Creating a Resilient Child

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By Camryn Cater, MSW, LSW – August 28, 2024 –

Life can be described as a roller coaster, riding the highs and sometimes dropping to unexpected lows. There are certainly different emotions and feelings we experience along the way.

Resiliency is the ability to adapt well to trauma, tragedy, threats, and other areas of stress. Raising children to be resilient through the highs and lows of this quick ride called “life” is important. The exciting news is that resiliency can be taught.

Resiliency can come from a child’s beliefs, personality traits, and influences in their environment. Children who believe they can influence the world rather than the world controlling who they are can be more resilient to change. They also have a higher chance of controlling emotions and creating better coping skills.

A key component when ensuring your child can be resilient through life’s trials is helping them form connections. Demonstrate and encourage your child to build a support system and get involved in a community to create a resilient environment. Connection provides support during challenging times or situations that may be out of our control.

Self-care is another practice in routine that can ensure your child radiates with resiliency. Self-care is the act of improving or protecting one’s happiness and well-being. This can be as simple as working out, eating healthy foods, and getting enough sleep.

Ensuring your children incorporate enjoyable activities into their routine can also provide them with an outlet during stressful times, while also preserving their happiness. These activities might include clubs, sports, Scouts, music lessons, or other social activities.

Self-care is also knowing when to take a break. Children can have busy schedules or feel overwhelmed from time to time. Ensure they have time to decompress and slow down to process their emotions.

Children or teens that have access to at least one trusted adult in their life are more resilient. Children need an outlet where they can express their emotions in a healthy way. These outlets might include talking to someone like therapists, counselors, a parent/guardian, friend, or another trusted adult.

As a parent/guardian, be open and honest with your school-aged children using simple statements. Be a listening ear even if you are not in agreement with their concerns or emotions. It is essential for children to feel heard. Guide them to problem solve or express themselves in a healthy way.

Teaching your child to set goals is a great habit to start as a family and can create an emotionally well rounded child. Setting goals allows us to see how far we have come and gives the motivation to continue. Goal setting can be as simple as journaling any goals we would like to achieve in the future. Another healthy way to journal is to list what you are proud of accomplishing that day, something that made your day, or simply expressing each emotion you felt. These techniques can guide you to more self-awareness, ultimately making you more flexible with the ebb and flow of life. Taking that step to express yourself (for your eyes only) is one of the most powerful self-improvement techniques one can practice.

Change can be scary for children, teens, and even adults. Help your child understand that change is a part of life. Focusing on the positives of change can lead your child to be more optimistic. Point out the positive changes they have already made, such as moving up a grade at school.

Take steps to teach your child and family unit to be resilient during the highs and lows of the rollercoaster ride of life. Hiding what is happening in their world may only postpone anxiety that can pop up later. Telling them too many details of hardships or tragedy, however, could fuel their fears and worries.

By introducing routine, self-care, connections, goal setting, positivity, and making sure your child has at least one trusted adult to confide in, you can build resiliency and change the way your child adapts to struggles and hardships.

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United Way of Daviess County Awards $16,000 to Youth First

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Gift to Provide Mental Health Support and Substance Misuse Prevention for Daviess County Youth

United Way of Daviess County is investing in K-12 youth with a $16,000 grant awardpresented to Youth First, Inc. “United Way of Daviess County’s investment in Youth First helps fulfill both our visions of strong, healthy communities,” says Youth First Regional Development Officer Jeremy Adams.

The grant will allow for mental health supports through Youth First’s student assistance services and prevention programs available to approximately 3,352 students in Daviess County partner schools, including Barr-Reeve Elementary School, Barr-Reeve Middle/High School, North Daviess Junior/Senior High School, Washington Catholic Elementary School, Washington Catholic Middle/High School, Washington High School, Washington Junior High School, and Washington Primary School. 

