Illumination Toolbox
Curated resources vetted by Dr. Ely to help your family thrive. Discover podcasts, websites, videos, apps, and support communities.
NAMI Family Support Groups
NAMI
Free peer-led support groups for family members of people living with mental illness. Available in-person and virtually across the country.
"Connecting with other families facing similar challenges is invaluable."
Psychology Today - Find a Therapist
Psychology Today
Searchable directory of therapists, psychologists, and counselors. Filter by specialty, insurance, and location to find the right fit for your family.
"Most comprehensive therapist directory with detailed profiles."
Good Inside with Dr. Becky Kennedy
Dr. Becky Kennedy
Dr. Becky Kennedy, clinical psychologist, offers practical strategies for raising resilient, emotionally healthy kids. Each episode tackles real parenting challenges with compassion and actionable advice.
"Dr. Becky's approach is both validating and practical. She helps parents see behavior as communication."
Unruffled with Janet Lansbury
Janet Lansbury
Janet Lansbury shares her respectful parenting philosophy, helping parents respond calmly and confidently to challenging behaviors from toddlers through elementary age.
"Janet's calm, measured approach helps parents stay regulated during tough moments."
Understood.org
Understood
Comprehensive resource for parents of children with learning and thinking differences, including ADHD, dyslexia, and other challenges. Features articles, expert advice, and community support.
"The go-to resource for learning differences. Thorough, well-organized, and judgment-free."
Zero to Three
Zero to Three
Science-based resources on early childhood development from birth to age 3. Covers brain development, social-emotional growth, and early learning.
"Gold-standard information on infant and toddler development backed by research."
Huckleberry - Baby Sleep Tracker
Huckleberry Labs
Sleep tracking app with personalized sleep schedules and expert guidance. Helps parents optimize nap times and bedtime routines for babies and toddlers.
"The SweetSpot feature for predicting optimal nap times is a game-changer."
The Compassionate Friends
The Compassionate Friends
Support organization for families who have experienced the death of a child. Offers local chapters, online support, and resources for grieving families.
"A lifeline for families facing unimaginable loss."
Mightier - Emotional Regulation Games
Mightier
Biofeedback gaming system that teaches kids to manage emotions through play. Uses a heart rate monitor to help children learn self-regulation.
"Innovative approach to teaching emotional regulation through gaming."
DivorceCare for Kids
DivorceCare
Support groups and resources for children and families going through divorce. Helps kids process their feelings in a safe environment.
"Provides structured support during a difficult transition."
ASHA ProFind - Speech Therapists
ASHA
Official directory of certified speech-language pathologists from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
"Ensures you're finding properly credentialed speech therapists."
CHADD Support Groups
CHADD
Local and online support groups for parents of children with ADHD. Share experiences, strategies, and resources with other ADHD families.
"Nothing beats talking to parents who truly get it."
Autism Speaks Resource Guide
Autism Speaks
Directory of autism services including diagnosticians, therapists, schools, and support services organized by location.
"Helpful starting point for finding autism-specific services."
CHADD - Find ADHD Professionals
CHADD
Directory of ADHD specialists including doctors, therapists, coaches, and educational advocates who specialize in attention disorders.
"Specialists listed here truly understand ADHD."
Parents Helping Parents
Parents Helping Parents
Support network for parents of children with special needs. Offers support groups, workshops, and one-on-one guidance.
"Comprehensive support for families navigating special needs."
How to Talk So Kids Will Listen (YouTube)
Various
Video summaries and discussions of the classic parenting communication strategies from Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish.
"Great introduction to respectful communication techniques."
HealthyChildren.org
American Academy of Pediatrics
Official parenting website of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Trusted medical information on child health, safety, and development.
"When you need reliable medical information, this is where to start."
Bark - Parental Controls
Bark Technologies
Monitoring app that alerts parents to potential issues like cyberbullying, depression, and online predators without reading every message.
"Balances safety monitoring with respecting kids' privacy."
Common Sense Media
Common Sense Media
Reviews and ratings for movies, TV shows, apps, games, and websites to help parents make informed media choices for their children.
"Invaluable for previewing content before your kids see it."
The Sleep Foundation - Children's Sleep
Sleep Foundation
Science-backed information on children's sleep needs by age, sleep hygiene tips, and guidance on common sleep problems.
"Reliable, research-based sleep information without the gimmicks."
Child Mind Institute
Child Mind Institute
Expert resources on children's mental health, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, and learning disorders. Features symptom checkers and treatment guides.
"Excellent clinical information presented in parent-friendly language."
The Anxious Generation Podcast
Jonathan Haidt
Jonathan Haidt and guests explore how smartphones and social media are affecting children's mental health and what parents can do about it.
"Essential listening for understanding the screen time debate with nuance."
Raising Good Humans
Dr. Aliza Pressman
Mindful parenting expert Aliza Pressman, PhD, interviews researchers, authors, and experts about raising emotionally intelligent children.
"Research-based insights delivered in an accessible, conversational format."
Circle of Security Parenting
Circle of Security International
Video series explaining attachment theory and how to build secure relationships with your children. Helps parents understand their child's emotional needs.
"Transformative framework for understanding your child's attachment needs."
Calm - Kids Sleep Stories
Calm
Meditation and sleep app with a dedicated kids section featuring sleep stories, breathing exercises, and calming music.
"Wonderful for anxious kids who struggle to wind down at bedtime."
Kids Eat in Color
Jennifer Anderson, MSPH, RDN
Evidence-based feeding strategies from a registered dietitian. Practical tips for picky eaters, meal planning, and developing healthy relationships with food.
"Takes the stress out of feeding kids with practical, no-guilt advice."
ADHD Experts Podcast
ADDitude Magazine
ADDitude Magazine's podcast features leading ADHD experts discussing diagnosis, treatment, parenting strategies, and school accommodations for children with ADHD.
"Comprehensive, expert-backed information specifically for ADHD families."
Disclaimer: The resources listed in the Illumination Toolbox are provided for informational purposes only. Illumination + Inspiration is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or receiving compensation from any of the organizations, websites, apps, or individuals featured here. Inclusion in this directory does not constitute a professional endorsement or recommendation. We encourage you to evaluate each resource independently and consult with qualified professionals for advice specific to your family's needs. Resource availability, content, and quality may change over time.