Why Parents Are the Key to Unlocking Healing for Children in Pain

At Nurturing Playful Minds, we believe that healing begins with the adults who care most. You, the parent. You’ve been there through every appointment, test, and treatment. And after trying everything—medication, CBT, physical therapy, acupuncture—the cycle of hope and disappointment can feel painfully familiar. We don’t expect instant trust. You’ve earned your skepticism.

But here’s why we do what we do: Because when adults are supported, children are seen. And when children are seen, they can flourish. Children need interventions that honor their development, and parents need support that respects their role in shaping attachment, resilience, and emotional safety. That’s how we approach care—by offering psychoeducation for both parent and child, teaching that pain (and dizziness) isn’t always a sign of damage. Often, it’s a well-intended protector that’s become overprotective.

Through this lens, we explore feedback loops of fear, anxiety, and avoidance. Together, we identify emotions as felt sensations—not threats—and build actionable strategies to step forward with confidence. We focus on empowerment, not fear.

This approach is the foundation of our workbook: The Chronic Pain Playbook:

An Attachment and Play-Based Clinician’s Guide to Working with Children and Adolescents. Written with clinicians in mind but filled with clear, jargon-free tools for parents, this guide offers:

• Psychoeducation for families

• Emotion processing exercises

• Tools to break worry loops

• Tools to develop a custom graded exposure plan

• School-specific adaptations

Our workbook is a valuable resource for parents and families supporting a child living with chronic pain. It includes practical tools to help parents find the right healthcare provider and navigate one-on-one, individualized care.

When searching for the right professional to support you and your child, consider asking the following questions:

• Are you experienced in working with children and adolescents?

• What is your specific training and area of expertise?

• What kind of experience do you have in treating pediatric chronic pain?

• Are you familiar with mind-body approaches?

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These questions can help ensure that the provider you choose is well-suited to meet your child’s unique needs.

Available in e-book and print, our Playbook is more than information—

it’s a path toward empowered connection. Because your child deserves to feel better. And you deserve to feel like you’re finally on the right track.