Advice from Our Professionals

Informative articles by Youth First’s Service Team

The Benefits of Outdoor Play

By Lizzie Raben, MSW, LSW - June 20, 2024 - Are children disconnecting from nature? According to The National Recreation and Parks Association, today’s children spend less time outdoors than any other generation. On average, children…

Responsible Use of Electronics with Young Children

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By Kelly Leavitt - June 11, 2024 - As a Youth First Social Worker, I interact with children in an elementary school setting daily. Most students I serve have the world readily available with electronics such as cell phones, tablets, video…

Summer Provides Opportunity to Combat Burnout

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By Rebecca Williams, MSW - June 6, 2024 - Burnout is defined as chronic stress related to helping others. As a school social worker, I can certainly relate to this, and I believe teachers and other school personnel can as well. According…

Celebrating Pride in Southern Indiana

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By Sarah Laury, MSW, LCSW - May 30, 2024 - The month of June is Pride month, dedicated to celebrating and recognizing members of the LGBTQIA+ community as well as supporters and allies. Pride is celebrated during the month of June in honor…

Teens, Sleep and Screen Time

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By Amanda Haney, MSW, LSW - May 29, 2024 - How does screen time affect your child’s sleep patterns? Sleep is important to growing and developing brains. According to the CDC, toddlers need 11-14 hours of sleep, preschool-aged kids…

The Power of a Positive Mindset

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By Haley Droste, MSW, LCSW - May 22, 2024 - Everyone knows someone with a “glass half-empty” attitude about life. It seems like a dark cloud just follows them around, and it can be exhausting to spend too much time with them. We…