Data from 2024 County Health Rankings shows that young people in Daviess County are faced with county-level concerns that put them at a higher risk for substance misuse and other risky behaviors. For example, 17% of adults report excessive drinking, there is a drug overdose rate of 34 per 100,000 residents, and there is a suicide rate of 10 per 100,000 people. Data also indicates a Mental Health Provider shortage in Daviess County, with one provider to 1,150 residents (per 100,000), which is double the state average of one to 500.


Youth First addresses these issues by placing highly trained mental health professionals, primarily master’s-level social workers, in Daviess County schools, at no cost to students or their families, where they are equipped with evidence-based strategies to help young people navigate life’s challenges without turning to risky behaviors or self-harm.

Youth First Mental Health Professionals build caring relationships, foster readiness for positive change, and boost resiliency along with other valuable life skills. They also coordinate with community partners to connect students and families to resources and services.

Zella Taylor, CEO & Executive Director of United Way of Daviess County, says: “We are thankful for organizations like Youth First. Our youth have limited access to mental health resources, and Youth First helps bridge that gap by working alongside school staff, the students and their parents to prepare for a successful life by building resiliency and positive coping skills. Youth First is unique in their approach to meeting students where they are and serving them in their time of need.”

If you would like to know more about Youth First’s work in Daviess County, please contact Jeremy Adams, Regional Development Officer, at jadams@youthfirstinc.org or 812-887-0587, or visit our website at youthfirstinc.org/daviess.

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How Active Listening Skills Can Benefit Your Family

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By Emily Bernhardt, MSW, LSW – August 22, 2024 –

Active listening is a skill that can be used to strengthen relationships with anyone we encounter or communicate with. It can be useful when engaging with clients, coworkers, friends, family and even strangers, but it is especially helpful when we use these skills to interact with our children. So often children can feel unheard and misunderstood when seeking support from adults, but implementing active listening skills when having conversations with them can make all the difference.

There are several components that go into active listening. Think about it like this: These skills are behaviors that allow the person you are communicating with to see and feel that you are truly listening to them. Making sure the person has your full attention is a great place to start. Put away your phone, work, or any other distractions and focus completely on your child and what they have to say to you.

Another great active listening skill is to paraphrase back to your child what you think you are hearing them say. This shows you are listening, and it is also helps ensure you are accurately understanding what they are conveying. They then have the opportunity to rephrase anything you may have misunderstood.

Another great active listening skill is using gestures and other forms of nonverbal communication to show you are paying attention to what your child is saying. Make eye contact and give simple head nods as they speak. If you have small children, getting down on their level is something that can help them feel more connected to you in that moment.

One important thing to remember about active listening is that it is all about helping your child feel heard; it does not mean you have to agree with everything they say. It is absolutely okay to acknowledge your child’s thoughts or wishes, express your gratitude for their willingness to share, and then let them know why you have a differing perspective.

It can feel uncomfortable to listen to our children when they are struggling or going through a challenge. Often adults feel like they need to know the “right” thing to say, but in some situations even offering support through a hug or just being present with your child is enough.  

All in all, everyone likes to feel heard when communicating with others, even adults. Our children are no different. Learning active listening skills can positively impact family relationships and help strengthen bonds between caregiver and child. The more heard and supported our children feel when communicating with us, the more likely they are going to be open and share when it really matters most. Taking the time to learn and practice active listening skills is one great step in doing your part to cultivate a healthy and supportive relationship with your child.

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Find Your Game; Find Your Passion!

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By Krissy Melhiser, MSW, LCSW – August 15, 2024 –

If you are anything like me, you have been glued to your television over the past couple of weeks watching the 33rd Summer Olympics held in Paris, France. Growing up I dreamed of one day standing atop the podium with a gold medal around my neck. Even though that did not become my reality, that dream has led to great passion and enthusiasm for the Olympic Games.

The 2024 Paris Olympic Games helped create a space to contemplate what I find so special about this time every four years. I heard the stories of the athletes’ hard work, their sacrifice, what that one moment of competition meant for them, and what it means to be part of a team. What I have come to admire is what we all need — belonging, connection, and finding passion for your life. As a school social worker, I know these are key attributes for young people to build.

