Child Mind Institute Releases Survey, Resources for Black Families Seeking Mental Health Care

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March 3, 2026

Child Mind Institute Releases Survey, Resources for Black Families Seeking Mental Health Care

The decision to place a child on medication to treat a mental health or learning disorder can be a difficult one. 

The Child Mind Institute has put together a list of resources to address the possibility that Black parents in particular might be skeptical because of the history of misuse of psychiatric medication on Black patients.

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In a recent Child Mind Institute survey of Black families and young adults seeking mental health care, about half of the participants said they believed that mental health professionals are too quick to prescribe medication. 

The survey identified key barriers of the participants’ experiences in seeking care. It also found that Black adolescent boys are less likely to seek care from mental health professionals than their female counterparts.

The institute’s resources address concerns about medication and how caregivers and clinicians can work together to get the best treatment for a child. They also explore why Black children with autism tend to be diagnosed late and Black teens with mood disorders are often misdiagnosed as well as how these challenges can be overcome.

The resources highlight the importance of having more Black and culturally competent mental health professionals available for Black children. 

Below are the Child Mind Institute’s resources:

Podcast Explores Importance of Caregivers Taking Care of Themselves

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Podcast Explores Importance of Caregivers Taking Care of Themselves

Being the caregiver of a child can be equally exhilarating and exhausting. As a result, many caregivers find themselves worn out and running on empty.

When this happens, the latest Thriving Kids podcast episode explores, even small challenges can be overwhelming.

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In the podcast, Dave Anderson, PhD, senior psychologist and vice president of public engagement and education at the Child Mind Institute, discusses with Joanna Kim, PhD, an associate professor of psychology at Arizona State University, why taking care of oneself as a caregiver is important, but might feel unrealistic.

The podcast discussion involves how guilt can prevent a caregiver from meeting their own needs, why self-care doesn’t have to mean making big changes, and how filling one’s own cup helps caregivers to show up for their child with more calm, patience, and consistency.

In addition, Thriving Kids provided some reminders about caring for oneself as a caregiver.

  • Being a caregiver can be demanding, and sometimes it can feel like you’re running on empty. But taking care of yourself is essential and self-care isn’t a luxury. Even taking small, mindful moments dedicated to yourself can make a big difference.
  • Building a strong support network is crucial. Surround yourself with other adults – a partner, family members, friends, or fellow parents – who understand your challenges and can lend a helping hand. Share responsibilities, delegate tasks, and ask for help.
  • Investing in your well-being isn’t selfish – it’s empowering. When you take care of yourself, you’re better able to parent with patience, joy, and presence. You’ll also set a positive example for children in your care by demonstrating that it’s important to take care of yourself.

Resources Provide Tips for Caregivers with Children Navigating Friendship Losses

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March 2, 2026

Resources Provide Tips for Caregivers with Children Navigating Friendship Losses

Breaking off a friendship or drifting apart can be challenging no matter the age, but it can be especially difficult for young children, affecting the way they think about themselves and future relationships.

The Child Mind Institute has put together a list of resources about friend breakups that aim to help children when they’re struggling.

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For young people, losing a friend can feel like a personal rejection – even if that’s not the case. To help cope with the feelings of rejection, caregivers should validate children’s feelings and eventually encourage them to see a painful experience as an opportunity for growth.

Friendship problems can be even more difficult for children who already struggle to make friends, whether they are lonely or have trouble navigating social situations.

Among the resources is an episode of the Thriving Kids podcast in which psychologist Dave Anderson, PhD, answers questions about parenting teens and interacting with their friends. The episode includes tips on how to help a child build healthier relationships.

The Child Mind Institute’s resources include:

February Recalls on Children’s Products

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February Recalls on Children’s Products

Parents and caregivers should be aware of several child-related products recalls.

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Below is a list of February recalls collected from the following federal agencies: the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Food and Drug Administration, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

IF Copack LLC dba Initiative Foods recalled its Tippy Toes brand apple pear banana due to elevated levels of patulin, a naturally occurring substance that is produced by molds that may grow in various fruits. Long-term exposure can lead to such health consequences as immune suppression, nerve damage, headache, fever, and nausea. 

Huaker recalled its Magnetic Balls and Rods sets because they violate mandatory standards for toys. The sets contain small balls and are intended for children under 3 years of age, posing a deadly choking hazard.

Magnetic chess games sold on Amazon were recalled because they contain loose magnets that pose an ingestion hazard to children. When high-powered magnets are swallowed, the magnets can attract each other or other metal objects and become lodged in the digestive system, resulting in perforations, twisting, or blockage of the intestines as well as blood poisoning, and death.

The KiddoSpace recalled its children’s Christmas tree play sets due to risks posed by lead exposure. The zipper pull on the music box compartment contains levels of lead that exceed federal regulations. If ingested, lead is toxic to young children and can cause adverse health issues.

