Entries by Youth First
The Importance of a Healthy Parent/Child Relationship
By Amber Nunaley, MSW, LCSW – April 2, 2026 – Raising a child is no small task, and it often requires the support of a “village.” While many people view parenting as simply providing shelter, clothing, food, and toys, it goes far beyond meeting basic needs. In the busyness of making sure those necessities are […]
Youth First Arms Parents with Online Safety Strategies for Kids
“Parenting in a Digital World” to Take Place at Mitchell High School; Open to Local Parents and Community Leaders [Mitchell, IN] On Thursday, April 2, Youth First is hosting a community event to arm parents with online safety strategies and proper social media use for kids. The presentation begins at 6:00 pm in the Mitchell […]
The Power of a Simple Conversation
By Diane Moesner, MSW, LCSW – March 25, 2026 – Talking to your child every day is one of the most powerful investments a parent can make. Daily conversations do more than exchange information; they also build trust, emotional security, and a lifelong habit of communication. It’s a great feeling when these daily exchanges become […]
Building Resilience in Your Child
By Jordyn Bryant, MSW, LSW – March 13, 2026 – Today’s children are growing up in a world that rarely slows down. Screens glow late into the evening, schedules stay packed, and social pressures begin earlier than ever. Many children are navigating constant input – academically, socially, and digitally, and their nervous systems often feel […]
Helping Hands and Paws: Therapy Animals Help Students Succeed in School
By Callie Sanders, MSW, LSW – March 4, 2026 – Increasingly, schools across the country are incorporating therapy animals, particularly dogs, to help students feel calmer, more focused, and better prepared to learn. These programs, known as animal-assisted interventions (AAIs), are utilized in elementary and middle schools to support students in various ways. Research shows […]
Support for Children Experiencing Domestic Violence
By Kelsey Weber, MSW, LCSW – February 25,2025 – Family and domestic violence is a common problem in the United States. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), one in four women and one in nine men are victims of domestic violence. Unfortunately, children in the home are also victims. Domestic violence can have […]
Increase Your Coping Skills
By Jackie Keltner, MSW, LMHCA – February 18, 2026 – No matter who you are or how old you are, you will likely experience a crisis or something traumatic at some point. A crisis occurs when an event or situation overwhelms a person’s ability to cope. Trauma is any disturbing experience that causes significant fear, […]
Creating a Positive Relationship with Motivation
By Yolanda Vidal, MA, LMHC, ATR – February 11, 2026 – Motivation is often misunderstood as a personality trait, something you either have or you do not. In reality, motivation is a psychological state that fluctuates based on emotional regulation, self-perception, nervous system balance, and the perception of meaning. When labeling motivation solely as an […]