Advice from Our Professionals

Informative articles by Youth First’s Service Team

Supporting Post-Divorce Families

By Kelly McClarnon, MSW, LCSW - July 25, 2025 - As an adult, can you imagine having to move from one house to another weekly, or even more frequently, while juggling schedules, belongings, and changes in rules and expectations? I…

Help Your Child Avoid Negative Self-Talk

All Posts, Counties, Youth First Blog

By Nolan Miller, MSW, LCSW - July 22, 2025 - As a school-based mental health professional, I have observed that many students come into my office and talk negatively about themselves. They might say things like, “I have no friends.…

Parents Can’t Pour from an Empty Cup

All Posts, Counties, Youth First Blog

By Amber Nunaley, MSW, LCSW - July 11, 2025 - Let’s get straight to the point. Being a parent is hard. Parenting can mean poor sleep, burnout, and lots of stress. It often requires putting all your needs aside to make sure your child…

Seeking Professional Help for Your Child

All Posts, Counties, Youth First Blog

By Amy Back, MSW, LSW - July 2, 2025 - As parents, we care deeply for our children and would do anything in the world to help them through difficult times. It can feel defeating when we realize our children may need outside help that…

Raising Responsible Kids – The Value of Chores

All Posts, Counties, Youth First Blog

by Jenna Pauli, MSW, LCSW - June 25, 2025 - Being a parent is a delicate balance between wanting to do things for our kids (and providing them with everything within our means) and teaching them to be responsible, grateful humans. How…

Preparing Children for Kindergarten: Skills for Early Success

adolescence, Counties, Youth First Blog

By Daisy Mata, MSW, LSW - June 17, 2025 - Many people may not recall their first day of school, but for some, it remains an unforgettable memory. Personally, I can only remember being taken to the bus stop, feeling a mix of excitement…