Letting go, even a little bit, is one of the hardest and the most meaningful parts of parenting. However, encouraging independence does not mean your child won’t need you anymore. Instead, imparting this skill will give them the guidance they will need to move through life confidently, even when you are not beside them.

Explore the benefits of raising an independent child and strategies for ensuring they grow up with this essential quality.

Why Independence Matters

Raising an independent child isn’t about rushing their growth — it’s about equipping them with age-appropriate tools to think critically, make wise choices and act for themselves. Independence helps kids build self-confidence, strengthen their problem-solving skills and give them a sense of responsibility.

A child who knows how to be self-sufficient, resolve conflicts or complete a task without constant supervision will handle real-life challenges more gracefully. Autonomy-supportive parenting leads to stronger executive functioning and fewer behavioral problems down the line. In other words, giving your child space to grow helps them stay grounded.

1.   Start With Simple Tasks

Independence starts at home. Even toddlers can help with small chores like tidying their toys, watering plants or putting dirty clothes in the hamper. As they grow, you can gradually increase responsibilities by having them pack their school lunch, help with dinner or manage a weekly to-do list.

The goal is participation, not perfection. If their bed looks more like a crumpled taco than a crisp hotel corner, that’s OK. Praise the effort, not the result, and avoid redoing tasks the “right” way in front of them — it can unintentionally send the message that they can’t do it without you.

2.   Stop Rescuing

As tempting as it is to intervene when your child forgets their homework or spills juice everywhere, those small moments of struggle are gold for growth. When you intervene too quickly, you deny your child the chance to problem-solve, learn from their mistakes and bounce back stronger.

Imagine your child leaves their jacket at school. Instead of rushing to retrieve it, you can help them brainstorm what to do next by asking how they plan to stay warm tomorrow. These moments teach accountability and show them that failure isn’t the end of the world — it’s another step in learning.

3.   Foster Intergenerational Relationships

You might be surprised how much independence kids can gain from spending quality time with older adults, especially grandparents. Being around elders helps children develop empathy, patience and the ability to adapt to different communication styles. Plus, older generations are often more laid-back and less likely to micromanage, giving kids more room to figure things out for themselves.

This connection isn’t only beneficial for your child. Engaging with younger family members can boost cognitive function and emotional well-being in older adults, especially those experiencing memory loss. Whether your child helps their grandpa with gardening or plays cards with their grandma, these moments are a win-win for the whole family.

4.   Listen More, Direct Less

If you want to raise a child who trusts themselves, start by demonstrating your trust in them. That begins with active listening through encouraging smiles and nods. Instead of jumping in with instructions, try stepping back and asking open-ended questions like, “What do you think would work here?” or “How would you solve that?” These encourage kids to think critically and come up with solutions.

Giving them the space to express their opinions — even when you disagree — helps them build confidence in their voice. When they feel heard, they’re more likely to cooperate, take initiative and communicate openly — all hallmarks of an independent thinker.

5.   Model What You Want to See

Kids are expert mimics. If you constantly second-guess yourself or disparage your abilities, they’ll model that behavior. Conversely, when you demonstrate confidence, thoughtful decision-making and vulnerability, your child will learn how to handle life by watching you be a positive role model.

Narrate your thought process out loud when appropriate by saying things like “I’m choosing this route because it avoids traffic,” or “I forgot my keys — let’s come up with a system so that doesn’t happen again.” Let them see you make mistakes, take responsibility and move on. That’s real-life independence in action, and it’s the best kind of lesson they can get.

Little Feet, Big Steps

Raising independent kids means giving them space to try, fail and try again — with you cheering from the sidelines. Let them grow into their greatness, one messy milestone at a time.

Author bio:  Cora Gold is the Editor-in-Chief of women’s lifestyle magazine, Revivalist. She strives to live a happy and healthy life with her family by her side.

Follow Cora on Facebook and LinkedIn.

When it comes to finding the good iPad case, the right choice often comes down to how—and how often—you use your device. ESR’s Rebound Series offers two standout options that cater to very different styles of iPad users: the Rebound Hybrid Case 360 and the Rebound Magnetic Case.

