Monarch Play Therapy LLC

01/25/2026

There’s no perfect script. This is how I’m talking to my kids about current events right now, focusing on empathy, history, and human dignity.

My kids are 10, 7, and 7. I didn’t expect to go quite as deep as we did, but they had a lot of questions. With family being impacted in various ways, they already had a level of awareness that needed clarity without creating fear.

Once we started talking, they had endless questions, thoughts, and ideas. It’s an ongoing conversation, and I’m really glad the lines of communication are open.

Thankful to share and hope this helps another family. 🌈

01/15/2026

On sorrowful days, many parents and caregivers are searching for ways to support their children as they hear about violence and traumatic events in the news. We’ve gathered trusted guidance and reputable resources to help you have age-appropriate, supportive conversations that can reduce fear and build a sense of safety. Visit our website to read Talking With Children About Violence in the News: Guidance for Parents and Caregivers and find tools to support your family during difficult times: https://namimn.org/talking-with-children-about-violence-in-the-news-guidance-for-parents-and-caregivers/

Via Early Risers Podcast

11/20/2025

A reminder that every trans child deserves a future filled with possibility, a future where they are safe, supported, and free to imagine who they want to become.

Across the country, extremist politicians are working overtime to restrict that freedom. But our communities know the truth: trans kids are brilliant, resilient, and worthy of every opportunity to grow and dream.

We’re fighting alongside families, advocates, and young people themselves to protect trans youth and build a world where they can thrive.

Because trans kids deserve joy. They deserve safety. They deserve to live out their dreams, fully and without fear.

[ID: A soft, dreamy gradient background fades from turquoise at the top to yellow and then pale green toward the center. White sparkles are placed in the top left and bottom right corners. In the center, large white serif text reads: “Trans kids deserve to live out their dreams.” At the bottom, the Transgender Law Center logo and name appear in white.]

10/09/2025

08/31/2025

07/15/2025

06/27/2025

What do you see when a child is at play? Running, building, creating, pretending—these are the moments that catch our eye. But just beneath the surface, something much deeper is happening.

Play is where children develop adaptability, confidence, and problem-solving skills. It’s where they learn to navigate risk, build friendships, and trust their own ideas. It’s where their brains and bodies work together, shaping the skills they’ll carry for life.

The next time you watch a child play, remember—what’s visible is just the tip of the iceberg. There is so much happening underneath!

06/02/2025

🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

05/31/2025

04/19/2025

With love, The Utah Association for Play Therapy Board.

02/18/2025

Today the KS Legislature chose to override the governor's veto on SB 63: the gender-affirming care ban for transgender youth.

We are outraged that yet again the majority of the Kansas legislature has ignored sound advice from medical professionals, and impassioned pleas from LGBTQ+ Kansans, to stop targeting children with harmful legislation like this gender-affirming care ban. If we have learned one thing from this process, it is that the LGBTQ+ community and its allies are stronger than those in power who chose ignorance and hate. This legislature will not stop trans youth from growing into beautiful and strong trans adults, and we are proud to stand alongside them and our partners in supporting the Trans Youth Emergency Project (TYEP).

If you or a loved one will be impacted by the passing of this bill, please learn more and register for tomorrow night's town hall hosted by Equality Kansas, Loud Light and Campaign for Southern Equality. http://www.transyouthemergencyproject.org/KS

And PLEASE, donate today to TYEP. Kansas trans youth need our support. The Trans Youth Emergency Project provides:

🧭Patient navigation to out-of-state care
🎁 Emergency grants for travel & medicine
☂️ An ecosystem of care, including resilience workshops

Please donate today: http://www.transyouthemergencyproject.org/givetoday

10/04/2024

One factor contributing to rising levels of depression and anxiety is social media. In fact, the U.S. Surgeon General issued a warning in May about the ill effects social media may be having on our nation’s youth, making them more vulnerable to anxiety and depression. School social workers are poised to offer advice to parents, students, and the news media on how families can help their children avoid the pitfalls of social media. Learn how you can help families from and our partner the School Social Work Association of America and Children and Screens:
https://buff.ly/3BuU5OZ