Advice from Our Professionals

Informative articles by Youth First Social Workers

When to Seek Professional Help for your Teen

By Deena Bodine, LCSW - July 28, 2021 - Parenting is no easy task. The teen years are notorious for challenging parents. While these years are a time of growth and a move towards independence for teens, parents may struggle to find a balance…

Creating Positive Self-Worth in Your Child

Abby Betz, LSW - July 21, 2021 - As a school social worker, I have worked with students of all ages in both public and private schools. I have found, unfortunately, that the majority of students are unable to verbalize what they like about…

Is Your Child Ready for Kindergarten?

Counties, Youth First Blog

Ashley Underwood, LCSW - July 13, 2021 - As the mother of a child who will start kindergarten this fall, there’s been a nagging question in the back of my mind: “Is he ready?” Beginning kindergarten is typically the start of formal…

Tips for Parenting Together Successfully

Counties, Youth First Blog

By Lisa Cossey, LCSW - July 7, 2021 - Parenting can be like spending time on a seesaw. There are ups and downs. Parenting with your partner when you don’t see eye-to-eye on discipline methods, however, adds another challenging element…

Addressing Childhood Trauma

Counties, Youth First Blog

By Shannon Loehrlein, LCSW - June 30, 2021 - The numbers are staggering. According to the CDC, 61% of adults in the United States endured an adverse childhood experience in their youth. Childhood trauma comes in a variety of forms. It can…

Instilling Empathy in Our Kids

Counties, Youth First Blog

By Amber Russell, LCSW - June 22, 2021- The words empathy and sympathy are often grouped together or used interchangeably, but they mean two very different things. According to the dictionary, sympathy means: “Feelings of pity and sorrow…