I had the opportunity to test both over the past few weeks, and while they share ESR’s signature durability, smart design, and attention to user experience, each brings a unique set of strengths to the table.

If you’re still learning how to get the most out of your iPad, Apple’s official iPad User Guide is a fantastic resource for mastering multitasking, gestures, and hidden features.

Rebound Hybrid Case 360: All-Angle Power, Total Flexibility

The Rebound Hybrid Case 360 is the ideal solution for power users who rely on their iPad for a wide range of tasks throughout the day. Whether you’re watching your favorite shows, sketching with Apple Pencil, hopping on video calls, or gaming during your downtime, this tablet iPad case easily transforms to fit your needs with six distinct use modes—including both portrait and landscape orientations.

What really sets this iPad case apart is its detachable magnetic front cover. The cover locks into place with incredibly strong magnets—rated at 2500 g, compared to the 2000 g found in many other cases in the industry—providing a solid stand for work or entertainment. Yet, the cover detaches easily, when you want a more lightweight or convenient setup, making it perfect for handheld reading or mobile gaming.

The Rebound Hybrid Case 360 doesn’t cut corners when it comes to protection. Featuring a magnetic front cover paired with the solid back case, the dual-layer set up delivers all-round protection against everyday bumps, scratches, and minor drops—all without adding much bulk. The soft microfiber interior helps keep screen scratches and dust away, while at the same time the smooth matte finish on the outside leads to a comfortable and secure grip.

This is a case built for flexibility and confidence—ideal for anyone who needs their iPad to seamlessly adapt to both productivity and entertainment.

Rebound Magnetic Case: Minimal Form, Maximum Grip

In contrast, the Rebound Magnetic Case is all about simplicity, elegance, and portability. If you prefer a clean and minimalist design and want the same level of strength or functionality, this iPad case fits the bill perfectly. It attaches directly to the iPad using strong built-in magnets with a magnetic strength of 1900 g—significantly stronger than the average industry norm of 1500 g—which gives you a firm, secure hold with no shifting or detachment, even during movement.

Its trifold cover folds neatly into both viewing and writing modes, which gives you stable angles whether you’re conducting video conferences or scribbling down notes during class. The exterior has a lightly textured finish that feels great to hold and thus helps prevent accidental slips. With the white version I tested, I noticed one of the most pleasant surprises was how easy it is to clean. Thanks to the iPad case’s stain-resistant material, smudges, fingerprints, and even ink marks wiped away with a quick and easy swipe. Despite its ultra-slim profile, the iPad case still provides strong drop protection, having passed a 100N strength test.

If you’re interested in preserving your iPad’s performance over time, Apple’s own official resource on optimizing battery health and performance offers some valuable long-term care advice.

The Final Verdict

Ultimately, choosing between these two cases depends on your personal usage preferences. When heading back to school, if you’re someone who needs flexibility, full-featured protection, as well as support for multiple orientations and accessories, the Rebound Hybrid Case 360 offers fantastic all-in-one solution. On the other hand, the Rebound Magnetic Case delivers understated brilliance, if you prefer something more compact and sleeker without compromising on grip or magnet strength.

ESR’s thoughtful design philosophy was showcased in both products: smart, user-first solutions that balance functionality, durability, style, and everyday usability. Whether you’re an artist, a student, a frequent traveler, or simply someone who wants their iPad to work smarter, there’s a Rebound case tailored to your lifestyle—and both are well worth the money.

The need for online therapy for children has never been more pressing, with an estimated 40.3% of youth aged 13-17 experiencing some form of mental disorder within a one-year period. Unfortunately, despite this high prevalence, only 20% of young people who screen positive for mental health issues actually receive the services they need.

This gap has only widened in recent years, as mental health-related emergency department visits among adolescents increased by 31% between 2019 and 2020. Fortunately, online child therapy offers a promising solution to this growing crisis. Research consistently shows that online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy for many mental health conditions.

In fact, studies specifically focused on children have found that online cognitive behavioral therapy is equally effective and more affordable than traditional in-person approaches for pre-adolescent children with anxiety.

