Healthy friendships make a big difference in a young person’s life. They help kids and teens build social skills, encourage positive choices, and even boost motivation in school and activities they enjoy. At the heart of every strong friendship is mutual trust, honesty, and respect. As caring adults, we have a big influence on how…
When a tragedy occurs—whether close to home or far away—kids look to the adults in their lives for support. Because they have less experience processing difficult events, children are more vulnerable to emotional stress. They may struggle to understand what’s happening, feel a loss of control, or have trouble expressing their emotions.1 That’s why it’s…
If a young person in your life is vaping, now is the time to think about how you can support them in quitting. Nearly two-thirds of students who use tobacco products are seriously considering quitting—but it’s a challenging journey to take alone. As a caring adult, you can play a key role by providing encouragement…
A good night’s sleep is essential for young people’s growth, development, and overall well-being. However, in today’s busy world, it can be challenging to prioritize healthy sleep habits. In fact, the CDC reports that over 75% of high school students don’t get enough sleep on school nights. Small changes can make a big difference in sleep quality…
Recently, unfounded claims that Haitian immigrants were stealing and eating pets have been reported by both Ohio and national news outlets. Regrettably, these unfounded claims became a point of discussion during the September 10th presidential debate. As a result, residents of Springfield, Ohio, have been inundated with threats of violence, security concerns, and hateful flyers…
It’s no secret that politics and elections are stressful for many Americans. More than two-thirds of registered voters in the United States say politics is a “source of stress” for them.1 Young people, even those who aren’t eligible to vote, are not excluded from feeling stressed about politics. Almost half of young Americans report that…
As we approach the end of the year and the start of the holiday season, we often reflect on what we are grateful for. Practicing gratitude is an essential skill for adults and young people alike. By showing and feeling appreciation for others, we can build and strengthen our relationships, develop empathy, and even increase…
Collective grief occurs when a community or society experiences extreme change or loss. We often experience collective grief after mass tragedies, crises, and violence. Like individual grief, we may feel a lack of control or powerless to prevent the loss or change. During an ongoing crisis, we might also experience anticipatory grief – mourning and…
Identity development is a key aspect of adolescence. Young people are particularly conscious of their personal identities and changes to their identities. Dimensions of identity include race, gender, family, ethnicity, culture, sexual orientation, and faith. In the process of developing their identities, young people may begin questioning values, setting personal goals, and experimenting with various…
Summer is in full swing, and with summer comes messaging about appearance and being “beach body” ready. For young people and adults alike, this kind of messaging can be harmful and lead to unhealthy body image. Body image is a person’s “thoughts, perceptions, and attitudes about their physical appearance.”1 Healthy body image is seeing your body…