Caregivers
Website
Understanding Executive Function
Harvard's comprehensive guide to executive function skills and how they develop in children
Harvard Center on the Developing Child
For parents · educators · therapists
Helping kids grow the skills that help them through life.
A curated home for evidence-informed books, songs, and free resources — from growth mindset and self-regulation to trauma recovery and everyday life skills.
Trusted by parents, educators & clinicians across the U.S.
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200+ free resources
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8 skill pillars
200+
Curated free resources
9
Resource pillars
K–5
Age range focus
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Resource spotlight
A resource we keep coming back to.
This week — a song that teaches kids the power of "yet".
Now playing · Growth mindset
Try Something New
A fun, upbeat song designed to teach children the power of a growth mindset. Bright piano, happy ukulele, and a chorus that reminds kids that mistakes are part of learning — and their brains get stronger every time they try.
- The power of “YET” — you can’t do it… yet.
- Neuroplasticity — your brain grows like a muscle.
- Resilience — getting back up when you fall.
- Sensory-friendly design — slow pacing, gentle visuals.
No ads. No paywalls. Just good resources — and maybe a coffee.
Even a buck helps keep it growing.
The library
Curated resources, organized by skill.
200+ free, evidence-informed resources from organizations like Harvard’s Center on the Developing Child, NCTSN, the CDC, and Zero to Three — organized across 8 developmental skill areas plus a dedicated trauma resources hub.
Share these resources. Use Copy Link on any card to grab the URL — then paste it for clients, families, or colleagues.
Suggest one →Skills for Children — K–5 Development
Essential resources across eight foundational skill areas.
Executive Function & Focus
Planning, organization, working memory, and attention skills
15 resources
Executive Function & Focus
Planning, organization, working memory, and attention skills
Caregivers
Activity List
Games to Improve Executive Function
Fun, research-backed games that strengthen planning and organization skills
ADDitude Magazine
Caregivers
Website
Working Memory Activities
Exercises to strengthen working memory in elementary-aged children
Understood.org
Caregivers
Printable
Executive Function Printable Checklists
Visual supports and checklists for planning and task completion
Teachers Pay Teachers
Professionals
Article
Strengthening Executive Function in Schools
Classroom strategies for building executive function across the school day
Edutopia
Caregivers
Article
How to Build Executive Functioning Skills for Kids
Practical strategies including breaking tasks into smaller steps, using planners and checklists, and building consistent routines to support children with executive function challenges
Child Mind Institute
Caregivers / Professionals
Guide
Enhancing and Practicing Executive Function Skills
Free downloadable Harvard activity guides for supporting executive function from infancy to adolescence — practical and research-backed
Harvard Center on the Developing Child
Caregivers
Article
How to Help Kids With Working Memory Issues
Practical tools including to-do lists, reminders, and chunking complex assignments to help children compensate for working memory difficulties
Child Mind Institute
Caregivers
Article
What Is Working Memory?
