Tag Archive for: Youth First Social Worker

Beat the Back-to-School Blues

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By Breanna Dudley-Wissel, MSW, LSW – August 7, 2025 –

Sweet summertime. Longed for all school year and mourned when classes start in early August. We all feel it, right? Parents, school personnel, and kids often dread the end of summer.

While some parents may long for school to resume—and for rowdy kids to be back in a routine—the end of those carefree summer days can evoke strong emotions. Educators and students often feel it too, as summer passes in a blink. This article shares more about what the “back-to-school blues” can look like and how to help yourself and your child get past them.

Parents experience everything from relief to frustration to worry. Some parents feel relieved that their child is heading back to school and getting back into a structured routine, but it may also feel bittersweet that their child is growing up, maturing, and moving forward in all areas of life. Some feel frustrated when their child struggles with adjusting to the school routine. Other parents may be worried because their child is having a difficult time with separation anxiety.  

School personnel also experience a range of emotions. They can be eager to decorate their classrooms and reconnect with co-workers they haven’t seen all summer. They may be excited to meet new students and build relationships with them, or maybe anxious and worried about what the coming school year may bring. Teachers may wonder whether their classroom will be well-behaved or difficult to control.  

For some students, the start of the school year may bring sadness. They may feel sad that summer is over, days are shorter, and pools are closing. They may feel sad because their extra time at home, whether it was spent with family, at summer camp, or just sleeping in, is coming to an end. Some may be anxious about meeting their new teacher and worried about who will be in their class. If they are moving to a new school, students may be concerned about what the schedule will be and how to find their classroom. Older students could be experiencing anxiety over figuring out how to work their locker’s combination lock or getting from one class to another before the bell rings.  

All of these feelings are completely normal, so if you or your child experiences them, just know that it is okay! Validate yourself and your child. Reassure yourself and them that everything will be fine and everyone will feel better once the new routine is in place.  

There are some things you can do to help with the adjustment back to school:

  1. Restart a bedtime routine a couple of weeks before school starts. This can also include waking them up at the time they would need to get up to get ready for school.
  2. Attend back-to-school night to help ease your child’s anxiety about finding their classroom and meeting their teacher and classmates. This is also an opportunity for older kids to practice unlocking their combination lock, and you can help them map out a route to get from one class to another. 
     
  3. If your child does not want to get on the bus or out of the car and is experiencing separation anxiety, reassure them that you love them and that you will see them after school. (You could also write a note they can stick in their locker to remind them.)
  1. Help them focus on the positive aspects of their day by asking them what they like about school and what fun memories they made that day. Help them take deep breaths and give them some extra hugs if they need it.  

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Seeking Professional Help for Your Child

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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 we are unable to give them.

If you choose to get your child professional help, please know there is nothing to feel bad about; in fact, it speaks volumes that you care enough to take the step to get extra support for your child.

Every child is different, so while one child may come to their parent asking for professional help, others might not feel comfortable asking for help at all. This is where parents can step in if they are noticing signs that their child could benefit from professional assistance. Some of these signs could look like the child struggling to express emotions in healthy ways, substance use, sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, isolation, engaging in risky behaviors, or even persistent physical symptoms like stomachache, headache, chest pain, etc. Parents know their children best, so when our gut is telling us something is off, it likely is.

Some children may be closed off to the idea of getting professional help. Though it has gotten a lot better through the years, there can still be a stigma or negative perception that goes along with needing extra support. If you want to introduce the idea of seeking professional help to your child but are unsure of how they will respond, here are some things to consider.

First, tell your child that you want to empower and strengthen them. Seeking outside help is all about growing stronger and learning the tools they can use in times of high stress or emotions. Remind them that the emotional discomfort they are feeling is something that does not have to be their norm and that getting extra help is a way to combat that.

Remind your child that seeking help may take time. If your child can go into the process knowing that this is an investment in their mental health (and not necessarily something that will change overnight), it helps them think realistically about the process and not get discouraged if they don’t immediately see drastic results.

A big thing we can do as parents is to remind our kids that they are not in this alone. Not only will they now have added support through an outside professional, but you, as their parent or guardian, will still be with them every step of the way. Let them know that you will still be as involved as they are comfortable with you being, and at the same time, give them space if that is what they need. As parents, we can show our children that they don’t need to feel uncomfortable about seeking professional help; and at the same time, they still have us to fall back on.

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Raising Responsible Kids – The Value of Chores

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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 can we help kids grow into responsible adults, and why is it important they start learning those life skills early? One of the best things we can do for our kids is to teach them to help at home with age-appropriate chores. Asking your child to do regular chores comes with a long list of benefits.

