Some Tips on Helping your Child Find Opportunities to Open Up More
January 26, 2020

As parents, one of our greatest desires is to foster open and honest communication with our children. However, in the midst of hectic schedules, digital distractions, and the natural reticence that often accompanies childhood and adolescence, creating opportunities for genuine connection can be a challenge.


If you find yourself struggling to get your child to open up and share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences, you're not alone. The good news is, with a little creativity and a whole lot of patience, you can cultivate an environment that encourages emotional vulnerability and strengthens the parent-child bond.


Here are some tips to help your child feel more comfortable opening up:


Make it a judgment-free zone Children, especially teens, often clam up for fear of being criticized, lectured, or punished for their thoughts and feelings. Establish your home as a safe space where they can express themselves without fear of repercussions. Listen without judgment, and let them know that your love is unconditional.


Embrace spontaneity Some of the most profound conversations happen organically, not in scheduled "talk time." Be present and seize those spontaneous moments – in the car, during meal prep, or while taking a walk together. When your child seems open and chatty, lean in and engage.


Find common ground Identify shared interests or activities that you both enjoy, whether it's a favorite TV show, a sport, or a hobby. Bonding over these mutual passions can create a relaxed atmosphere that naturally lends itself to deeper conversations.


Encourage journaling For children who struggle to vocalize their thoughts and emotions, journaling can be a powerful outlet. Provide them with a private notebook or journal, and encourage them to use it as a safe space for self-expression.


Seek professional support In some cases, the guidance of a trained therapist or counselor can be invaluable in helping children and teens communicate more openly. Don't hesitate to seek professional support if you feel your child needs an objective third party to confide in.



Remember, opening up is a process, and progress may come in fits and starts. Be patient, consistent, and always lead with love and understanding. By creating a nurturing environment and fostering trust, you'll pave the way for deeper, more meaningful connections with your child – connections that will serve as a foundation for their emotional well-being and personal growth.

Meet our Speech Language Pathologist, Tiffany Hesano!

By MINDgarden • December 1, 2025
Therapy is grounded in connection and trust. Hi, my name is Tiffany, and I am a Speech-Language Pathologist at Kalasho Education & Youth Services. I earned my Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Wayne State University in 2019 and have had the opportunity to support children and families of various backgrounds and communication needs. Throughout my experience in the educational setting, I’ve seen time and again how communication skills impact learning, confidence, and social connection. One of the most rewarding aspects of my career is partnering with families to better understand their child’s communication needs and to provide strategies that support growth and success beyond our sessions. My approach to therapy is grounded in connection and trust. I aim to create a supportive environment where communication feels safe, fun, and empowering. When children feel safe and supported, they are more willing to take risks, explore new skills, and find their voice. Here at MINDgarden, I’m grateful to be part of a team that recognizes the strong connection between communication, learning, and mental health. Tiffany's Bio Tiffany is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist with several years of experience supporting children and families in educational and therapeutic settings. She provides comprehensive assessment and intervention for a wide range of communication needs, including articulation and phonological disorders, expressive and receptive language delays, childhood apraxia of speech, fluency disorders, and social-pragmatic communication challenges. Tiffany builds strong, meaningful connections with her clients and believes that trust and rapport are essential for progress in therapy. She has extensive experience working with families from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds and values collaboration with caregivers and interdisciplinary team members to ensure cohesive, functional, and culturally responsive support. Tiffany strives to make therapy engaging and empowering, helping each client build confidence and develop communication skills that support success at home, in school, and in social settings. Speech Language Pathologist Focus Areas Receptive & Expressive Language Development Articulation & Phonological Disorders Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) Fluency (Stuttering) Social-Pragmatic Communication Cultural and Bilingual Language Considerations Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) & School Collaboration Therapeutic Approaches Modeling, recasting, and expansion techniques Play-based and child-centered therapy Story-based interventions Expanding Expression Tool (EET) Cycles Approach Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC) for Childhood Apraxia of Speech Minimal Pairs and Multiple Oppositions approaches Psychoeducation, self-advocacy, and cognitive-based strategies Caregiver coaching and home practice support Populations Served: Toddlers, Children and Adolescents, Inclusive speech therapy for people of all identities, backgrounds, and relationships. To schedule an appointment with Tiffany, please call (586) 393-1570.

Meet our Social Worker, Amber Donahue!

By MINDgarden • October 8, 2025
Hi, My name is Amber Donahue, I am a Mental Health Therapist at Mindgarden. I’ve had the opportunity to witness the development of MINDgarden from an abstract idea to help children and families to its fruition of a welcoming, unique, safe, and serene place of help and healing . From the calmness of reading under the Magnolia tree in the library to playful excitement of exploring the life skills room; each space has been perfectly curated to invoke a different emotion and address a specific need or challenge. As a therapist, my first visit to the building was very inspiring and rejuvenating, as I saw each room as a new way to connect with my clients and reach them in ways that are impossible in a regular office setting. As a mother, I see MINDgarden as a place that nurtures children and families. There is a warmth to the building and the staff that puts me at ease knowing that my child would feel comfortable and safe spending time here. I was thrilled when I was asked to join the team at Mindgarden. It is a privilege to work in such a beautiful space for people who value family, community and mental health. It is rare to be in a like-minded workplace where everyone truly loves their job, is committed to their work, and is excited to make a difference. I look forward to being here to see and help the vision for Mindgarden become a reality. Amber's Bio Amber Donahue is a licensed mental health therapist with a Master’s in Social Work from Wayne State University, where she also earned a dual title in Infant Mental Health. Her clinical experience includes supporting mothers with postpartum depression, young children (ages 0–6), adolescents, families, and individuals coping with depression, anxiety, and trauma. Her style is laid-back and supportive, but she’s also not afraid to gently challenge when it helps with growth. She believes the relationship between therapist and client is central to healing, so she strives to create a safe, trusting space where you feel comfortable showing up as yourself. Because she sees mental health as something that extends beyond the individual, she works to support the whole family system. Whether she is helping a new mom postpartum, children build emotional regulation skills, or adolescents navigate complex challenges, her goal is to empower families to strengthen connections, build resilience, and find balance together. Mental Health Focus Areas Postpartum and Perinatal Disorders Infant Mental Health Parenting support Separation Anxiety Anxiety & Depression Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) ADHD Stress Management Self-Esteem Issues Social Anxiety General Behavioral Issues Mood Disorders Life Transitions Relationship & Family Stress School or College Stress Family Conflict Women's Issues Therapeutic Approaches Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Attachment Approach Family Systems Approach Person-Centered Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy Strengths-Based Approach Populations Served: Inclusive therapy for people of all identities, backgrounds, and relationships. To schedule an appointment with Amber, please call (586) 393-1570.