Mary Bridge Children's Hospital

02/09/2026

Navigating an adolescent’s mental health as a parent or caregiver can feel overwhelming, but being able to identify key warning signs and knowing how to help can make all the difference.

Everyone goes through ups and downs in life, but just the same, everyone can learn to respond in meaningful ways.

For parents and caregivers, that means having a little patience, knowing when and how to bring up the conversation, and remembering you’re not alone.

Learn adolescent mental health warning signs, how to start supportive conversations, and ways parents can care for themselves while guiding adolescents through challenges.

02/06/2026

Shatoya Banks, MA, at MultiCare Health System Auburn Family Medicine shared her excitement for the Seattle Seahawks advancing to the Super Bowl:

"My son was given an AMAZING opportunity to meet Derick Hall, who just like my son, is a former micro-preemie! Derick, you not only inspire my son, but so many others as well. Congratulations on your journey to the Super Bowl.

THANK YOU to the Mary Bridge NICU, the real MVPs!

Love, your former 24 week-er, Isaiah"

01/26/2026

Parenting through the adolescent years can be tough, and it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed at times. We’re here to remind you that you’re not alone — many parents face similar struggles.

Through all the ups and downs, prioritizing your own mental health is just as important. https://multica.re/4s2tDC0

01/22/2026

Parenting through the adolescent years can be tough, and it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed at times. We’re here to remind you that many parents face similar struggles.

Discover expert insights, effective approaches for starting meaningful conversations, and resources to support both you and your child. https://multica.re/4s2tDC0

01/20/2026

From physical changes to peer pressure to the emotional roller coaster that comes with puberty, it’s no surprise when a child’s mood takes a hit.

Parents, caregivers and families can help ease the emotional burden of such a big life change by understanding the potential impacts of puberty and guiding children through their feelings, explains Jasmine Gregory, MSW, LICSW, Mary Bridge Children's Hospital’s professional development specialist and social worker.

Puberty brings physical, emotional and social challenges. Learn how families can support kids' mental health.

01/15/2026

Starting the conversation about mental health can feel daunting at times — or you may worry about saying the wrong thing. But keeping that line of communication open is key to building trust and creating a safe space where children and teens feel heard and supported. https://multica.re/4s2tDC0

01/13/2026

Bento-style box? Insulated sack? Brown paper bag? The choices when it comes to lunch containers are dizzying, yet what matters most is not what kind of box, sack or bag you get for your child, but what you put inside.

Of course, not everybody has the time to make a homemade lunch and that’s OK, too. Getting lunch at school exposes your child to foods outside of home, while also providing a balanced plate. Plus, it gives kids the opportunity to connect by enjoying the same food together.

What matters most is not what kind of box, sack or bag you get for your child's school lunch, but what you put inside.

01/09/2026

Immunizations are the best defense against many preventable diseases. Ensuring children are up to date on routine vaccinations protects their health and our entire community. We will continue to follow evidence-based science in alignment with the Washington State Department of Health and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

If you have any questions about vaccines, please contact your primary care provider.

01/07/2026

Bridges Center for Grieving Children offers a safe, compassionate, and age-appropriate space for children to process grief. As one of the nation’s oldest grief support organizations for children, Bridges has been serving families for over 37 years.

Children experience grief differently than adults, and their needs change as they grow. The way a child grieves the loss of a loved one at age four is very different from how they will grieve at age nine. Bridges helps plant seeds of understanding that foster healing, ensuring children feel supported as they navigate the illness or death of someone close to them.

Read more: https://multica.re/4q1PtEt

01/05/2026

Teens can be hard to read. It can be especially challenging to know whether their behavior is a passing phase related to puberty or a more concerning symptom of a mental health condition.

Discover resources to support both you and your child: https://multica.re/4s2tDC0

01/02/2026

Supporting children and teens through the ups and downs of adolescence is a big job. We’re here to help.

Discover expert insights, effective approaches for starting meaningful conversations, and resources to support both you and your child.

Supporting children and teens through the ups and downs of adolescence is a big job. We’re here to help.

12/31/2025

Part of providing children the best possible care includes providing access to the best possible prevention. Keeping current on your child’s immunizations affords them their best chance of growing up healthy and strong, while protecting the larger community.

Early next year, the Bessler Center at Mary Bridge Children’s will hold two free vaccine pop-up clinics, hosted in partnership with Acts Pharmacy and Healthcare Services and the Pierce County Medical Reserve Corps.

Confused about recent hepatitis B vaccine recommendations? Get expert answers from Mary Bridge Children's and details on two free immunization clinics for families.