Clear explanation of working memory as an executive function and its role in how children process and use information day to day
Child Mind Institute
Caregivers
Article
8 Working Memory Boosters
Eight practical home strategies including visualization, card games, and active reading that strengthen working memory in children
Understood.org
Caregivers
Article
Executive Function Strategies for Your Child
Parenting strategies for improving executive function at home — covering planning and organization skills
Understood.org
Caregivers
PDF
Executive Function Activities for 3- to 5-Year-Olds
Free Harvard PDF with developmentally appropriate activities for preschoolers that build planning and working memory through play and pretend
Harvard Center on the Developing Child
Caregivers
PDF
Executive Function Activities for 18- to 36-Month-Olds
Free Harvard PDF with play-based activities for toddlers that build the early foundations of working memory and inhibitory control
Harvard Center on the Developing Child
Caregivers
Article
ADHD and Executive Function
CHADD overview of how ADHD impacts executive function, helping caregivers understand the connection between attention and planning, organization, and impulse control
CHADD (Children and Adults with ADHD)
Caregivers
Hub
Executive Function Topic Hub
Child Mind Institute's complete collection of articles and guides on executive function challenges — a good single destination for parents exploring this topic
Child Mind Institute
Mindset & Emotional Awareness
Growth mindset, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness
13 resources
Mindset & Emotional Awareness
Growth mindset, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness
Caregivers
Video
Carol Dweck's TED Talk: The Power of Believing That You Can Improve
Core introduction to growth vs fixed mindset from the researcher who coined the term
TED / Stanford University
Professionals
Curriculum
Mindset Works Resources & Programs
PreK-3 GEM curriculum and educator professional development
Mindset Works
Professionals
Online Lessons
Stanford PERTS Mindset Kit
Free growth mindset lessons and practices for educators
Stanford University PERTS
Professionals
Online Course
Growth Mindset for Teachers Course
Teacher training on growth mindset concepts and practices (45 minutes)
Stanford University PERTS
Caregivers
Online Course
Growth Mindset for Parents Course
Parent resources to develop growth mindset at home (30 minutes)
Stanford University PERTS
Caregivers
Printable Activities
Big Life Journal Free Weekly Printables
Free weekly growth mindset worksheets and Parent's Guide
Big Life Journal
Professionals
Website
Emotional Intelligence Resources
Free SEL resources for teaching emotional awareness and regulation
Committee for Children
Professionals
Framework
CASEL Core Competencies
Gold standard SEL framework including self-awareness and social awareness
CASEL
Caregivers
Article
What Is Social-Emotional Learning?
Clear overview of SEL including self-awareness, growth mindset, emotion identification, and practical skill-building for families
Understood.org
Caregivers
Podcast
Growth Mindset and the Power of Yet
How adding 'yet' to children's self-talk builds resilience and a growth mindset — especially helpful for kids who struggle at school
Understood.org
Caregivers
Article
How to Help Your Child Build Strengths From Challenges
Activities and tips for building growth mindset and staying motivated — includes different types of strengths kids can develop
Understood.org
Caregivers
Article
The Power of Positive Reframing
How helping children view situations from a new angle fosters learning, resilience, and emotional flexibility
Child Mind Institute
Caregivers
Article
Metacognition: How Thinking About Thinking Can Help Kids
Teaching children to reflect on their own reactions helps them handle situations more effectively and build self-awareness over time
Child Mind Institute
Self-Regulation & Coping
Emotion regulation, coping strategies, and stress management
10 resources
Self-Regulation & Coping
Emotion regulation, coping strategies, and stress management
Caregivers
Visual Tools
The Zones of Regulation Free Resources
Official free emotion visuals and guides from creator Leah Kuypers
Zones of Regulation
Professionals
Framework
CASEL SEL Framework
Gold standard SEL framework with 5 core competencies including self-management
CASEL
Caregivers
Guide
Self-Regulation Skills
Age-appropriate strategies for helping young children develop self-control
Zero to Three
Caregivers
Printable Resources
Calm Down Corner Free Printables
Breathing exercises, calming strategies, visual supports
