Advice from Our Professionals

Informative articles by Youth First’s Service Team

Help for Stressed Out Kids

By Vicki Kirkman, LCSW, LCAC - May 13, 2022 - Stress is a natural part of life and something that everyone experiences. It can be positive or negative and affect your daily life greatly if not managed appropriately. In some…

Stop and Smell the Roses with Mindfulness

Counties, Mental Health Awareness Month, Youth First Blog

By Krissy Melhiser, LCSW - May 11, 2022 - The year was 2020 and a life altering phenomenon occurred across the world. It was a pandemic that no one saw coming and few were prepared for. Most of us were at a loss at how to respond to…

Promoting Better Sleep Habits With an Anxious Child

Mental Health Awareness Month, Youth First Blog

By Laura Arrick, LCSW - May 9, 2022 - Child: “I can’t shut my brain off.” Parent: “But you have to get to sleep. Quit stalling. You have school tomorrow, so shut your eyes.” In households with an anxious child…

Providing Your Child with the Tools Needed for Developing Good Mental Health

Counties, Youth First Blog

By Abby Betz, LSW - May 5, 2022 - As a parent or caregiver, it goes without saying that the task of taking care of our children is an important one, as well as a great responsibility. Parents may be able to easily identify and address…

Promoting Secure Attachments

Counties, Youth First Blog

By Taylor Dore, Youth First Social Work Intern - 04/28/2022 Building a secure attachment between you and your child begins when they are born. Your baby cries to express a need and you, as the caregiver, respond by meeting that need.…

Co-Occurring Disorders in Adolescence

Counties, Youth First Blog

By Rachel Haug, LCSW - April 19, 2022 Adolescence is a time of rapid brain and body development through the onset of puberty, which will begin to influence both your child’s physical and mental health. During this time, a young person…