One of the primary benefits of teletherapy is its accessibility, breaking down geographical barriers and allowing children to engage with therapists from the comfort and safety of their own homes. However, is teletherapy effective for all children and all conditions? In this article, we’ll explore everything parents need to know about online counseling for children and help you determine if it’s the right choice for your family.

Understanding Online Therapy for Children

Online therapy for children has become increasingly popular, offering mental health support through digital platforms. As families embrace technology in daily life, mental health professionals have adapted their services to meet children where they feel comfortable.

What is online child therapy?

Online child therapy, also known as teletherapy or telehealth, delivers mental health treatment through digital platforms rather than traditional face-to-face sessions. This approach uses video conferencing, phone calls, messaging, and interactive digital tools to provide therapeutic support. Essentially, it’s professional counseling delivered remotely, allowing children to connect with licensed therapists from the comfort of their homes.

Children face various challenges including depression, anxiety, trauma, bullying, and school-related stress. Online therapy addresses these issues through engaging methods that resonate with today’s tech-savvy youth. The primary goal remains the same as traditional therapy-to support mental wellbeing-but the delivery method shifts to digital channels.

How it differs from in-person therapy

Unlike traditional therapy, online sessions offer greater flexibility for families with busy schedules or those living in remote areas. This accessibility eliminates geographical barriers, allowing children in underserved regions to receive quality mental health support without lengthy travel.

Additionally, many children feel more comfortable in their home environment than in an unfamiliar office setting. This familiarity often helps them open up more readily. Another key difference is that online therapy allows therapists to observe children in their natural home setting, providing valuable insights into their behaviors and interactions.

Furthermore, online therapy typically offers more scheduling flexibility and can be more affordable since these sessions often have reduced overhead expenses. Nevertheless, online therapy does have limitations, particularly in picking up subtle non-verbal cues and body language that might be more apparent in person.

Common formats: video, apps, and games

Online child therapy employs various engaging formats:

• Video sessions form the backbone of most teletherapy, allowing face-to-face interaction similar to in-person therapy

• Interactive apps like HappiMe, Wysa, and Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame help children manage emotions, anxiety, and develop mindfulness

• Therapeutic games such as Personal Investigator, where children play alongside therapists, creating opportunities for therapeutic discussion

Many programs follow a structured approach with multiple sessions or modules. For instance, Camp Cope-A-Lot offers a 12-session computerized adaptation where each session takes approximately 35 minutes to complete. Similarly, MoodGYM uses a five-module structure covering feelings, thoughts, and relationships.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is particularly well-suited to digital delivery, with research showing online CBT can be just as effective as in-person therapy for children, especially for treating anxiety and depression.

When Is Online Therapy Effective?

Research shows online therapy produces meaningful results for many children struggling with mental health issues. Multiple studies demonstrate that digital interventions can match traditional in-person therapy outcomes while offering added convenience.

Conditions it works well for (anxiety, depression, autism)

Digital mental health interventions have proven particularly effective for common childhood conditions. Studies confirm that online cognitive behavioral therapy works exceptionally well for anxiety disorders, with remission rates of 43% at three-month follow-up. For depression, meta-analyzes show significant reductions in symptoms among adolescents following internet-based interventions.

Surprisingly, online therapy has shown unexpected benefits for children with autism spectrum disorder. When Stanford’s Autism Intervention Clinic moved online during the pandemic, therapists gained access to unlimited digital props aligned with children’s interests, creating more engaging therapeutic environments. Additionally, telehealth formats allow autism therapists to modify treatment plans more frequently based on ongoing observation.

The role of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

CBT principles adapt remarkably well to digital formats. According to comprehensive reviews, online CBT programs like “Cool Kids Online” demonstrate medium to large treatment effects for childhood anxiety disorders. Impressively, studies comparing online versus offline CBT for youth anxiety and depression found approximately 90% symptom alleviation rates in both formats.

Importance of human support in digital formats

While digital tools offer accessibility, the human element remains crucial. Programs featuring therapist guidance consistently outperform standalone digital interventions. Meta-analyzes reveal that when digital mental health interventions include human support, the effects double compared to unsupported versions.