One of the most obvious benefits is that it helps them build life skills they will need as adults. Every person should know how to do regular household chores. As hard as it is to imagine, you will not always live with them to put their laundry away and load the dishwasher for them. Before you know it, they will spread their wings. Knowing how to do basic chores will help them become acclimated to life away from home much more quickly.

Another less obvious reason for assigning chores is to teach kids how to be a team player. Families function best when everyone is doing their part to make things run smoothly. From an early age, kids will learn that the assistance they give at home makes life easier for everyone, fostering a sense of belonging and teamwork. Siblings can work together, which will reinforce the idea that working as a team will help them accomplish their goals more quickly than working alone.

Doing chores is also a confidence booster for kids. It gives them the opportunity to learn something new and master skills. Kids love learning new things and feeling involved in what is happening in the home. Asking them to help with chores will also help create a tighter sense of community within your family.

Having responsibilities at home also helps kids learn time management skills. Asking them to complete unfavorable tasks before moving on to more desirable jobs will allow kids to learn how to prioritize. This is great preparation for adulthood, where we oftentimes find ourselves having to complete important (but unexciting) tasks before we can move on to the things that bring us joy.

There are many benefits to assigning chores to your kids, including building self-esteem, building confidence, learning to be independent, learning time management, and building life skills they will need as adults. I know it seems like we blink and they are older, and sometimes doing tasks for them feels like we get to keep them little for just a bit longer. But in reality, we are stunting their ability to thrive. Help your kids reach their full potential by allowing them to see you believe they can accomplish anything.

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Preparing Children for Kindergarten: Skills for Early Success

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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 and shyness about the experience.

Looking back, I realize that my early education was significantly supported by programs like Head Start, which provided essential skills for young learners. Recently, I spoke with custodians who have spent several years in the school system, and they voiced their concerns about incoming Kindergarten students. They noted that many young children today seem unprepared for the demands of school.

In her article, “Ready or Not Kindergarten, Here We Come,” Kelly Galuski highlights important skills that can be taught to children before they enter the classroom, paving the way for a successful educational journey.

First, Galuski recommends that fostering independence at home is crucial for your child’s development. Start by encouraging them to dress themselves, manage their coat, use the bathroom independently, wash their hands without constant reminders, and put on their own shoes. Providing serving spoons at mealtimes allows your child to serve themselves and clear their own dishes, which are essential skills that will benefit them in various settings, from the coatroom to the lunchroom.

Focus on self-help skills by teaching your child to wipe their face after meals and blow their nose without assistance. It’s equally important for them to feel comfortable asking an adult for help when necessary.

Establishing and following routines can significantly ease the transition to school. Create consistent morning habits, such as waking up at the same time, getting dressed, and enjoying breakfast together. These routines will help your child adjust more smoothly to a school environment.

Lastly, acknowledge your child’s feelings about starting school. Avoid overwhelming them with discussions about school, especially until the end of summer. Whether they express excitement or nervousness, take the time to validate their emotions and provide reassurance. By focusing on these key areas—independence, self-help skills, routines, and emotional acknowledgment—parents can effectively prepare their children for successful transitions into school and beyond.

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Kids and Adults Benefit from Spending Time Outdoors

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By Maggie Robertson, MSW – May 28, 2025 –

Summer is here! The days are warmer, longer, and for most kids, a little more carefree. And to the delight of many parents/guardians, kids have more opportunities to be outside.

It is hard to think of anything better for your mind and body than spending time outdoors. Currently, however, many kids are spending more time inside on electronics. It is important for adults to encourage them to spend time outdoors.

According to the University of California – Davis, there are many benefits associated with children spending adequate time outdoors, including mental and physical health, cognitive development, stress reduction, and environmental awareness. Many studies have found that just spending an hour a day outside can reduce depression and anxiety.

Spending time outdoors is also important for very young children. It can improve gross motor skills, social skills, cognitive development, and creativity. It gets kids moving, creating stimulation, while making them think.

Physical health is one of the most obvious benefits of spending time outdoors. Outdoor play encourages movement, whether it be running, jumping, or climbing. These activities help children develop strong muscles and bones, improve cardiovascular health, and maintain a healthy weight. Sunlight exposure also helps the body produce vitamin D, which is essential for bone health and immune function.

Mental and emotional health are also enhanced by spending time outdoors. Outdoor environments reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and symptoms of attention deficit disorders, offering a calming effect that regulates emotions and boosts mood and energy levels.

