Advice from Our Professionals

Informative articles by Youth First’s Service Team

How to Help Your Kids Make Good Decisions

By Christine Weinzapfel-Hayden, MSW, LCSW - July 22, 2026 - Guiding children to make good decisions is one of a parent’s most important responsibilities. Children are constantly faced with choices, big and small, that shape their character,…

Establishing a Smooth Transition from Home to School

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By Lisa Glahn, MSW, LCSW - July 15, 2026 - Returning to school after a break can be challenging for many children, especially after extended time away during summer or winter breaks. Typically, the longer students are out of their routine,…

Promoting Patience in a Fast-Moving World

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By Emily Bernhardt, MSW, LCSW - July 8, 2026 - Patience is a virtue. Good things come to those who wait. There are so many phrases we have heard time and time again that emphasize the importance of patience. Yet, even if we agree that…

Building Self-Esteem in Children: A Foundation for Lifelong Success

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By Ashley Lingafelter, MSW, LSW - July 1, 2026 - Research indicates that nearly 40% of children experience feelings of inadequacy, which can severely hinder their emotional and social development. These statistics underline an alarming…

Prepare Your Child for Kindergarten this Summer

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By Tiffany Austin, MSW, LSW - June 24, 2026 - Summer always seems to fly by. Before long, August arrives and a new school year begins. For incoming kindergarteners and their families, this milestone can bring a mix of excitement and…

Dealing with Anger: How to Help Your Child

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By Leah Doughty, LMHC - June 11, 2026 - Anger can feel scary for both parents and children, especially if you don’t know how to talk about it or handle it healthily. Many parents think that if they do everything “right,” their child…