Your Therapy Source
Caregivers
Printable Resources
Calm Down Corner Printables (Mental Health Center Kids)
15 free breathing and coping strategy printables
Mental Health Center Kids
Children
Video
Belly Breathing Exercises
Elmo demonstrates belly breathing for emotional regulation
Sesame Street
Caregivers
Guide
Mindfulness for Children
Age-appropriate mindfulness practices to build awareness and calm
Mindful Magazine
Caregivers
Article
Stress Management for Kids
Recognizing signs of stress in children and teaching healthy responses
KidsHealth
Children
Video
Yoga and Movement for Regulation
Kid-friendly yoga and relaxation videos for body-based coping
Cosmic Kids Yoga
Children
PDF
Progressive Muscle Relaxation Script
Guided exercise tensing and releasing muscle groups to reduce tension
Anxiety Canada
Communication & Social Skills
Expressing needs, active listening, cooperation, and friendship skills
16 resources
Communication & Social Skills
Expressing needs, active listening, cooperation, and friendship skills
Children
Worksheet
I-Messages and Conflict Resolution Worksheets
Structured communication tool for expressing feelings assertively
Free Printable Behavior Charts
Professionals
Online Curriculum
Harmony SEL Curriculum (PreK-6)
Free comprehensive SEL curriculum covering diversity, empathy, communication
Harmony Academy
Children
Activity Guide
Conflict Resolution Worksheets
Trust-building and problem-solving exercises for elementary students
Worksheet Place
Professionals
Video
Praising the Process Video
Professional development on effective praise strategies that build communication
Teaching Channel / PERTS
Professionals
Curriculum
Friendship Skills Lessons
Second Step lessons on making friends, joining groups, and maintaining relationships
Committee for Children
Children
Worksheet
Assertiveness vs Aggression
Helping children express needs respectfully without being passive or aggressive
Therapist Aid
Caregivers
Article
Activities to Encourage Speech and Language Development
Age-by-age activity guide from ASHA (birth through 6 years) with specific, practical ideas for building speech and language skills through everyday interactions
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
Caregivers
Guide
Typical Speech and Language Development
ASHA's milestone guide for speech and language development from birth to age 5 — includes hearing and feeding milestones and when to seek evaluation
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
Caregivers
Article
Teaching Social Skills to Kids at Home
How to help children build social skills at home through modeling, role-play, and structured conversation practice — includes tips for different learning styles
Child Mind Institute
Caregivers
Guide
How to Support Your Child's Communication Skills
Comprehensive guide for parents on supporting communication from birth through toddlerhood, including narrating daily routines, encouraging pretend play, and teaching feelings vocabulary
Zero to Three
Caregivers
Article
Toddler Language Development Tips
Expert-backed strategies for boosting toddler language development through everyday interactions — covers vocabulary building and conversation skills
Child Mind Institute
Caregivers
Article
Let's Talk About It: Building Babies' Language from Birth
Five practical ways parents can talk with babies to build strong language and literacy skills from the very start — emphasizes responsiveness and daily conversation
Zero to Three
Caregivers
Article
Building Preschoolers' Speech and Language at Home
ASHA guide connecting strong preschool speech and language skills to kindergarten readiness, reading, writing, and social success — with home strategies
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
Caregivers
Guide
CDC Developmental Milestones
CDC's comprehensive developmental milestone resource covering communication milestones from 2 months to 5 years — includes free milestone tracker app
CDC
Caregivers
Article
Social Thinking: What It Is and How It Works
Understood.org explanation of social thinking skills and how difficulties with reading social cues affect children's friendships and classroom interactions
Understood.org
Caregivers
Article
25 Household Items to Boost Your Toddler's Language
ASHA article showing how everyday household objects — sponges, cups, spoons — can be used to practice categorizing, counting, and comparing while building language
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
Sensory Processing
Understanding and supporting sensory needs for optimal learning and regulation
15 resources
Sensory Processing
