Help your child get along, open up, and build healthy friendships.
Positive behaviors — catch them being good
Kids repeat the behavior you notice — specific praise works better than punishment, and these free videos (one filmed in Spanish, one in English) show how.
“Cuando veas un buen comportamiento, dilo. … Cuando les expresas tu reconocimiento con un ‘¡bien hecho!’ o un ‘¡dame esos cinco!’ por algo específico que hicieron, aumentan las posibilidades de que repitan ese buen comportamiento en el futuro.”
— Child Mind Institute, guía para imprimir (español)
“Avoid harsh discipline. Consequences don’t need to upset children to work — it’s more important that consequences are consistently applied when a behavior occurs.”
— Child Mind Institute, printable guide (English)
En español · ¿Cómo promuevo el buen comportamiento en mis hijos?
In English · How do I promote good behavior in my children?
Both episodes from Positive Parenting, Thriving Kids by the Child Mind Institute, funded by the State of California — every episode filmed separately in Spanish and in English, made for parents.
Free, and on your side
- Print & take home — the 2-page guide 8 Tips for Promoting Good Behavior in Kids: English · español
- Ages 2–4 — CDC Essentials for Parenting Toddlers & Preschoolers: in English · Elogio e imitación (español)
- Ages 11+ — CDC Essentials for Parenting Teens: Tips for Praising Your Teen
Talking with your child
Little talks build big trust — a child who can talk to you about everyday things will come to you with the hard things. It works in any language, and listening is where it starts.
“Kids who feel comfortable talking to their parents about everyday things are more likely to be open when it comes to harder conversations, too.”
— Child Mind Institute, printable guide (English)
“Escuchar activamente es una buena manera de mejorar la comunicación con su hijo. Le indica al niño que está interesado en lo que le dice y que quiere escuchar más.”
— CDC, Escuchar activamente
En español · ¿Cómo puedo construir una relación cálida y positiva con mi niño o adolescente?
In English · How can I build a warm and positive relationship with my child or teen?
Both episodes from Positive Parenting, Thriving Kids by the Child Mind Institute — filmed separately in Spanish and in English.
Free, and on your side
- Print & take home — the 2-page guide 7 Tips for Communicating with Your Teen: English · español
- Babies–PreK — Harvard’s 5 Steps for Brain-Building Serve & Return: answer your child’s babbles, gestures, and questions, and the back-and-forth builds their brain
- Tweens & teens — Child Mind’s communication tips in English · español
Healthy friendships
You can’t make friends for your child — but you can model healthy relationships, coach them to set boundaries, and create chances to meet other kids.
“Model healthy relationships. Your kids will learn just as much from your actions as from your words. Let them see how you act in your own healthy relationships, whether they are with your partner, a co-worker, or a longtime friend.”
— Child Mind Institute, printable guide (English)
“Enseña a tus hijos a decir ‘no’ de forma educada cuando alguien no respete sus límites. Enséñales frases para usar en esos casos, como ‘eso no me gusta’, y ayúdalos a entender los límites de los demás.”
— Child Mind Institute, guía para imprimir (español)
En español · ¿Cómo puedo ayudar a mi hijo a construir amistades positivas y saludables?
In English · How can I help my child build positive, healthy friendships?
Both episodes from Positive Parenting, Thriving Kids by the Child Mind Institute — filmed separately in Spanish and in English.
Free, and on your side
- Print & take home — the 2-page guide 8 Tips for Helping Kids Make and Keep Healthy Friendships: English · español
- If your child struggles to make friends — Child Mind’s guide in English · español
- If it crosses into bullying — your reporting rights and CPS contacts are on Your School, Your Rights, and Raise Your Hand’s bullying toolkit (EN/ES) walks you through the CPS policy