Outdoor time fosters children’s cognitive development also. Unstructured play stimulates curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills. When kids build and explore, they are engaging in active learning that can’t be replicated in a classroom or on a screen.

Outdoor play can also provide opportunities for collaboration and communication. When children play with others, it builds their vocabulary and social skills. Outdoor play allows for more freedom and self-direction, helping children build confidence and independence.

In addition to all these developmental benefits, being outside is simply fun and fulfilling for children. Climbing a tree, splashing in a creek, or flying a kite brings joy and a sense of adventure that is hard to match indoors. 

Encouraging outdoor play is one of the most effective ways to support our children’s overall health and development. There are endless opportunities and ideas of ways to spend time outside with your littles and it does not have to be expensive. Some examples include a hike in the woods, a scavenger hunt, or a game of tag in the yard. Time outdoors nurtures the body, mind, and spirit, helping children grow into healthier, happier, and more well-rounded individuals.

Adults can also be good role models for children. Let’s all put those electronics away and get outside!

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Tracking Your Child’s Development

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By Rebecca Williams, MSW, LSW – May 14, 2025 –

As parents or caregivers, we have so many questions: Am I doing enough? Will my child be successful? Is my child achieving appropriate developmental milestones? Why doesn’t my child want to spend time with me anymore?

These are some of the questions parents may face throughout their child’s development. As a school social worker, I have heard them from parents myself on occasion, and they are not always easy to answer. However, there are some standards parents can consult to see how their child is developing and whether they need extra support.

Psychologist Erik Erikson outlined eight stages of human development. For the purpose of the audience, I will go over the first six.

  1. The first stage is trust vs. mistrust during a child’s infancy. This is the stage where children learn that if their needs are met, they can trust the adults catering to those needs. If their needs are not met, then children often grow to become less trusting in others.
  2. The second stage is autonomy vs. shame/doubt while the child is a toddler. Autonomy allows the child to have independence, thus creating a sense of confidence. However, doubt in the child or dependence on their caregiver can lead to low self-confidence.
  3. The third stage is initiative vs. guilt during the child’s preschool years. If the child’s initiative is taken positively, the child learns that being assertive can be a positive behavior. If the initiative is taken negatively, it can lead children to be shy or timid.
  4. The fourth stage is industry vs inferiority during the child’s early school years. This stage has a lot to do with self-esteem. If children feel like they are having success like their peers, they gain a positive self-image. If they feel like they are not meeting the same milestones as their peers, they can have a negative self-image.
  5. The fifth stage is identity vs. role confusion in adolescent years. During this stage, children are finding out what their identity is. If they are not given the opportunity to explore what their identity is this can lead to role confusion. Don’t be surprised if your children spend more time with their peers and pursuing their own interests at this age. Stages 4 and 5 have a lot to do with a child’s social system and may feel out of your hands, so it’s important to provide support and encouragement when you can.
  6. The sixth stage is intimacy vs. isolation during the young adult stage. This stage is all about forming relationships. Those that can form bonds and relationships well will form a sense of intimacy, while those that are unable to form positive relationships feel isolation.

Now this is not a cut and dry layout. There will always be exceptions and gray areas, but this can be a helpful tool to identify what your child’s needs and milestones are at different ages. Being a parent or caregiver isn’t always easy, but your support, encouragement and care will go a long way toward a child’s success. As your child grows, create a space and relationship with them that promotes open and judgement-free communication.

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Supporting Your Child to Combat Negative Self-Talk

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By Courtney Beitler, MSW, LCSW – April 30, 2025 –

Negative self-talk is a challenge that affects people of all ages and something I witness daily, both in and out of my position as a school-based mental health professional. Whether it involves a loved one or a 7th grader I’m working with, I see how often negative self-talk can have an impact on multiple facets of our lives.

Negative self-talk is an internal dialogue of self-doubt, criticism, and unhelpful beliefs that can limit personal growth and harm one’s self-esteem. For adolescents, negative self-talk can be especially detrimental, as they navigate the complexities of growing up, their peer relationships and the growing academic pressures. Combating negative self-talk requires a combination of self-awareness, strategies and support.

The first step in combating negative self-talk is recognizing when and how it appears. It often falls into common thought patterns, such as catastrophizing (“If I strike out, my life is over”), labeling (“I’m so dumb”) or personalization (“No one likes me”). Identifying these thought patterns allows individuals to challenge these statements and replace them with more balanced perspectives.

