Let’s talk mental health myths, because there are a few that come up again and again, especially when it comes to kids.

One of the biggest myths I still hear is that kids are “too young” for therapy. It’s a question I hear all the time, are kids really old enough to need therapy, or what could they possibly need therapy for?

But here’s what we know from decades of research: about half of all mental health disorders start by age 14. That means if we wait until high school to pay attention, we’ve already missed some really crucial years.

Early support doesn’t mean labeling your child or overreacting.

It might mean teaching them coping tools, helping them navigate big feelings, or simply ruling out something more serious. It’s not a sign that something is wrong, it’s a sign that you’re paying attention.

And that’s one of the most protective things a parent can do.

The second myth is just as common: that talking to kids about mental health will somehow make them anxious or put ideas in their heads.

In reality, it’s the opposite.

When we talk about emotions, stress, or mental health, even casually, we take away the mystery and the stigma.

We make it normal to say, “I’m having a hard day,” or “I need a break,” and that gives kids permission to do the same.

It also means if your child ever does need help, they’ll already know that reaching out is a sign of strength, not shame.

And maybe most importantly, it opens the door for them to help a friend. Because when kids know the language of mental health, they notice when someone else is struggling, and sometimes, that awareness can truly make a difference.

Therapy isn’t “too much” for kids.

Talking about mental health doesn’t cause problems, it helps prevent them.

And normalizing these conversations? That’s how we raise a generation that knows how to care for themselves and each other.

Let’s talk about The Crucial Years, screens, and summertime—because this is hands-down one of the most common concerns I hear from parents.

Screen time gets especially tricky in the summer, when routines loosen up, camps come and go, and kids suddenly have a lot more unstructured time.

We know that too much screen time is linked to increased anxiety and depression—and right now, the average child is spending nearly five hours a day on screens.

In this video, I’m sharing some practical thoughts on how to create a healthier balance this summer, whether you're navigating long car rides, slow afternoons, or just looking to make more room for creativity, boredom, and connection.

Let’s dive in!

Melissa Wirt is CEO of Latched Mama and author of the book I Was Told There’d Be a Village, a book for moms by a mom. In her own words, here is her story:

“Hi, I’m Melissa, mom of six, CEO of Latched Mama, and someone who’s in the deep trenches of motherhood right beside you. Motherhood is beautiful, messy, exhausting, and sometimes so lonely it hurts. When I became a mom, I was told there’d be a village, but what I found was a journey I had to figure out on my own."After eight year of building this brand, I knew I needed to do more to help moms feel seen. This book is my heart on paper—filled with stories, humor, and hard-earned lessons from my own motherhood journey. It’s for the moms who feel like they’re doing it all alone, for the moms searching for connection, and for the moms who just need to know they’re enough."I wrote this book because I wish I’d had it during my hardest days as a mom. It’s my way of reminding you that you don’t have to do it all or be everything to everyone. You’re enough, just as you are.”

You can also find Melissa on Instagram.

Hosted by Dr. Sheryl Ziegler.

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You can order Dr. Ziegler's new book, The Crucial Years: The Essential Guide to Mental Health and Modern Puberty in Middle Childhood (Ages 6-12) at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target or your local book retailer.