Understanding and supporting sensory needs for optimal learning and regulation
Caregivers
Guide
Auditory Processing Support
Strategies for children with auditory processing challenges
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Caregivers
Guide
Sensory-Friendly Strategies for Everyday Activities
Adapting daily routines for children with sensory processing differences
Autism Speaks
Professionals
Resource Collection
Occupational Therapy Activities for Sensory Integration
Professional OT resources and activity ideas for sensory processing support
American Occupational Therapy Association
Caregivers
Article
Understanding Sensory Issues in Children
Comprehensive overview of sensory processing issues including signs and types of sensitivity — oversensitive and undersensitive — and how occupational therapists help
Child Mind Institute
Caregivers
Article
Understanding Sensory Processing Challenges in Your Child
Explains both types of sensory challenges, signs to watch for, and how OTs create sensory diets — includes a downloadable fact sheet
Understood.org
Caregivers
Guide
Quick Guide to Sensory Processing Issues
Concise parent-friendly guide to understanding and supporting children with sensory processing differences — good starting point for newly-identified families
Child Mind Institute
Caregivers
Article
Sensory Processing FAQ
Expert answers to the most common parent questions about sensory processing in children — what it is and what you can do
Child Mind Institute
Caregivers
Article
Tips for Going Places With Sensory-Challenged Kids
Practical strategies for managing outings, crowds, and transitions with sensory-sensitive children — covers noise, light, and unexpected sensory environments
Child Mind Institute
Caregivers
Article
10 Ways to Help Grade-Schoolers Manage Sensory Challenges
School-focused strategies for managing sensory challenges in music class, recess, lunchtime, writing, and art — with practical tips for each setting
Understood.org
Children / Caregivers
Activity List
8 Sensory-Friendly Indoor Games and Activities
Fun sensory-friendly indoor activities that help children build motor and other skills while engaging their senses in a controlled and enjoyable way
Understood.org
Professionals
Article
Classroom Accommodations for Sensory Processing Challenges
School accommodations guide covering quiet work spaces, flexible seating, sensory breaks, and building self-regulation skills in the classroom
Understood.org
Caregivers
Article
8 Ways to Help Kids Who Are Sensitive to Touch and Textures
Practical tips for supporting children with tactile sensitivity, including giving advance warning, finding creative ways to show affection, and gradual desensitization
Understood.org
Caregivers
Article
10 Sensory Activities for Children with Autism
Hands-on sensory activities including sensory bins, rainbow ice excavation, and slime that support sensory integration and engagement for children with sensory processing differences
Autism Speaks
Professionals
Article
Supporting Sensory Needs at School
Educator guide for identifying and accommodating sensory needs in school — including minimizing loud noises, scented products, and bright lighting
Autism Speaks
Caregivers
Guide
How to Make a Sensory Travel Kit for Your Child
Step-by-step guide for building a portable sensory kit including weighted lap pads, fidgets, and calming tools for trips and outings
Understood.org
Physical Activity & Motor Skills
Movement, exercise, and developing gross and fine motor abilities
9 resources
Physical Activity & Motor Skills
Movement, exercise, and developing gross and fine motor abilities
Professionals
Video Library
GoNoodle Movement Break Videos
Quick 3-5 minute movement breaks for classroom use (2,000+ videos)
GoNoodle
Children
YouTube Videos
Cosmic Kids Yoga YouTube Channel
Kid-friendly yoga, mindfulness, and relaxation videos (400+ videos)
Cosmic Kids Yoga
Caregivers
Activity Guide
Gross Motor Activities for Preschoolers
Age-appropriate activities for building large muscle coordination
Your Therapy Source
Caregivers
Guide
Fine Motor Skills Development
Activities to strengthen hand muscles for writing and self-care tasks
Understood.org
Professionals
Activity Cards
Brain Breaks for Kids
Quick energizing movement activities to refocus attention
Teachers Pay Teachers
Caregivers
Article
Outdoor Play Benefits
Research on how outdoor play supports physical and cognitive development
Child Mind Institute
Caregivers
Activity Guide
Handwriting Development Activities
Pre-writing and handwriting practice activities from an OT perspective
OT Mom Learning Activities
Caregivers
Activity Database
Physical Literacy Games