Supportive adults can help their child recognize negative self-talk by encouraging open conversations about their thoughts and feelings. A simple question like, “What’s something you’ve been telling yourself lately?” can provide insight into their internal dialogue. Showing some vulnerability by sharing personal experiences with self-doubt and how it was overcome can also create a supportive environment.

One of the most effective ways to combat negative self-talk is to reframe unhelpful thoughts into more constructive ones. Instead of “I’ll never be good at this,” it can be shifted to “I’m still learning; improvement takes time.” This reframing encourages self-compassion and a growth mindset, reducing the harmful effects of self-criticism.

For children and teens, this process can be encouraged by parents reinforcing a positive perception. Instead of responding with, “You’re fine” or “That’s not true,” parents can guide them toward self-reflection. Responses such as, “Is there truth to what you’re saying about yourself, or is this a really strong feeling?” or “What would you say to a friend who felt this way?” Statements such as these can ultimately lead to healthy, constructive thoughts that encourage growth and awareness, rather than self-destructive thoughts that chip away at one’s self-esteem.

Replacing negative thoughts with affirmations may feel unnatural or “fake” at first, but consistent practice can rewire thinking patterns. Affirmations should be realistic and personal, such as “I am capable,” “I deserve kindness,” or “I am more than my mistakes.” Writing these down, repeating them daily, or placing them where they are easily visible (like on a mirror or in a phone reminder) can reinforce their impact. Additionally, creating an environment where achievements are celebrated (without excessive pressure) and where effort is valued over perfection helps reinforce a positive internal dialogue.

Negative self-talk is a challenge that can undermine confidence and self-esteem. By recognizing harmful thought patterns, reframing negative narratives and practicing self-compassion, individuals and families can cultivate healthier internal dialogue and mindsets. Adults and supporters can play a crucial role in this process by fostering open conversations, modeling positive self-talk, and creating an environment where growth and self-acceptance are prioritized. With these strategies, both children, adolescents and adults can learn to listen to their inner “encourager” over their inner critic. 

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Establish Consistent Routines for Children

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By Lori Powell, MSW, LCSW – April 22, 2025 –

Each year on the first few days of school, students appear to be excited and ready to begin their school day. However, later in the week or sometimes even that day, students begin discussing how they feel tired or hungry. Then, suddenly they are angry and upset. Sometimes they are not sure what they need or want. The child just knows that something does not feel right. 

This is the perfect time for the Youth First Mental Health Professional, social worker or counselor in the building to discuss emotions and positive coping skills. After the child is calm, the Youth First Mental Health Professional is able to ask multiple important questions, such as how many hours of sleep the child got last night, whether they ate breakfast this morning, and whether the family has a consistent schedule.

When students do not get enough sleep, they have difficulty learning and regulating their emotions at school. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that children ages 6-12 years of age get between 9-12 hours of sleep on a daily basis. Teens ages 13-18 should sleep 8-10 hours per day. 

For example, if the child has to be at school at 8:30 am and the child is 7 years old, he or she should go to bed between 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm, depending on the individual child’s sleep needs. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, “Children who get enough sleep have a healthier immune system and better school performance, behavior, memory, and mental health.”

According to CDC Healthy Schools, eating a nutritious breakfast helps enhance cognitive ability, school attendance, and mood improvement. Children might eat 4-5 meals daily due to the smaller size of their stomachs and their higher metabolisms. Including children in meal planning, eating meals as a family, and having open discussions regarding the importance of a meal schedule will help children understand the importance and participate in the plan. If you have any questions regarding nutrition, please contact your child’s pediatrician, nutritionist, or dietician for recommendations about children and teen nutrition.

It is important that parents involve their children in establishing a consistent routine. The schedule needs to be clear and easy to understand. Children feel empowered and motivated to participate in a new routine when they are able to make suggestions and ask questions about the schedule. The schedule needs to be in an accessible location, such as on the refrigerator.

According to Dr. Laura Markham, “Structure and routines teach kids how to constructively control themselves and their environments.” Children thrive from structure and like to know what is happening at different times of the day. They want to know what time they are eating meals, what time they go to bed, and the time they wake up in the mornings.

Establishing consistent routines can help enhance the child’s mental health and well-being, increase the child’s desire to complete assigned tasks, teach time management and responsibility, and build better connections and communication between the parent and the child.