Belonging is being a part of something bigger than yourself; that feeling can be a fuel to keep us going when things are tough and can often lead to the greatest moments of our lives. Help your child find ways to belong: sports, clubs, church groups, girl/boy scouts, summer camps, technology classes/clubs…these are a few ways to connect with others and help your child grow a sense of belonging.

Cultivating connection is essential. Athletes don’t make it to the top of their game without connection with others, including emotional and mental support, nutritional guidance, coaching, training, and medical assistance. It takes a team of people along with their talent and discipline to rise to this level. Encourage children to foster and purposefully create spaces in their life that cultivate connection and seek support.

How do you find what you’re passionate about? I think part of it is exposure to elements of life. Whether it’s going to an art museum, attending a professional sporting event, helping with a community service project, or reading an autobiography, seeing life through a different lens can spark a passion that can lead to your life’s work.

I have heard many athletes talk about seeing the Olympics for the first time, envisioning themselves as one of the athletes, and then, just like magic, there is the spark. That one defining moment changed the rest of their life! They dreamed the impossible dream and their journey began. Until the 34th Summer Olympic Games, I leave you with this: go find your “Olympic Game,” your belonging, your connection, and ultimately, your passion, and help your child find it too.

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Basin Material Handling Supports Youth First

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Donation to Provide Mental Health Support and Substance Misuse Prevention for Lawrence County Youth

Basin Material Handling has invested in the health and well-being of Lawrence County youth and families by donating $1,000 to Youth First, Inc. A check presentation held on June 10 at the company’s Mitchell, Indiana facility celebrated the gift. The funds help provide mental health support and substance misuse prevention through Youth First’s school-based student assistance program.  

Youth First partners with school districts across Indiana to embed mental health professionals in school buildings, where they become specialized mentors for students and prevention coaches for parents and teachers. Youth First Mental Health Professionals build caring relationships, foster readiness for positive change, and boost resiliency along with equipping students with valuable life skills. Their presence also contributes to a healthier and safer school environment.

Mark Suvac, President of Basin Material Handling, states, “Whether it is poverty, homelessness, addictions, or mental health issues – having a Youth First Mental Health Professional in our schools to support our young people is invaluable. Youth First is committed to caring for the mental health and welfare of K-12 students in our community, and we proudly support their mission.”

Formed in 2015 through the merger of Steeltech Partners and VCI, Basin Material Handling has become a recognized leader in providing innovative racking and fabrication solutions to automotive and industrial customers. This charitable support demonstrates a thriving community partnership and highlights the vital need to equip young people with mental health supports and positive influences. 

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Getting Back in a School Routine

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By Christine Weinzapfel-Hayden, MSW, LCSW – August 7, 2024 –

I don’t know about you, but to me it feels like the first day of summer break was just last week. How can it possibly be time to start setting those alarm clocks again?

If your family has fallen out of the school year routine, there is good news: I have four tips to make getting out the door for school a little easier. 

First and foremost, do not underestimate the importance of having a healthy sleep routine. Getting your kids (and possibly even yourself) back into a nightly schedule should be the top priority. Setting a routine will help sleep come faster to those who struggle. According to Calm.com, the best practice for a good night’s sleep is putting electronics down at least an hour before bedtime. Screen time before bed has been linked to overstimulation of the brain and can increase anxiety and depression symptoms.

Second, consistency is important. A nighttime routine can look different for every family, but for young children it should be something along the lines of eating dinner, bathing, brushing teeth, reading, and heading to bed. If your child is a visual learner, post the routine in pictures or words (depending on the age of your child) so they have a visual understanding of where they are in their routine each day. 

Third, know the plan each week. Spend part of your Saturday or Sunday looking at the week ahead and discussing as a family what everyone’s needs are and what may need adjustment. My family loves to utilize a large dry-erase calendar that hosts everything, from who is eating school lunch on which days to which practices each child needs to attend. We make sure to add extra events that may have come up and any appointments. This method works well for our family, because it not only allows us to set up a monthly/weekly schedule but also allows us to plan for anything extra that might pop up. 

