Simple Ways to Reduce Mental Health Stigma

May is Mental Health Awareness Month.One way that we would like to participate is to help reduce the stigma associated with mental health. In terms of mental health, David Susman PhD refers to stigma as negative beliefs, descriptions, attitudes, behavior or language. To go a step further, a stigma can be unfair, discriminatory or disrespectful… Continue reading Simple Ways to Reduce Mental Health Stigma

How to Stop Doing Everything for Your Teen

We all are trying to navigate through this parenting thing, right? We all know there is no right way to parent. One aspect that we as parents have taken on is doing everything for our kids. This may seem okay when they are younger. We know how to pack their lunch, make sure they get… Continue reading How to Stop Doing Everything for Your Teen

How to Teach Your Teen Resiliency

According to Merriam-Webster, resilience is “the capability of a strained body to recover its size and shape after deformation caused especially by compressive stress; an ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change.” Some people are just better adept at bouncing back after facing problems or stresses in their life. Is your teen one of those?… Continue reading How to Teach Your Teen Resiliency

The Toxic Friendship: Frenemies

As parents, we spend a lot of time encouraging our teens to make new friends and cultivate the friendships they have. However, are we examining the types of friendships they have? How about negative relationships that are known as toxic friendships? One such toxic relationship that can exist particularly among teen girls is the so-called… Continue reading The Toxic Friendship: Frenemies

Are Smartphones the New Drug for Teens?

Across the country, we are seeing an increase in the number of states legalizing marijuana, a growing number of people abusing opioids, and an increase in the use of synthetic drugs. But, as a recent New York Times article states, drug use among teens has been on the decline. Apparently, this decrease has been growing… Continue reading Are Smartphones the New Drug for Teens?

Eating Clean and Dieting: What it Means for Eating Disorders

“Clean eating” is a buzz phrase that you may be hearing lately. What does that mean, though? According to the Mayo Clinic, “clean eating is, in essence, a diet — just a way of eating. But it is also a way of living that lends itself to improving one’s health and wellbeing.” They go on… Continue reading Eating Clean and Dieting: What it Means for Eating Disorders

Parenting a Teen with Mental Health Issues

Mental health issues occur in 1 in 5 teens, ages 13-18 according to NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness. As a parent of a teen with mental health issues, you might find some challenges along the way. You are not alone though and we have some helpful advice to get you through these trying times.… Continue reading Parenting a Teen with Mental Health Issues

Bonding Activities for Parents and Teens

There is no denying the natural bond that exists between parents and their children. However, even the strongest relationships may be tested in the adolescent years. You need to remind yourself that part of growing up for your teen is exercising their own independence.  We do have some ideas on how you can continue to… Continue reading Bonding Activities for Parents and Teens

What Your Teenager Needs Most- A Steady Parent

In a book by Lisa Damour, Untangled: Guiding Teenage Girls Through the Seven Transitions into Adulthood, she describes that what teenagers need most is a wall. In other words, no matter what is going on with your teen or in your own life, as a parent, it is important that you are this impenetrable, unwavering,… Continue reading What Your Teenager Needs Most- A Steady Parent

10 Quotes to Inspire You During National Random Acts of Kindness Week

The definition of kindness is the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. Being a truly kind person is an important quality to have. As a parent, you should help instill this quality in your teen. This week has been dedicated as National Random Acts of Kindness Week. Celebrating is a great way to combat… Continue reading 10 Quotes to Inspire You During National Random Acts of Kindness Week