Advice from Our Professionals

Informative articles by Youth First’s Service Team

Discord’s Growing Impact on Teen Communication and Mental Health

By Coogan Schools, MSW, LCSW - June 6, 2025 - Originally created for gamers, the app Discord has expanded into a platform for socializing and building communities around shared interests. While it provides valuable opportunities for…

Kids and Adults Benefit from Spending Time Outdoors

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By Maggie Robertson, MSW - May 28, 2025 - Summer is here! The days are warmer, longer, and for most kids, a little more carefree. And to the delight of many parents/guardians, kids have more opportunities to be outside. It is hard…

Should Your Kids Have a Summer Routine?

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By Staci Chambers, MSW, LSW - May 22, 2025 - “Schools out for summer!” This is potentially one of the most controversial statements of all time – for some, cheers, for others, tears. Summer has the longest and warmest days of…

Tracking Your Child’s Development

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By Rebecca Williams, MSW, LSW - May 14, 2025 - As parents or caregivers, we have so many questions: Am I doing enough? Will my child be successful? Is my child achieving appropriate developmental milestones? Why doesn’t my child want…

Technology and Mental Health – Positives and Negatives for Your Teen

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By Christina Oschman-Vandiver, MSW, LSW - May 7, 2025 - Technology plays a large role in the lives of students, particularly those in middle and high school. It seems to have become a big part of their lives and their preferred method…

Supporting Your Child to Combat Negative Self-Talk

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By Courtney Beitler, MSW, LCSW - April 30, 2025 - Negative self-talk is a challenge that affects people of all ages and something I witness daily, both in and out of my position as a school-based mental health professional. Whether…