Finally, do as much as you can today to prepare for tomorrow. Before going to bed each night make sure lunches are packed, backpacks have all necessary supplies, and outfits for the next day are ready to go. This takes the panic and rush out of the morning routine. If your kids are old enough, have them learn responsibility by taking part in planning activities. They can pack their lunches under your guidance, lay out their outfit based on what activities they have planned the next day, and make sure all of their needed supplies have made it back into their backpack for tomorrow. 

The first day of the new school year can sneak up on us. That doesn’t mean it has to be hurried and stressful for your family. By setting a schedule and planning ahead, you can help guarantee your back-to-school season goes smoothly.

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Setting Your Middle School Student Up for Success

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By Vicki Kirkman, LCSW, LCAC – August 1, 2024 –

The transition to middle school can be an intimidating yet exciting time for both students and parents. During a time when young adolescents are gaining independence and facing more responsibilities, it is vital that parents stay involved and continue to nurture the child-parent bond.

In preparation for this important milestone, there are several ways to help your student feel prepared and have success.

Ask your child their thoughts about preparing for middle school. Questions like, “What are you most excited about?” “Is there anything you want to know more about before you start school?” and “Do you have any worries about middle school?” can help you understand more about how your child is feeling.

Take time to physically scope out the location of the school. Many area schools host visits prior to school starting, so your child may have already visited during their last few months of elementary school. Be sure to follow up on that visit and ask your child how they felt about meeting the new staff and being in the school building.  If your child did not participate in a visit, ask to tour the building before school starts.

Talk with your child about the many changes middle school will bring. Middle school students have to learn how to navigate different classrooms/teachers throughout the school day. Often, buildings are bigger and the length of passing periods will limit how much time your child has between classes. Help them learn how to manage their time so they can have bathroom breaks, get water, or visit with friends and still be on time to class.

Time management is also important when students have more classes in middle school. Teaching your child how to make “to do” lists, organize their school material, and plan their day so they can manage classes and other afterschool activities can set them up for success.

Encourage your child to take advantage of all that middle school has to offer. Afterschool activities or clubs, sports, or new areas of interest like band or choir can provide a way for your child to meet new people and have new experiences. Keep them connected to activities outside of school too, such as volunteer opportunities, faith-based activities, or commitments that are important to your family.

Discuss characteristics that your child thinks are important to look for when keeping and making new friends. Adolescents at this age start to really value and rely on their peer relationships. Talking about values and behaviors that are important to your child will help encourage healthy friendships.

Keep open communication with your child about their growth and development. Their bodies and emotions are changing rapidly and it’s important for them to understand what is normal and how to manage the challenges that come along with puberty. Stay up to date with appointments with their primary care doctor and dentist for good health. Model and encourage good stress management and coping skills. Getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, exercising, and engaging in fun activities are habits they can develop and use their whole life.

Identify professionals in the building that can help if your student is feeling overwhelmed or needs extra support. Identify a teacher, counselor, school social worker, school nurse or other administrators as go-to people if your child needs assistance. Ask for help if more specialized support is needed. School social workers and counselors can provide ideas and referrals if community resources are needed for the student and family.

Lastly, stay engaged in your child’s education. Attend school events, sign up and read communications from the school, utilize email to stay in touch with teachers, and ask your child open-ended questions about how their day went to stay informed. If you stay attentive and involved, your middle school student will be set up for success.

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The Dangers of Vaping

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By Sara Wilson, MSW, LSW – July 24, 2024 –

According to Indiana Public Radio in October 2023, nine percent of all Indiana youth said they used e-cigarettes in the past month. And in 11th and 12th grade, nearly 20 percent of students said they had been vaping within the month.

Vaping or using e-cigarettes is an epidemic that has led to children as young as elementary age experimenting with them. Often, misinformation makes vaping sound less dangerous than traditional cigarettes. However, facts show this is not true. 

