By Jordyn Bryant, MSW, LCSW – September 9, 2026 – While parenting is deeply meaningful and rewarding, we cannot ignore that it is also emotionally demanding. Many parents focus so fully on their child’s needs that their own well-being gradually moves to the background. Between managing daily responsibilities, responding to a child’s emotions, balancing work […]
By Jordan Evans, MSW, LSW – September 2, 2026 – Emotional regulation is a child’s ability to understand, express, and manage their feelings in healthy ways. This skill begins developing early in life and continues to grow throughout childhood. Children do not learn emotional regulation on their own. Instead, they develop it through everyday interactions […]
By Kelly Leavitt, MSW, LSW – August 26, 2026 – Have you ever wondered how stress affects an entire school classroom? What steps can we take to manage stress before it becomes overwhelming? And how can educators recognize stress in students and help them cope? Students today are influenced by their peers in both positive […]
By Holly Walther, MSW, LSW – August 19, 2026 – Many students struggle with self-regulation, the ability to monitor and manage their thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and impulses. When a child needs support with self-regulation at school, it can be challenging to identify coping strategies within the structure of a classroom. For example, a student may […]
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 […]