Advice from Our Professionals

Informative articles by Youth First’s Service Team

Helping Children Build Motivation: Small Steps Toward Success

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…

You Can Help Students Feel Safe During Unpredictable Weather

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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.…

Supervising Your Child’s Screen Time

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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…

How to Help Your Kids Make Good Decisions

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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…