The 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 […]
Valentine’s Day Blues: How Is Your Teen Coping?
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 […]
Is Halloween Increasing Stress and Depression in Your Teen?
It’s hard to fathom that dressing up in costumes, asking for candy, or handing out candy can increase the stress level in our teens. But the shortened daylight hours and longing for one’s younger days when Halloween was innocent and fun can actually cause or increase the level of depression for your teen. Here are […]
It’s Back to School For Your Teens. Are You Ready For Their Anxiety?
Has this felt like the shortest summer on record for your teen? School begins in just a few days almost everywhere. It was only a few years ago that school systems decided to move the starting date of high school from the day after Labor Day to late August, to now the 2nd week of August. […]
July 4th: Independence and Your Teen
Let me begin by wishing you a Happy July 4th, the day of the official signing of the Declaration of Independence when we went from a colony to a country. Millions of Americans have died since 1776 to allow all of us to keep our freedoms and liberties, the greatest experiment in democracy and capitalism […]
Spring Has Sprung For Your Teen, and So Has Their Anxiety
It absolutely feels terrific that the weather has turned nice, we aren’t wearing masks (for the most part), and we are planning our summer vacations. However, for your teen, they are coming to the end of this school year. That means taking tests that can create stress, anxiety, and depression. Also, for seniors, it means the […]
The Luck of the Irish and Good Teen Parenting
As a parent, we often have incredibly full schedules. We are so busy with work, driving our teens everywhere, making dinner, making sure the homework is being done, all while preparing for everything related to college applications. We don’t have enough time in our lives to be closely acquainted with our teens. At least, we think we don’t […]
Does Valentine’s Day Affect Teen Depression?
It’s February, and this means Valentine’s Day has come and gone. For adults, it’s the month of love, Hallmark, dinner out on the 14th, a bottle of wine or champagne, and perhaps a piece of jewelry. For teens, however, it may be the month that temperatures are a bit colder, skies a bit grayer, and […]
