Published on October 15th, 2025
Many parents carry guilt about the world they’re leaving their children. One parent shared: “I think I have a lot of grief, not being able to give them that ‘the world is possible’ sort of attitude.” Meanwhile, teens report anger at older generations: “Why didn’t you do something when you could have?” The Climate Mental […]
Published on October 15th, 2025
When your teenager comes home talking about climate change from school, or when wildfire smoke fills the sky, you have the ability to set the tone for an ongoing conversation. Climate Mental Health Network’s focus groups with parents nationwide shows that 100% of families have experienced climate disruptions, yet fewer than half of parents have […]
Published on October 15th, 2025
Miscommunication happens in every family, often in small ways that create big frustrations. The exercise: Each person draws a single, continuous line on a piece of paper without showing the other person. The line can have curves, angles, loops…whatever you want. Then, one person describes their line using only words (no hand gestures, no showing […]
Published on October 15th, 2025
One of the most powerful tools for family connection is also one of the simplest: accurately reflecting back what someone just said from their point of view. The challenge: Most of us listen to respond rather than listening to understand. We’re mentally preparing our rebuttal or solution while the other person is still talking. The […]
Published on October 15th, 2025
Many young people hesitate to ask for help due to fears of judgment or being a burden. Research indicates that structured approaches to seeking support are often more effective than informal methods. Transitioning from feelings of isolation and disconnection to a sense of belonging can evoke vulnerability, but it is a vital step toward connection […]
Published on October 15th, 2025
The Kids Mental Health Foundation highlights that families who have brief, meaningful conversations daily have healthier relationships! But “meaningful” doesn’t mean heavy or therapeutic. It means genuinely curious about your child’s inner world. Start small with these daily connection points Morning questions (pick one): After-school questions (that aren’t “How was school?”): Bedtime questions: The key […]
Published on October 15th, 2025
When your teenager stomps through the door or melts down over homework, how you respond in those first moments matter. The Kids Mental Health Foundation highlights that how we respond in these moments determines whether our kids will keep talking to us or shut down completely. What works: The goal isn’t to solve everything. It’s […]