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The Family Check-In Challenge

family check-in challenge

The “Family Check-In Challenge” is an A Brighter Day initiative designed to encourage open conversations within families as we roll into the new school year. This routine isn’t just a matter of asking how each person’s day was; it’s about setting a time and place where every family member, especially teens, can openly discuss their […]

Spring Forward from Teen Depression: Action Steps for Parents 

Mother and teen daughter

Teens Need Resources More Than Ever The world has temporarily become more complicated, but the level of our teen’s stress and teen suicide overall continues to be at epidemic levels. Your teens, more than ever, need resources to deal with this depression more effectively, while their parents are being bombarded with negative headlines and news.   […]

Valentine’s Day Blues: How Is Your Teen Coping?

Teens on valentine's day handing each other cards

February and Valentine’s Day usually represent a time of love and everything associated with love. Romance, flowers, jewelry, fine food, and chocolates – these are all good! For your teen, however, this could be a time of feeling isolated, unloved, alone, and just not wanted. Think about it. Your spouse and you are planning something […]

Finding the Perfect Mentor For Your Teen

Written notes on mentoring, advice, support, and motivation

What does the word “mentor” mean? If you have attended school, played a sport, or were involved in any type of activities that involved a group of people, you have likely heard of the term “mentor.” What does the word “mentor” mean? A mentor is someone who can support, advise and guide you.  Typically, this person takes the […]

Winter Break and Finals: 5 Ways to Encourage Your Teen

winter break and finals

With winter break on the horizon and final exams around the corner, it’s no surprise that your teen might be experiencing more stress and anxiety during this time of year.  There is a curriculum to cram, deadlines to meet, and pressure to do well on tests before leaving for the holiday break. Performing well on […]

Teen Therapy: 5 Steps for Parents

teen therapy

Teen therapy for mental health can be a tough situation to handle. Kids are already reluctant to talk to their own parents, so the suggestion of talking to a professional may be less than enthusiastic. If you’ve already been struggling with your teen and have noticed signs they may be depressed, anxious, or suicidal, then it’s time to […]

The 5 Most Important Ways Parents Can Support LGBTQ+ Youth

LGBT is an acronym meaning lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender. The term sometimes is extended to LGBTQ, or even LGBTQIA, to include queer, intersex and asexual groups. Queer is an umbrella term for non-straight people; intersex refers to those whose sex is not clearly defined because of genetic, hormonal or biological differences; and asexual describes those who don't experience sexual attraction.

All teens face issues like academic pressure, personal identity issues, and tricky relationships — friendships, romance, frenemies, parents, siblings. Adolescents and teens who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and/or Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQ+) face these issues, as well as an added slew of challenges. Unfortunately, LGBTQ+ teens are challenged by concerns like […]

5 Ways to Know Your Feelings Better

happy black guy laughing and holding up fists in happiness in front of a yellow background

Do you sometimes get overwhelmed with feelings that you just can’t wrap your head around?  Don’t worry. This is extremely common in everyone’s teenage years! After we reach adolescence, growing up can be one of the most confusing times of our lives. You’ve got an overload of new things to learn, your body is going […]

How to Set Healthy Boundaries

young couple spending time together in the woods

When you think of the word “boundary,” what comes to mind? You might think of the local river that separates your city from the next town over, the doorstep that separates your classroom from the hallway, or the big red STOP sign posted at each crosswalk.  In short, boundaries signal limits, where one thing stops […]

10 Ways To Be a Good Friend

two guy friends sitting on a vw bus

What is one kind of relationship that can… Be an immense source of happiness and fulfillment, Teach you vital social skills, Help you define your priorities, Offer you support through thick and thin, Significantly reduce your feelings of loneliness and isolation, Give you a reality check every now and again, and Help you create social […]