The supporter role-whether filled by therapists, parents, or teachers-provides motivation, accountability, and personalized guidance. This becomes particularly vital for children with greater symptom severity, where research indicates stronger effects of human support. Even brief therapist involvement through check-ins, feedback on progress, or answering questions substantially improves outcomes and program completion rates.

Designing Therapy for Young Users

Creating effective online therapy platforms for children requires careful consideration of their unique needs and developmental stages. Children interact with technology differently than adults, making thoughtful design essential for therapeutic success.

Usability challenges for children

Children often struggle with technology interfaces that weren’t designed with them in mind. Text-based input poses particular difficulties as many children find typing challenging. Moreover, mouse manipulation remains problematic for younger users who frequently struggle with positioning and clicking precisely on desired targets.

Although touchscreen devices offer more intuitive interaction for children as young as two, they still present challenges with unintended touches and drawn gestures. Children also face concentration barriers during online sessions, with approximately 44.2% of clinicians reporting difficulties keeping children engaged due to distractions and attention issues.

Privacy concerns further complicate the therapeutic environment, as 15.6% of therapists note that lack of confidentiality at home makes it difficult for children to share negative experiences openly.

Engagement through storytelling and feedback

Storytelling serves as a powerful therapeutic tool in online settings. Children naturally gravitate toward stories, which allow them to express thoughts and feelings indirectly. Through digital storytelling-combining traditional narrative techniques with videos, audio, and animations-therapists can create immersive experiences that support cognitive development and emotional intelligence.

The concept of “flow”-an engaging state where self-awareness diminishes-proves crucial for maintaining children’s interest. Digital platforms excel at creating optimal experiences through appropriate challenges and immediate feedback, much like video games.

Studies show digital games for mental health have significantly improved mental health literacy, reduced stigma, and enhanced quality of life, with high satisfaction and program adherence rates.

Incorporating social interaction and play

Digital games involving multiple players positively affect mental health by mobilizing cooperation and social interaction. Role-playing and character customization increase adherence to healthy behaviors, whereas puzzle games, action/adventure games, and exploration games show promise for improving mental health conditions through their interactive approach.

Importantly, therapist involvement significantly enhances the impact of digital therapeutic tools. Simple games like Simon Says, Charades, and I-Spy can be effectively adapted for online therapy sessions to build rapport and work toward therapeutic goals.

Who Is and Isn’t a Good Fit for Online Therapy

Not every child responds the same way to online counseling for children. Determining the right therapeutic approach depends on multiple factors including the child’s specific needs, technological comfort, and home environment.

Children who benefit most from teletherapy

Online therapy for children works exceptionally well for certain groups. Primarily, children with mobility limitations or those living in rural areas gain immediate access to specialists they might otherwise never see. Kids with mild to moderate anxiety often thrive in virtual settings because they can engage from their safe, familiar home environment.

Teenagers typically adapt well to online formats given their comfort with digital communication. The same applies to children with social anxiety who might find traditional office visits overwhelming. Tech-savvy kids who already enjoy screen-based activities often build rapport with therapists more quickly through digital platforms.

When in-person therapy is better

Conversely, traditional face-to-face therapy remains preferable in several situations. Children requiring physical interventions, such as play therapy with specialized equipment, need hands-on approaches. Likewise, those with severe behavioral issues often need the structured environment an office setting provides.

Family therapy involving multiple participants sometimes works better in person, where therapists can observe subtle non-verbal interactions. Additionally, children lacking privacy at home may struggle to speak openly during teletherapy sessions.

Considerations for ADHD, trauma, and very young children

Children with ADHD present unique challenges in virtual environments. While some benefit from the comfort of familiar surroundings, others struggle with the additional distractions at home. For these children, success often depends on parental involvement and environmental modifications to minimize distractions.

Trauma treatment requires careful consideration. Though some trauma-focused therapies adapt well to online formats, severe cases typically benefit from in-person care where therapists can better manage emotional responses.

