learn how at https://buff.ly/3V53vbe #FFA #fostercare #fosterfamilies #lovemakesafamily #socialworker #fosterfamily #Resilience #Parenting

Providing comprehensive support is crucial in addressing the unique mental health needs of foster youth. HOPE585 provides holistic care and resources through our programming that supports their well-being. Learn more and get involved at hope585.org. #HOPE585 #31FosterTruths #NationalFosterCareAwarenessMonth

Yes, I made a part 2 of this because I got a lot of private messages where people identified how it affected them or their families. Family #problems encompassing factors such as a dysfunctional family system, insecure attachment, coercive interactions, inconsistent discipline, confused communication patterns, paternal abuse, and broader social network issues can significantly amplify the psychological impacts on children in their formative years. A disrupted family system, characterized by #instability and #unresolvedconflicts, can leave children feeling #emotionallyinsecure. Insecure attachment, often stemming from inconsistent #caregiving, may impede a child's #ability to form #healthyrelationships and regulate emotions. Coercive interactions and inconsistent discipline contribute to #behavioralchallenges and an increased risk of #mentalhealth issues. Confused #communication patterns within the family may hinder a child's capacity to #expressemotions and needs effectively. Paternal #abuse, whether physical or emotional, inflicts lasting #trauma. The broader social #network factors, including peer #relationships and #community support, play a crucial role in shaping a child's #resilience and #copingmechanisms. These family system dynamics can deeply impact a child's #psychologicalwellbeing, shaping their outlook on relationships and the world throughout their life. Interventions that address these multifaceted issues are pivotal to breaking the cycle and fostering healthier development in children exposed to such #challenges.

Study Reveals that Nearly Half of Foster Caregivers have Given Melatonin to Their Child A new study to be presented at the SLEEP 2024 annual meeting found that it is common for foster caregivers to give melatonin to their child, and these children who have taken melatonin have worse sleep and more daytime behavioral problems. Results show that 48% of foster caregivers reported administering melatonin to their child. Children given melatonin had poorer overall sleep quality compared to children not given melatonin, yet even after adjustment for sleep quality and other potential confounders, melatonin use was associated with increased severity of daytime behavioral problems in foster children. However, melatonin use was not associated with symptoms of depression or anxiety. "These results are eye-opening given that we know almost nothing about the safety or efficacy of melatonin use in this population because not a single study has focused on children with histories of neglect, abuse, and/or other traumas," said lead author Carter Baker, research coordinator for the Sleep and Anxiety Center of Houston at the University of Houston. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/ew8JsFe6 #yatom #childwelfare #youth #yatom #fostercare #helpchildren

Great article from the Child Mind Institute on the power of parent support groups to provide the best care and experiences. These groups offer resources, a sense of community, and emotional support for parents, ultimately benefiting the children in your care. 💼🏕️ https://lnkd.in/eNc2ZaVm

🌻REPOST🌻 When a child is feeling upset, it’s important to remember that trying to reason with them won’t be effective until you first acknowledge their emotions. Before logic can make a difference, children need to feel heard, understood, and connected emotionally. Jane Nelsen’s Positive Discipline emphasizes the importance of building a foundation of connection before offering solutions. Parents can develop these essential skills through guidance from a therapist, who can help them better understand their child’s emotional world. Therapists can offer tools to improve emotional attunement, communication strategies, and ways to foster empathy. By working with a therapist, parents can practice staying calm, recognizing their child’s underlying needs, and using connection-based approaches to discipline. With time and practice, parents can foster an environment where both they and their children thrive. 🌟 🎨: @we_nurture #emptionalconnection #childneeds #parenting #nuturing #family #familycounseling #childtherapy #childtherapist #austintherapist #texaskids #texascounselors #texastherapist #austinfamilycounseling

Did you know that we offer Parenting Support tailored to empower and guide parents through the rewarding journey of raising children. With compassionate understanding and evidence-based strategies, we assist parents in cultivating strengths and navigating challenges effectively. From fostering healthy communication to promoting emotional resilience and fostering positive relationships, we aim equips parents with the tools and insights needed to nurture confident, resilient, and thriving children. Whether facing behavioural concerns, developmental milestones, or seeking guidance on fostering a nurturing home environment, our team is here to support parents every step of the way. Please get in touch with us if you would like to book a session with one of our psychologists. #parentingsupport #supportingfamilies #morningtonpeninsulafamilies #childpsychologists #familysupport #counsellingsupport

I think many of us struggle with this because in our own families we felt dismissed. "Don't worry!" "You're too sensitive!" "You're making a mountain out of a molehill!" But there is a way to validate our children without hampering their confidence and I can help you do that. Check out the links in my bio or DM me if you'd like to learn more. #childmentalhealth #parentsupport #childanxiety #teenanxiety #parenteducation