Advice from Our Professionals

Informative articles by Youth First’s Service Team

Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

By Ashley Underwood, MSW, LCSW, Youth First, Inc. How does one describe a traumatic event? Traumatic is defined as “emotionally disturbing or distressing,” which can vary from person to person, so that question has many answers. “Adverse…

Developing Resiliency in Children

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By Niki Walls, MSW, LSW, Youth First, Inc. Resiliency is something many of our children utilize unknowingly every day. So, what exactly is resiliency? Resiliency is building immunity to stressors and adversity; or in other words, the…

Handling the Terrible Twos

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By Sarah Audu, MSW, LSW, Youth First, Inc. It seems all new parents are warned about the much-dreaded “terrible twos.” I have reflected upon my own journey as a new mom and have given this phrase much thought and consideration. Throughout…

Holiday Stress and Your Anxious Child

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By Brooke Skipper, MSW, LCSW, Youth First, Inc. No school, sweet treats, presents, and parties…You might think this is every kid’s dream! If you have a child with anxiety, however, you know this combination can be a huge trigger. While…

What Kids Really Need This Holiday Season

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By Jana Pritchett, Communications Manager at Youth First, Inc. - Updated 12/15/2022 Christmas is almost here, and kids everywhere are hoping to be on Santa’s good list. Popular toys like Squishmellows and LOL Dolls are on many kids’…

Supporting Your Teen’s Growing Brain

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By Brandi McCord, Youth First, Inc. As parents, we always strive to provide for our kids and guide them to become successful adults. During adolescence, the brain grows at a rapid rate and continues to mature until the age of 25. In…