From Inside Out 2: Five Tips on Managing Back-to-School Anxiety

From Inside Out 2: Five Tips on Managing Back-to-School Anxiety

Whether you’re a sixth grader, college student, school administrator, or family member of one of the above, you’re likely busy preparing for the upcoming school year. Sometimes, your anxiety can become more active as that first day comes closer. You may find yourself anticipating what could go wrong, being more reactive with your family than usual, or losing sight of the things that normally give you joy.

Read More

7 Tips To Discuss Grief with Your Children

7 Tips To Discuss Grief with Your Children

Grief– a single word that holds so much meaning. It is complicated, overwhelming, and painful. It tends to be a taboo topic that most people avoid. Unfortunately, it is also an inevitable part of life that we are not exempt from at any age. Despite our desire to avoid it and not talk about it, it is our responsibility as adults to facilitate conversations and encourage healthy grieving processes for kids of all ages. However, our discomfort and society’s myths often get in the way of these helpful and healing conversations. 

Read More

20 Unique Conversation Starters for Kids and Teens

20 Unique Conversation Starters for Kids and Teens

Perhaps now more than ever there is a divide between adults and the teens in their lives. Everyone has adapted to working from home and virtual school, being in the same space but light years away from each other emotionally. Perhaps the only time you might connect may be when the internet is acting up, or sharing your afternoon schedule with each other. Social media has overtaken our lives as one of the few ways we can still connect with family and friends. As we’ve become immersed more in our digital world, it’s even more important to be intentional about connecting with loved ones.

Read More

5 Ways To Keep Your Teen Entertained This Summer

Summer can be hard. Teenagers are used to having a strict school schedule and being told what to do and where to be all day long. Although they may complain about this schedule and the demands of it, they can be at a loss for what to do without it! Here are 5 ideas for you to suggest to your teen to keep them busy and occupied so you don’t hear the dreaded “I’m bored.  There’s nothing to do!”

Read More

But I'm Just A Teen...How Can I Set Boundaries?

I am writing this post for teens to read, and for parents and caregivers of teens to read. It can be difficult for teenagers to set boundaries in relationships, whether it is a friendship or an intimate relationship. It is hard for teenagers to know what their personal values and beliefs are, and furthermore, to stand up for those values and beliefs when they engage in a relationship. However, it is a very important thing to do. With alcohol use, drug use, and the growing population of young people engaging in sexual activity, it is easy to let their guard down and give into peer pressure or “what’s cool and popular”. It could be hard for teenagers to be leaders, especially if they feel like they are outnumbered in their beliefs. 

Read More