The KiddoSpace recalled its reusable water balloons due to the risk of injury from phthalate exposure. The cord lock on the balloon’s storage bag contains a regulated phthalate, which violates federal bans. Phthalates are toxic if ingested by children. 

The KiddoSpace recalled its children’s fingerpainting kits due to the risk of injury from hazardous substances and phthalate exposure. The kits contain methanol and ethylene glycol and are intended for children under 12 years of age. The products also contain a regulated phthalate, which can cause adverse health effects if swallowed by children.

The KiddoSpace recalled its children’s handwriting practice kits due to the risk of injury from lead exposure. The pens in the kits contain levels of lead in the nib that exceed federal regulations. Lead is toxic and can cause adverse health effects if ingested by children.

Joyreal has recalled its Busy Board Children’s Toys because they violate a small parts ban. The small mirror on the toys can detach, posing a deadly choking hazard. The toys also have sharp edges, posing a laceration hazard.

Sanven Technology recalled its Vevor Baby Gates because they violate mandatory standards for expansion gates and expandable enclosure. A child’s torso can fit through the opening between the gate and the floor, posing a risk of serious injury due to entrapment.

The KiddoSpace recalled its children’s story books because the books’ felt parts can detach, posing a choking hazard. 

The KiddoSpace has recalled its LED soccer hover balls because the surface temperature of the toys’ batteries exceeds the allowable limit, posing a risk of burn injuries.

SumDirect has recalled its LED mini lights because they violate mandatory standards for products containing button cells or coin batteries. The lights contain button cell batteries that can be easily accessed by children, posing an ingestion hazard. Additionally, the lights do not have warnings required by law. When button cell or coin batteries are swallowed, they can cause serious injuries, internal chemical burns, or death.

Bicystar has recalled its high chairs because they were sold without the required crotch restraint, posing a deadly fall hazard for children. The child’s head can become trapped between the seat and the side of the high chair, posing an entrapment hazard.

Grtard has recalled its magnetic stick figure toy sets because they contain magnets posing an ingestion hazard to children. When high-powered magnets are swallowed, they can attract each other or other metal objects and become lodged in the digestive system. This can result in perforations, twisting, or blockage in the intestines as well as blood poisoning, or death.

Somgem Pig and Yomin toilet lighters have been recalled because they violate mandatory standards for cigarette lighters. The lighters do not have child-resistant mechanisms, posing a serious risk of injury or death from fire or burn hazards.

Zelbuck has recalled its children’s chess games because they contain loose magnets that pose an ingestion hazard to children. When high-powered magnets are swallowed, they can attract each other or other metal objects and become lodged in the digestive system. This can result in perforations, twisting, or blocking of the intestines as well as blood poisoning or death.

Magnetic chess games have been recalled because they contain loose magnets that pose an ingestion hazard to children. When high-powered magnets are swallowed, they can attract each other or other metal objects and become lodged in the digestive system. This can result in perforations, twisting, or blocking of the intestines as well as blood poisoning or death.

The KiddoSpace has recalled its peg doll children’s toys. The toys, which are intended for children under age 3, can block a child’s airway, posing a risk of choking and death to children.

Evajoy has recalled its above-ground pools that are 48 inches and taller. The compression strap that surrounds the outside of the pool legs may create a foothold, allowing a child to access the pool and posing a drowning risk.

Babysense has recalled its Max View baby monitors. The display or “parent” unit of the monitors can overheat or spark when charging, posing a fire hazard.

The KiddoSpace has recalled its children’s Montessori egg puzzle toys. The toys, which are intended for children under age 3, have eggs that can block a child’s airway, posing a risk of choking and death.

Royal Oak Enterprises recalled its lighters because they do not have required child-resistant mechanisms, posing a risk of serious injury or death from fire and burn hazards. The lighters also violate labeling requirements under federal law by missing required safety information.

The KiddoSpace has recalled its children’s sensory swing because its flexible fabric can form loops that can entangle a child’s head or neck, posing a risk of serious injury or death from strangulation.

The KiddoSpace has recalled its children’s flashcard talking toys because they contain levels of lead and phthalates that exceed federal standards. Lead and phthalates are toxic and can cause adverse health effects if swallowed by children. The flashcards also fail to comply with the short circuit protection requirement for battery-operated toys.

Surreal Brands recalled its children’s Tubby Tots Fizzy Flask Bath Magic Bath Foam sets. Moisture trapped inside the bath foam set container can cause pressure to build up, allowing pieces to be forcefully ejected when opened, posing an impact hazard.

Trankerloop recalled its baby bath sets because they violate mandatory standards for infant bath seats. The seats can tip over while in use, posing a risk of serious injury or death due to drowning.