For very young children (under 5), online therapy presents obvious limitations. These youngsters generally need physical engagement and hands-on activities that screens simply can’t provide. Nevertheless, parent coaching components of early childhood interventions can work effectively in virtual formats.

Conclusion

Online therapy represents a powerful option for children struggling with mental health challenges. Throughout this article, we’ve seen how teletherapy breaks down geographical barriers while providing effective treatment for conditions like anxiety, depression, and surprisingly, autism spectrum disorder. However, this approach isn’t universally suitable for every child.

Parents should consider their child’s specific needs before making this important decision. Children with mobility limitations, those in rural areas, and teenagers generally thrive in virtual settings. Conversely, very young children, those requiring physical interventions, or kids with severe behavioral issues typically benefit more from traditional face-to-face therapy.

The research clearly demonstrates that online cognitive behavioral therapy can match traditional approaches in effectiveness, especially when human support accompanies digital tools. This combination of technology and personal guidance creates the ideal therapeutic environment for many children.

At the end of the day, the right choice depends on your child’s unique situation. Though technology cannot replace human connection entirely, it certainly expands access to mental health services for children who might otherwise go without. Whether you choose online or in-person therapy, taking that first step toward getting help for your child remains the most important decision of all.

We hope this guide helps you navigate this important decision with confidence. Remember that either approach-when matched appropriately to your child’s needs-can provide the support necessary for improving mental health and building resilience.

Sending your kids off to summer camp can bring mixed emotions for you both. It’s a time of excitement for your kids, as they will make new friends and try new activities, but it also comes with some anxiety about their well-being.

The key to ensuring a positive and memorable camp experience is preparation. Here’s a quick guide to know what to do before sending your kids off to summer camp.

Choose the Right Summer Camp

Start by involving your child in the decision-making process when selecting a camp. Discuss their interests and hobbies to find a program that aligns with what they enjoy. Choosing a camp that resonates with their passions helps ensure they’ll have a great time, whether it’s a sports camp, an arts camp, or one focusing on outdoor adventures.

Communicate and Manage Your Child’s Expectations

Have an open conversation with your child about what to expect at summer camp. Share details about the daily schedule, the types of activities they’ll be doing, and the importance of maintaining a respectful and friendly attitude toward other campers and staff.

Set realistic expectations and encourage your kids to ask questions about any concerns they have, especially if it’s their first time attending camp. Establishing clear communication can ease first-time jitters and help your kids feel more prepared for the experience.

Pre-Camp Health Check

Ensure your child is in good physical health before camp begins by scheduling a check-up with their doctor. Update any required vaccinations and address any ongoing health concerns with the camp staff. Notify the camp staff and ensure they have a plan for managing them if your child has allergies or specific medical needs.

Pack Strategically

Packing for summer camp is an important step to ensure your child has everything they need. Be sure to include weather-appropriate clothing, toiletries, and any required medications. Label each item with your child’s name to avoid mix-ups. Here is a quick list of some more summer camp essentials to get you started.

Essential Camp Items Not To Forget

• A good pair of walking shoes
• Swimsuits
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray
• Water bottle
• Laundry bag
• Flashlight
• Disposable camera
• Comfort items from home (such as a favorite book or stuffed animal)

Make sure to pack these essentials to make your child’s trip more enjoyable! Many camps supply common summer supplies, so consult the program coordinator to determine what the camp will supply versus what you’ll need to buy.

Teach Your Child Health and Safety Tips

Equip your child with the knowledge to stay safe at camp. Teach them about stranger danger and how to identify trusted adults at the camp if they need help. Go over the basics of water safety if swimming or aquatic activities are part of the itinerary.

Protect your kids from lice at summer camp by reminding them to wash their hands frequently and avoid sharing personal items, such as combs and hats. These small steps can help your child feel more secure while staying healthy and safe.

Preparation Leads to Confidence

Proper preparation ensures a smoother summer camp experience for you and your children. Knowing what to do before sending your kids off to summer camp sets them up for a memorable and rewarding adventure. The benefits of summer camp for kids are plentiful and include boosting independence, fostering friendships, and more, so take advantage of these growth opportunities this year.