Parent resources.
Free, trustworthy tools to help you understand what your child is going through, support their growth at home, and find help when your family needs it — no login, no cost.
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Free Resources for Families
Every resource below is 100% free — no account, no paywall. Trusted places to understand your middle schooler and support them at home.
Understanding SEL
CASEL — Fundamentals of SEL
The leading source on what social-emotional learning is and the five core skills your child practices at school. casel.org
Greater Good (UC Berkeley)
Science-backed articles and simple practices for raising kind, resilient, emotionally healthy kids. greatergood.berkeley.edu
Edutopia — SEL
Free articles and videos that explain what SEL looks like in the classroom and at home. edutopia.org
Center on the Developing Child (Harvard)
Plain-language guides on how stress, resilience, and the developing brain shape kids. harvard.edu
Mental Health & Wellbeing
Child Mind Institute
A free Family Resource Center with expert articles on anxiety, focus, behavior, and more. childmind.org
NAMI — For Families & Caregivers
Guidance and support for families navigating a child's mental health. nami.org
SAMHSA — Talk. They Hear You.
Free, practical help for starting hard conversations early. samhsa.gov
Screens, Friends & Everyday Life
Common Sense Media
Free reviews and age guidance for apps, games, and shows — plus screen-time advice. commonsensemedia.org
Internet Matters
Free guides for keeping kids safe and balanced online at every age. internetmatters.org
StopBullying.gov
Official guidance on recognizing and responding to bullying and cyberbullying. stopbullying.gov
PBS Parents
Free activities and advice on development, emotions, and learning at home. pbs.org/parents
Talk to Someone — Free Helplines
Reaching out for your family is a sign of strength. Every line below is free and confidential. If your child is in immediate danger, call 911.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
If your child — or you — is in emotional crisis, call or text 988 anytime. Free, confidential, 24/7. (US)
National Parent Helpline
Emotional support and advocacy made for parents and caregivers. Call 1-855-427-2736 (Mon–Fri).
Crisis Text Line
Prefer texting? Text HOME to 741741 to reach a trained counselor, 24/7.
Boys Town National Hotline
24/7 help for parents and kids on any worry, big or small. 1-800-448-3000.
SAMHSA National Helpline
Free, confidential, 24/7 help for mental health and substance use, with referrals. 1-800-662-4357.
Crisis Support — Alameda County
Local Bay Area 24-hour crisis line: 1-800-309-2131.
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline
Confidential crisis help and resources, 24/7. 1-800-422-4453.
Your Child's School Counselor
They can connect your family with academic and emotional support. A short email is enough to start.
Free Resources for Families
Every resource below is free — no subscription, no paywall. Built to help you support your high schooler's wellbeing, learning, and plans after graduation.
Understanding Your Teen
The Jed Foundation (JED)
Free guidance on protecting teen mental health and easing the transition to adulthood. jedfoundation.org
Center for Parent & Teen Communication
Research-backed strategies for staying close while giving teens room to grow. parentandteen.com
Greater Good (UC Berkeley)
Science-based advice on motivation, independence, and connection with teenagers. greatergood.berkeley.edu
Mental Health & Wellbeing
Child Mind Institute
Expert, free articles on teen anxiety, depression, social media, and more. childmind.org
NAMI — Teens & Young Adults
Mental-health support and warning-sign info geared to older youth. nami.org
SAMHSA — Talk. They Hear You.
Free resources for talking with teens about alcohol and other drugs. samhsa.gov
College, Career & Money
Federal Student Aid
The official, free site for FAFSA and financial aid — never pay to file. studentaid.gov
College Board BigFuture
Free college search, planning timelines, and scholarship search for families. bigfuture.collegeboard.org
Khan Academy — College & Careers
Free, step-by-step guidance through applications, essays, and paying for college. khanacademy.org
GreatSchools
Free school ratings and guides to help compare options and support learning. greatschools.org
Talk to Someone — Free Helplines
You don't have to figure it out alone. Every line below is free, confidential, and available 24/7 unless noted. If your teen is in immediate danger, call 911.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
If your teen — or you — is struggling, call or text 988 anytime. Free, confidential, 24/7. (US)
National Parent Helpline
Emotional support and advocacy made for parents and caregivers. Call 1-855-427-2736 (Mon–Fri).
Crisis Text Line
Prefer texting? Text HOME to 741741 to reach a trained counselor, 24/7.
The Trevor Project
24/7 support if your LGBTQ+ teen needs someone to talk to. 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678.
SAMHSA National Helpline
Free, confidential, 24/7 help for mental health and substance use, with referrals. 1-800-662-4357.
NAMI HelpLine
Mental-health information, support, and referrals. 1-800-950-6264 or text "HelpLine" to 62640.
Crisis Support — Alameda County
Local Bay Area 24-hour crisis line: 1-800-309-2131.
Your Teen's School Counselor
They can connect your family with academic, college, and emotional support. A short email is enough to start.