The key to preventing vaping in children and adults is education. When we know better, we do better. Important facts to communicate include the following, found at the Tobacco Education Resource Library:

  • Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine. Children and teens often believe e-cigarettes do not contain any type of nicotine, rather just the flavor juice. This myth is used to make e-cigarettes appear more “healthy” than regular cigarettes. The fact is, most e-cigarettes not only contain nicotine, but the website notes that vapes, especially one Juul pod, can contain as much nicotine as an entire pack of cigarettes.
  • By heating the ingredients, e-cigarettes create an aerosol that is inhaled. Some of the ingredients include not only nicotine, but nickel, lead, tin, aluminum, and even formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is one of the chemicals used when embalming a deceased person in order to preserve the body. 
  • Introducing such chemicals at a young age increases the risk of addiction to not only e-cigarettes, but also to other drugs. The child and teen brain is still developing and forming numerous connections. The introduction of such chemicals makes the brain feel dependent on these chemicals. 

In addition to educating your child about the real risks of e-cigarettes, there are other steps you can take to help curtail vaping. Be aware of behaviors that may indicate your child is using e-cigarettes. According to the Massachusetts Center for Adolescent Wellness, such behaviors might include increased thirst; nose bleeds; smelling like mint, candy, or fruit; increased agitation, anxiety, or impatience; secrecy or increased need for privacy.

When discussing vaping with your child, the American Lung Association recommends the following considerations:

  • Put yourself in your child’s shoes. Consider the pressure and social environment they encounter in their daily lives, and remember what that felt like when you were their age.
  • Remind your child that you are on their side without judgment or frustration. If a child feels judged, they may react defensively or tune you out completely. An open discussion is the best approach to lead to a positive outcome.
  • Find the right time and place. Choose a calm moment where vaping is already at the top of their mind, like when you’re driving past a vape shop or your child is attending an event with friends. This will help you guide the conversation and discuss vaping without defensiveness.
  • Practice having this conversation with a partner or trusted friend, and go through the points you feel are most important to communicate. Try to anticipate how the conversation will go, and prepare yourself to respond to your child calmly and respectfully. This will also encourage them to come to you with problems in the future.

If you discover that your child is vaping, contacting your pediatrician or family doctor to evaluate the level of use and possible addiction may be necessary. Often, vaping is not discovered until some time has passed. If an addiction has formed, stopping without medical guidance may be difficult or even medically unsafe. 

Keeping communication open and available without lecturing is important. Parents need children and teens to understand the dangers of e-cigarettes. Children and teens need parents to understand the pressures of engaging in using e-cigarettes. When both parties are willing to listen and understand the other, chances of prevention increase. 

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Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation Awards $10,000 to Youth First

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Grant to Provide Mental Health Support and Substance Misuse Prevention for Daviess and Martin County Youth

The Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation continues to invest in the health and well-being of Daviess and Martin County youth and families. A grant award of $10,000 was recently presented to Youth First, Inc. to provide mental health support and substance misuse prevention through their school-based student assistance program.   

The Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation, the charitable giving partner of Perdue Farms, awards grants to 501(c)(3) organizations that benefit communities where large numbers of their associates live and work and focuses on strengthening communities in the following areas: agriculture and the environment, education, fighting hunger and poverty, health and social services, and public safety.

The grant is part of Perdue Farms’ Delivering Hope To Our Neighbors® outreach focused on improving quality of life and building strong communities.

“At Perdue, we are committed to enhancing the communities where our associates live and work,” said Sara Norfolk, complex human resource manager for Perdue Farms in Washington. “We are proud to continue to invest in Youth First’s program to make sure no child falls through the cracks when it comes to mental health care.”

The grant to Youth First will allow for continued mental health support for approximately 4,350 students in 11 Daviess and Martin County schools. Youth First partners with 125 schools across 14 Indiana counties to embed prevention programs and over 90 skilled mental health professionals (primarily master’s level social workers), bilingual support personnel, and parent engagement coordinators in school buildings, where they provide extra mental health support for students and prevention coaching for parents and teachers.

