Advice from Our Professionals

Informative articles by Youth First’s Service Team

How Can a School Social Worker Help Your Child?

By Kacie Shipman, MSW, LCSW - September 30, 2026 - Have you ever wondered what a school social worker actually does? In this role, I often hear students’ ideas and questions about my job and what my role looks like within the school…

The Struggle is Real

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By Diann Moesner, MSW, LCSW - September 23, 2026 - Whether you are interacting with students as a school professional, a parent, or both, it can feel uncomfortable to watch kids struggle to navigate the world around them. When we see…

The Benefits of a Close Sibling Relationship

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By Beth Thomas, MSW, LSW - September 16, 2026 - Close sibling relationships can have a lifelong impact. They are an important part of our development and can provide valuable knowledge, guidance and support throughout different stages…

Caring for Your Own Mental Health is Part of Caring for Your Child

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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…

How Social Isolation Impacts Emotional Regulation in Young Children

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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…

Managing Stress in the Elementary Classroom

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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…