Fun games that build confidence in movement and physical skills
Active for Life
Caregivers
Activity Guide
Scissor Skills Practice
Developmental progression and activities for learning to cut with scissors
Your Therapy Source
Sleep & Rest
Healthy sleep habits, bedtime routines, and rest for growing bodies and minds
11 resources
Sleep & Rest
Healthy sleep habits, bedtime routines, and rest for growing bodies and minds
Caregivers
Fact Sheet
CDC Sleep Recommendations by Age
Evidence-informed sleep duration guidelines for children ages 3-12
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Caregivers
Website
Healthy Sleep Habits for Children
Comprehensive guide to pediatric sleep needs and common challenges
Sleep Foundation
Caregivers
Printable Chart
Bedtime Routine Charts
Visual supports for consistent bedtime routines
Your Therapy Source
Caregivers
Guidelines
AAP Sleep Guidelines
American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations for healthy sleep
American Academy of Pediatrics
Caregivers
Guide
Helping Children Sleep Better
Age-by-age guide to establishing healthy sleep patterns from infancy through early childhood
Zero to Three
Caregivers
Article
Sleep Hygiene for Kids
Creating sleep-friendly environments and habits
Sleep Foundation
Children
Book
Calming Bedtime Stories
Maximilian's Cosmic Adventure - bedtime story promoting sleep independence
Amazon
Children
Video
Relaxation Techniques Before Bed
Peace Out guided relaxations designed for bedtime wind-down
Cosmic Kids
Caregivers
Article
Addressing Sleep Problems in Children
Understanding and managing nightmares, night terrors, and bedtime resistance
Sleep Foundation
Caregivers
Article
The Importance of Naps
Research on when and why young children need daytime sleep
PMC (PubMed Central)
Caregivers
Guide
Co-Sleeping and Sleep Training
AAP guidance on safe sleep practices and transitioning to independent sleep
American Academy of Pediatrics
Independence & Life Skills
Self-care, responsibility, and age-appropriate independence skills
11 resources
Independence & Life Skills
Self-care, responsibility, and age-appropriate independence skills
Caregivers
Guide
Age-Appropriate Chores for Kids
Developmental guide to household responsibilities by age
HealthyChildren.org (AAP)
Caregivers
Checklist
Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Checklist
Tracking independence in self-care, feeding, and grooming tasks
Tools To Grow (OT Resources)
Professionals
Curriculum
Money Management for Kids
FDIC curriculum teaching financial literacy starting in PreK
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Caregivers
Guide
Teaching Kids to Do Laundry
Step-by-step guide for age-appropriate laundry skills
Heritage Park Laundry
Caregivers
Article
Kitchen Skills for Children
Safe, age-appropriate cooking and food preparation activities
KidsHealth
Caregivers
Article
Time Management Skills
Teaching children to plan, prioritize, and manage their own time
Scholastic
Caregivers
Guide
Personal Hygiene Routines
Establishing independence in bathing, teeth brushing, and grooming
Connecticut Children's
Caregivers
Article
Safety Skills for Kids
Teaching stranger danger, fire safety, and emergency preparedness
KidsHealth
Children
Interactive Games
PBS Kids Life Skills Games
Interactive games teaching responsibility, problem-solving, and daily living skills
PBS Kids
Caregivers
Guide
Decision-Making Skills for Children
Teaching children to evaluate options and make responsible choices
Wellspring Prevention
Caregivers
Article
Pet Care Responsibility
Age-appropriate pet care tasks that build responsibility
American Kennel Club
Resources for Children Who Have Experienced Trauma
Curated resources for caregivers, educators, and clinicians supporting children through trauma recovery.
99 resources
→
Our books
Skills for Children Books
Story-led books that work alongside therapy and at-home routines — for big feelings, brave firsts, and the journey toward healing.
Tales of the Resilient Forest · TF-CBT
A Journey of Brave Friends
A story-led companion for children processing trauma, designed to sit alongside Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Walks young readers through healing gently, at their own pace.
Bedtime · Ages 3–8
Maximilian's Cosmic Adventure
Join Maximilian on a cosmic bedtime journey through every planet in the solar system — a magical story about courage, imagination, and the bravery it takes to sleep in your own bed.
On YouTube
Videos made by Skills for Children
Songs, stories, and resources — free to watch, share, and use with the kids in your life.
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