Youth First Founder Dr. Bill Wooten was present at the check presentation and shared why he started the organization: “It was important to me that all children receive this type of support so they remain healthy, hopeful and focused on school.”

Youth First Mental Health Professionals build caring relationships, foster readiness for positive change, and boost resiliency along with other valuable life skills. Research shows these protective factors are the keys to effective prevention of negative outcomes for young people. The organization’s positive work and strategies are driving growth, with more schools seeking Youth First’s help to address the growing need for mental health supports for students.

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About Youth First, Inc.

Youth First, Inc. is a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening youth and families. Youth First provides prevention programs and over 100 highly trained mental health professionals (primarily master’s level social workers), parent engagement coordinators, and bilingual support personnel who assess needs, develop and implement prevention plans, and connect students and their families to vital resources, to 126 schools across 14 Indiana counties. Over 52,000 youth and families per year are served by Youth First’s school-based student assistance and community programs that promote mental health, prevent substance misuse, and maximize student success. To learn more about Youth First, visit youthfirstinc.org or call 812-421-8336.

About the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation
The Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation, the charitable giving arm of Perdue Farms, was established in 1957 by company founder Arthur W. Perdue and is funded through the estates of Arthur W. Perdue and Frank Perdue. As part of our belief in supporting the communities where and with whom we do business, the Foundation provides grants on behalf of Perdue Farms in communities where large numbers of our associates live and work. At Perdue Farms, we believe in responsible food and agriculture®.

About Perdue Farms
We’re a fourth-generation, family-owned, U.S. food and agriculture company. Through our belief in responsible food and agriculture, we are empowering consumers, customers, and farmers through trusted choices in products and services.

The premium protein portfolio within our Perdue Foods business, including our flagship PERDUE® brand, Niman Ranch®, Coleman Natural®, and Yummy®, as well as our pet brands, Spot Farms® and Full Moon®, is available through various channels including retail, foodservice, club stores and our direct-to-consumer website, PerdueFarms.com. 

Perdue AgriBusiness is an international agricultural products and services company.  

Now in our company’s second century, our path forward is about getting better, not just bigger. We never use drugs for growth promotion in raising poultry and livestock, and we are actively advancing our animal welfare programs. Our brands are leaders in no-antibiotics-ever chicken, turkey, pork, beef, and lamb, and in USDA-certified organic chicken and beef. Learn more at Corporate.PerdueFarms.com.

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Kids Need to Fail to be Successful

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By Nolan Miller, MSW, LCSW – July 17, 2024 –

Picture this. You are in school and kids are choosing teams for a basketball game. Five students are very good at the sport and five may need to work on their skills a bit more. No matter how the teams are chosen, one team will have an advantage over the other. As a result, what should we do? Quit or play the game?

For some, this question is not so easy to answer. As a school social worker, I often see children who love to play games, sports, or anything that is competitive in nature, but they do not like to lose.

It’s safe to say none of us, even adults, really want to lose. It can make us feel like we are not good enough and therefore shouldn’t even try. However, this is far from the truth. We learn more from losing than from winning.

A better question is: How do we help our children understand that it isn’t always about winning and it’s okay to lose sometimes?

For example, when playing a board game (and I know as an adult I can win this game nine times out of ten), do I let the child win sometimes or beat them every time? Perhaps try to find a balance between victories and losses. It’s all about the discussion after the game and how the child reacts. When they win, are they enjoying the win or are they gloating that they are more skilled? This may give insight on how they feel when they are losing. When they lose, are they brushing off the loss or running away from the game saying they never want to play again? 

I grew up playing sports and games with my family. I didn’t enjoy losing. However, understanding that I was more than just a competitor in a game was a lesson I could use in different aspects of my life. Bad days happen, and we have the opportunity to learn and grow from them. Some factors are not in our control, and we can either run from our struggles or learn to control our reactions.

No one expects a child to take every loss in stride, but you can begin laying the foundation to accept losses with grace and courage. Whether they are competing on the field, the court, the stage, or just playing on the playground with friends, keeping the lines of positive communication open can lead to a more positive experience with others. 

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