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This isn’t just another back-to-school blog. Well, maybe it is. But only sorta. Here’s why… Back-to-school season is often a mixed bag of emotions for our kiddos, regardless of their age.  Some will be excited to reconnect with friends, join activities, and settle back into the social rhythms of school. Others may feel anxious about entering a new grade, meeting unfamiliar teachers, navigating a different building, or adapting to new routines. Adding to those emotions is …

What does a “good day” look like for a child? For some kids, a good day means feeling calm instead of overwhelmed. For others, it’s managing big emotions without melting down, feeling understood by an adult, or making it through a challenging moment at school. Each child’s experience is unique, but none of them create good days on their own. That belief is at the heart of Mental Health America’s 2026 Mental Health Month theme, More Good Days, Together, which emphasi …

Children and teens interact with many different people every day—at school, at home, and in their communities. Learning how to value differences helps young people build stronger relationships, resolve conflicts respectfully, and feel a greater sense of belonging. This social skill supports empathy, cooperation, and emotional growth, especially in diverse classrooms and social settings. Valuing Differences is a complex social skill that teaches children how to recognize what they have in …

Every child thinks, learns, and experiences the world a little differently. For some kids, those differences come with labels like ADHD or autism. For others, it simply means their brains are uniquely wired. Books that reflect these experiences don’t just help kids feel seen, they help adults better understand how to support them. Boys Town Press offers a growing collection of books that celebrate different thinkers while building empathy, confidence, and practical life skills. Here are so …

Stress is a normal part of growing up, but for many children it can feel overwhelming — especially during busy school seasons, social challenges, or moments of frustration at home. Teaching kids how to use relaxation strategies gives them a powerful tool they can rely on anytime their emotions start to intensify. Relaxation isn’t just about calming down in the moment. It’s a lifelong skill that supports emotional regulation, improves concentration, and helps children approach …

Test season can stir up a lot of emotions for kids—excitement, worry, pressure, or even fear of letting others down. Whether you’re a parent, a teacher, or a school counselor, you play a powerful role in helping children approach testing with confidence rather than anxiety. A little planning, connection, and encouragement can go a long way. So, let's take a look at a few simple ways you can support kiddos during the testing season. Normalize Test-Day Emotions Let kids know it&rsqu …

Empathy is one of the most important social-emotional skills children can learn. When kids understand and care about how others feel, they are better able to build healthy friendships, resolve conflicts, and contribute positively to their classroom and family environments. In Teaching Social Skills to Youth, 4th Edition, Boys Town’s proven model outlines a clear, practical skill that helps children develop empathy in everyday interactions: Expressing Empathy and Understanding for Others. T …

Peer pressure is something every child will encounter at some point - whether it’s subtle encouragement to “fit in” or direct pressure to make choices they’re not comfortable with. Learning how to recognize peer pressure and respond with confidence is an important life skill that can shape a child’s self-esteem, decision-making, and friendships. Books can be powerful tools to spark conversations, provide relatable examples, and give kids strategies to stand strong …

Friendship can be tough. These books help kids handle it. Written by school counselors and packed with vibrant illustrations, this collection inspires students, supports social‑emotional learning, and makes for meaningful read‑alouds. Shop the best books for teaching children relationship skills: boundaries, communication, friendships, managing conflict, and teamwork. Cliques Just Don't Make Cents Grades 2-5 | $11.95 Explore the pressures of cliques and teach kids about inclusion and s …

Self‑determination plays a huge role in how we set goals, stay motivated, and bounce back when things get hard. You can see it when a student keeps practicing even after failing a test, when a teenager advocates for what they need, or when an adult sticks with a long-term goal despite setbacks. Whether you are supporting students, clients, or your own personal growth, these seven steps can help strengthen self‑determination in practical, meaningful ways. 1. Understand What Self‑Determination Is …