Advice from Our Professionals

Informative articles by Youth First’s Service Team

Love Yourself this Valentine’s Day

By Ashley Manship, LSW - February 2, 2022- Maintaining good mental health during the Valentine’s Day season can be a struggle for some teens and adults, especially for those who may not have a significant other to celebrate the holiday…

Navigating Friendships

By Megan LaRue, LSW - January 26, 2022 - As children develop and learn to be more independent, their focus on family starts to fade and peers become the center of their universe. The need to fit in with a circle outside the home is a major…

Self-Regulation for Parents

Counties, Youth First Blog

By Shannon Loehrlein, LCSW - January 19, 2022 - Being a parent is hard. I can say this is 100 percent true from my own personal experience with a seven-year-old and a two-year-old. Parenting is a job that offers no pay, little appreciation,…

Ring in the New Year with Self-Care

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By Camryn Cater, MSW - January 14, 2022 - When traveling by plane, we have all heard flight attendants tell us that in an emergency you should put an oxygen mask on yourself before putting it on your child. This is to ensure the adult’s…

Coping with a Cancer Diagnosis

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By Katherine Baker, LCSW, LCAC - January 6, 2022 - During my time as a Youth First Social Worker, I have worked with many students impacted by cancer. This school year has been no exception, as I was diagnosed with breast cancer myself…

Smoothing Transitions for Your Child

Counties, Youth First Blog

By Kelly McClarnon, LCSW - December 29, 2021 - Christmas break is underway! As a Youth First Social Worker, I have met with several students who have difficulty transitioning back to the classroom after weekends and school breaks. My observation…