Boredom Leads to Risky Behaviors
HALT is an acronym for Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired. These emotional states or unwanted circumstances lead to unhealthy decisions. When we’re irritable and start to reach for a vice…
Protecting Teens from Sextortion
Sextortion is a threat to the next generation. Let’s be aware of the danger and be willing to talk about it.What is sextortion?Sextortion is “extortion in which a perpetrator threatens to…
7 Back to School Preparations for Teens
I love walking into a store and seeing school supplies front and center, just waiting for excited children and (maybe-not-as-excited) parents to snag discounted items. If my inner-organizing-self had it…
Mental Health and Youth
May is mental health awareness month.We hear the phrase “mental health” often. So, let’s define it, see what affects it, and consider ways to help our children avoid mental health…
The Invisible Rope of Parenting A Teen
When a baby is born, a doctor cuts the umbilical cord. From that moment on, they’re physically unattached to a parent. They are free, so to speak. Most parents immediately…
Supporting your Teen During the Back to School Season
The back-to-school season is officially here and allows a fresh start for our youth. The back-to-school season brings forth a number of emotions, some of which include uncertainty, excitement, nervousness,…
Say Something Nice Day
In a world where negativity quickly spreads and often seems to dominate our daily lives, it’s crucial to recognize the power of kindness and positive words. Say Something Nice Day,…
Stress Awareness Month
The month of April is upon us, and so is stress awareness month. Stress is a biological response to a perceived threat (Harrington, 2013). It can be both mental and…
Interrupting the Spread of Misinformation for National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week
March 20th to 26th is National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week (NDAFW). The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) began promoting this week in 2010 to encourage the education of…
Responding to Normal Teen Behavior
One of my fondest memories as a child was looking through the newspaper to find my favorite cartoon comic, Dennis the Menace. That cartoon often reminded me of myself and…