By Hannah Boutkan, MSW, LSW – August 13, 2026 – Children are born with an innate desire to learn, grow, and explore the world around them. As they get older, however, environmental, social, mental, and emotional factors can affect that motivation, especially when it comes to school and everyday responsibilities. While adults cannot force a […]
By Missy Johnson, MSW, LCSW – August 5, 2026 – Last spring, as a Youth First Mental Health Professional working in several schools, I received several referrals to support students – of all ages – who felt nervous and worried about storms. Weather events like tornadoes, strong winds, and heavy rain can be very scary for […]
By Shannon Loehrlein, MSW, LCSW – July 29, 2026 – Many of us remember the days when we spent hours playing outside and didn’t come home until dinner. We had the freedom to explore our neighborhoods, make friends, and solve problems on our own. Today, many parents understandably hesitate to give their children that same […]
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, habits, and future. The ability to make sound decisions will serve them throughout life, from deciding how to […]
EVANSVILLE, IN – Youth First is celebrating CenterPoint Energy Foundation for investing in Indiana youth. The organization recently awarded $40,000 to Youth First, Inc. to strengthen the mental health and well-being of students at 12 Youth First partner schools in Vanderburgh County. This significant gift from CenterPoint Energy Foundation, along with funding from other sources, […]
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, the more challenging it can be to adjust to early mornings, structured schedules, and […]
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 being patient is important, it can be so hard to […]
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 reality: low self-esteem in children is linked to a host of negative outcomes, including poor academic performance, mental health issues, […]
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 nervousness. While children may look forward to new experiences, parents and caregivers often wonder how […]
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 won’t have a problem with anger. But that isn’t realistic. All children […]