Helping Kids, Supporting You
Welcome to the Chaddock Blog—where we share real-world tips, insights, and resources for parents, teachers, therapists, and child-serving professionals. Whether you’re caring for one child or a whole classroom, we’re here to support you on the journey.
Blog Posts
Meet the Chaddock Learning Network
Big news! The Knowledge Center’s social media and email presence is changing a bit! As part of our continued commitment to equipping professionals with tools to support children and families impacted by trauma, The Knowledge Center at Chaddock is becoming the Chaddock Learning Network. We understand that change brings a lot of questions. As…
Teaching that Transforms: What it’s Like to Work at Chaddock School
Between growing class sizes, limited support staff, administrative burdens, and increasing behavioral challenges, the joy of teaching can often be overshadowed by burnout. Teachers enter the field to make a difference, but with these strains, they’re left wondering if they can truly reach the students who need them most. If this experience seems all too…
Netflix Show Adolescence: A Wake-Up Call for Teen Mental Health Awareness
If you’re an adult, living in the USA, you’ve probably heard of the show “Adolescence” currently streaming on Netflix. The show tells the story of 13-year-old Jamie, who has been accused of murdering a female student from the school he attends. Spoiler alert. It turns out Jamie did indeed commit the horrifying crime and so…
Bringing Christmas Magic to Life: Santa Express at Chaddock
Christmas is a magical time of year—the decorations, the lights, and the joy of giving and receiving gifts. At Chaddock, we bring that magic to life for over 400 children and families through our Santa Express program. Last year, at a school Christmas party, a 3-year-old boy received a bike through Santa Express. “This little…
Making the Holidays Bright for Foster and Adoptive Families
While Christmas time can have its magical moments, the holidays can also be challenging for most families. For families who’ve been impacted by foster care and adoption, the holidays can bring unique challenges. The season can trigger both good and bad memories that may effect behaviors and tolerance levels. As caregivers, it’s important to approach…
2025 Holiday Gift Guide for Helpers and Healers
Today, we’re here to help you with one of the season’s most delightful (and sometimes daunting) tasks—gift giving! Whether you’re looking for thoughtful gifts for colleagues, clients, or even yourself, we’ve got you covered with products and activities that foster healing, growth, and joy. Sensory Items: Calm…
Responding to Resistance in Therapy
Despite the increased awareness of mental health care, and the often media-hyped status of therapy and having a therapist, it can still be a challenge to engage a child or young person in therapeutic services and activities. The reasons for this are varied but understanding them can help to determine the best course of action…
From Healing to Helping Others: Andrei’s Reflections on his Chaddock Experience
When Andrei was 8 years old, he and his family arrived at Chaddock to begin his healing journey. At that time, Andrei was the youngest child to enter our Developmental Trauma and Attachment Residential Program. He recalls struggling with “behavioral and attitude issues,” but from day one, Chaddock staff stood by Andrei and his family,…
Halloween Fun: How to Plan Trauma-Informed Classroom Festivities
As educators, creating a safe and supportive environment is always a priority, especially for students who have experienced trauma. With Halloween right around the corner, your classroom might be gearing up for special parties and fun activities! While many kids love getting into the spooky spirit, for children who’ve experienced trauma, some Halloween festivities can…
No Nightmares in the Classroom
by Michelle Bickhaus, M.Ed. Jack Skellington put it well when he said in The Nightmare Before Christmas, “Just because I cannot see it, doesn’t mean I can’t believe it!” Children who have experienced trauma experience it in their bodies and minds over and over again. Though they do not see the traumatic experiences repeated before…
The Lasting Impact of Care: Joe’s Story
Recently, one of our teachers shared a touching story that reminds us of the lasting impact we have on our students: “I thought I would share that a former student, Joe, reached out to me yesterday. He told me how much he missed Chaddock and all the staff here. He will be turning 18 this…
A Family’s Journey From Struggle to Reunion
In mid-July, our Foster and Adoption services team got to witness a wonderful reunion: siblings in our foster care program joined back together with their birth parents! Their legal custody was returned, the case was closed, and our staff says there wasn’t a dry eye in the courtroom! We make every effort to return children…
