Advice from Our Professionals

Informative articles by Youth First’s Service Team

Friendships Can Transform Lives

By Holly Branam, MSW, LCSW - February 6, 2025 - Many years ago, I was working with a student who was challenged in several areas. He was anxious, having trouble focusing on schoolwork, and was disruptive and attention seeking in the classroom. Additionally,…

Becoming a Tuned In Parent

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By Jayme Waddell, MSW, LSW - January 29, 2025 - Have you ever asked your child what they were thinking, only to get the response, “I don’t know?” As frustrating as that answer is, it is probably true! The areas of the brain that…

Effective Communication with Your Teen

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By Staci Chambers, MSW, LSW - January 23, 2024 - For parents and caregivers, it’s often challenging to find a balance between keeping the door open for communication with our children and being overbearing. Fostering a compassionate,…

Winter Wellness: How to Encourage Physical Play in the Colder Months

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By Katie Cox, MSW - January 15, 2025 - As the temperature drops and the days get shorter, it’s tempting to avoid physical activity and stay cozy indoors. But cold weather doesn’t have to mean the end of active playtime for children. In…

The Negative Impact of Social Media and Electronics Use

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By Audrey Bowlds, MSW, LSW - January 8, 2025 - It is no secret that access to technology has grown exponentially in the last decade. The internet holds a vast amount of knowledge on many different topics, and technology has invaded every…

Helping Kids Manage Big Emotions

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By Hannah Smith-Quirey, MSW, LCSW - December 23, 2024 - Disappointment, failure, pain, and stress are normal parts of life. But as parents, it is difficult to watch our kids go through tough moments without becoming stressed ourselves…