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Repairing Damaged Relationships with Your Children

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By Emily Bernhardt, MSW, LCSW – April 16, 2025 –

As parents, we can never be perfect. We are imperfect people doing our best to grow and shape the minds of our little ones. To be expected, there are times when we mess up, whether that looks like shouting, slamming a door, or even saying something hurtful to our child. We know these mistakes will happen, so how do we repair the damage after we have hurt our child?

The first step to rebuilding trust is honesty. Many adults struggle with being honest with their children because it feels so hard to be vulnerable with them. We have been taught that we have to be strong and not show our emotions to our children, but that is simply not true. Our children benefit from seeing our real emotions and how we respond and cope with those emotions. Being honest with your child not only models how to cope with emotions; it also shows them they can trust you. In times of conflict with your child, be honest with them about how you are really feeling. When we refrain from sharing with our child, we leave them to make assumptions, which can make the conflict worse.

Practicing humility is another great skill to improve. When we are able to be humble and apologize for our mistakes with our children, that speaks volumes with them. This is something we expect our child to do, so when they see us as adults also taking ownership of our mistakes and apologizing to them it makes them feel heard and respected. When apologizing to your child, try to refrain from saying, “I’m sorry, but…” This sends the message that we are more worried about justifying our actions than we are about apologizing for the hurt we caused.

Remember to be consistent. We don’t want to just use these tools like a bag of tricks we pull out when we mess up. It’s important to be practicing these skills in our everyday interactions with our children. Then, when we inevitably do something wrong, we are more easily able to repair the relationship due to the solid foundation that has already been laid out. Of course, we know that sometimes our children make mistakes that hurt us as well. When this happens, be honest with them. Being honest in this way gives your child the opportunity to learn, grow, and apologize to you as well. If your child is apologizing, try your best not to lay on the guilt and accept their apology. All in all, we know relationships can be messy, but because we care deeply about these relationships, it is important to learn tools to help us grow as parents and in turn, help our children grow. If we can humble ourselves, engage in honest communication, and be consistent with the skills we learn, I truly believe we can repair damaged relationships with our children. No child wants conflict with their parent, so as adults we must step up and do our best to make repairs where we have made mistakes.

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Welcoming a New Sibling to the Family

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By Kennedy Keith, MSW, LSW – April 10, 2025 –

Welcoming a new sibling into the family is a momentous occasion that can significantly impact the dynamics within a household. Preparing your first child for the arrival of a second child requires thoughtful planning and sensitivity.

As a parent, it’s essential to ensure your firstborn feels secure, loved, and involved throughout this transition. Here are some key strategies for achieving a smooth adjustment period and fostering a positive relationship between siblings.

One of the most critical aspects of preparing your first child for the arrival of a new sibling is maintaining open communication. Depending on their age, your firstborn may not fully grasp the concept of a new baby or may have mixed emotions about the change. Use age-appropriate language and books about becoming a sibling to help them understand the process. Explain that the new baby will need lots of care and attention and reassure them that your love for them will remain unchanged.

Involving your first child in the preparations for the new baby can help them feel valued and included. Allow them to participate in setting up the baby’s room, picking out clothes, or even choosing a special toy for the baby. This involvement helps them see the baby as a positive addition rather than a rival. Moreover, encourage your firstborn to express their feelings and concerns about the baby’s arrival. Validating their emotions and addressing any fears they may have will help them process the upcoming changes.

Children thrive on routine, and changes can be unsettling. As you approach the birth of your second child, try to maintain as much consistency as possible in your firstborn’s daily routine. This includes regular mealtimes, bedtime rituals, and individual quality time with parents. If possible, involve a trusted friend or family member who can help maintain their routine during the early days after the baby’s arrival. Consistency provides stability and helps ease the transition for your firstborn.

After the baby arrives, it’s crucial to carve out special time for your firstborn. This “one-on-one” time can be as simple as reading a book together, playing a favorite game, or engaging in activities they enjoy. This reassures them that they still hold a significant place in your life despite the new demands on your attention. Encouraging family bonding activities that involve both siblings can also help foster a positive relationship from the start.

Celebrate and praise your firstborn’s positive interactions with the new baby. Encouragement and positive reinforcement can boost their confidence and help them feel proud of their new role as an older sibling. Highlight their efforts to help with tasks related to the baby and acknowledge their contributions with genuine appreciation.

Preparing your first child for the arrival of a second child involves a blend of clear communication, inclusive involvement, maintaining routines, and emotional support. By fostering an environment of love and stability, you can help your firstborn adjust more comfortably and build a strong, supportive sibling relationship. This careful preparation not only eases the transition but also lays the groundwork for a harmonious and affectionate family dynamic.

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