Family Mental Health

Sometimes parents and children want to read more high-quality books but don’t know about review sites that will help. The following are 11 well-respected sites that Menderist often uses for research.

Learn about helpful websites from organizations such as Kirkus, CommonSense Media, and Quill and Quire. We also link to a popular crowd-sourced site, and two independent review sites.

Menderist introduces American and Canadian resources frequently recommended by mental health specialists to family and caregivers needing support during a youth’s struggle with mental health.

“After the person affected is getting help, however, it’s common for other family members or caregivers to realize that they need assistance, too….”

Menderist lists 14 mental-health themed books that children aged 8+ and their parents can read and discuss together – in recognition that an estimated 13 to 20 percent of mental health problems begin by the early adolescent years (11 to 14).

“The story explores some of the negative consequences on mental health and relationships that social media can bring….” (from the review of ‘Confessions of a Class Clown’)

In this Summer 2025 update, Menderist shares key Canadian resources to help families/caregivers of youths who are struggling with mental health challenges.

When youths are following a 12 step or other substance disorder program, their families or caregivers may benefit from resources that are structured along similar lines.

Menderist provides an overview of family and caregiver help from leading groups whose programs are based on 12 step or other approaches: including Al-Anon, Nar-Anon, Smart Recovery and Learn2Cope.

A parent reflects on years-long physical and mental health challenges until the successful diagnosis and treatment of a son’s extreme food allergies.

“The doctor’s words, compounded by the erratic nature of food allergies … added to the pile of stress and confusion that comes with fear of the unknown….”

A parent looks back on a son’s experience with severe anxiety, and the actions that helped the most in improving his mental health.

“The promising start to the high school year came to an abrupt end, and my son struggled with his health, then fell into a debilitating depression. Meanwhile, our family scrambled to figure out how to help….”

A parent of a teenager with severe mental health issues shares steps that are helping manage fear and anxiety affecting the rest of the family.

“How will I manage the impact of one child’s severe mental health issues on our family? My challenge has been to address that issue as our household has dealt with my daughter’s challenges….”