Do You Need to Talk? Text BRIGHTER to 741741

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 […]

Anxiety, Stress, and Your Teen: A Christmas Story

‘Tis the season to be merry and not so merry… As parents, we are painfully aware of the flu season, the never-ending Covid season, and the sadness and loneliness adults can feel this time of the year. Did you also know, however, that our teens also rank the winter months as the saddest time of […]

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 […]

Is Your Teen’s Head on Straight as Schools Open for Fall?

For some, resuming pre-pandemic activities requires a gradual approach. Be open to talking to your younger family members to help find balance. Quiet time after school, and in between playdates and activities, may help children ease back into a normal routine.

All of us as parents are so grateful that our teens will finally be able to go back to school in a few weeks.This means that they may learn in the proper setting, spend time with their friends and do what teens need to be doing to develop and grow.So, this is a good time […]

Tackling the Transition from Teenager to Adulthood

father giving advice to son on nature trip

​ I came across an article on the Internet offering teen advice that I found very effective and wished to share with you.  11 Tips to Help Your Teenagers Navigate Early Adulthood Tip 1 Take your time You will grow up fast enough without trying to rush the process. tip 2 Don’t try to plan […]

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 […]

How to Recover From a Breakup

blonde girl with ponytail sitting alone looking over viewpoint

There’s no getting around it—breakups are very painful. Musicians have written songs about heartbreak. Writers have penned entire novels about the rise and fall of a relationship. We’ve all watched (and cried over) movies about love gone awry. Taylor Swift has even made a career out of them! Not only are they difficult, they also […]

Am I in a Healthy Relationship?

teenage boy surprising girlfriend with bouquet of flowers

Exploring relationships is a totally normal part of growing up. You might meet someone new and cool at school, at the bookstore, or even at the mall. As your friendship takes a romantic turn, you’ll likely be spending a lot of time together. All that time can lead you to wonder whether your relationship is […]

Reducing the Risk of Teen Suicide (for Parents)

Suicide is the act of intentionally taking your own life. Sadly, it’s among the leading causes of death in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is the second leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 10 and 24. Thinking about suicide, also known as suicidal […]