Mental Health Progress, Not Perfection: Supporting Teens in a High-Pressure World February 10, 2026 / January 12, 2026 If you’ve ever caught yourself saying, “I just want them to do their best,” you’re not alone. Every parent or caregiver wants to see their teen thrive and feel proud of themselves. But sometimes, in that desire to encourage and support, teens start to believe that being their “best” means being perfect. Without realizing it, adults can add to […] Read more
Connection and Communication The Power of Vulnerability: How Emotional Honesty Builds Trust With Your Teen February 3, 2026 / January 12, 2026 You’ve probably heard the saying, “Actions speak louder than words.” That’s especially true when it comes to emotional honesty. Teens don’t just notice how you handle discomfort and difficult feelings; they take cues from it too. When you’re willing to share parts of your own story in a way that’s thoughtful and appropriate, you show your teen that being human is okay. Vulnerability is a superpower. It’s the courage […] Read more
Connection and Communication Rebuilding trust with your teen January 27, 2026 / January 12, 2026 Trust can feel like it breaks very quickly, especially when feelings are strong. Maybe your teen found out you looked through their phone, or you learned they were not honest about something important. In moments like that, it can feel like all the trust between you is gone. But trust between parents and teens is not just […] Read more
Quitting Nicotine Helping Your Teen Quit January 20, 2026 / January 9, 2026 When a young person says they want to quit vaping, they are making a really important and difficult choice! Quitting nicotine is tough because it’s very addictive. Nicotine changes how the developing brain works, affects mood, and creates strong habits that are hard to break. Even though quitting can feel overwhelming, many teens say having a calm, supportive adult […] Read more
Connection and Communication Quitting Nicotine When Your Teen is Vaping January 13, 2026 / January 9, 2026 When you learn that a young person you care about is using nicotine, it’s normal to feel worried, surprised, or unsure what to say. Many adults want their teen to quit right away, but change is more likely to happen when a young person feels ready and supported to make that choice. No one can be forced to stop […] Read more
Connection and Communication Warm and Firm Boundaries December 16, 2025 / November 10, 2025 Whether it’s about sleepovers, curfews, social media, chores, or how they express themselves through their appearance, it’s common for teens to test the boundaries their parents set. Pushing against rules is often how teens practice balancing freedom with responsibility. Still, many parents worry that rules might come across as controlling. That concern makes sense—you want to protect your teen without stifling […] Read more
Connection and Communication Why Consistency Matters December 9, 2025 / November 10, 2025 Teenage years can feel like a rollercoaster — full of firsts, big emotions, and unpredictable shifts from one day to the next. One moment, your teen may want independence; the next, they may need you close. Through it all, one powerful way you can build trust is by simply showing up over and over again. Consistency, even during all the changes […] Read more
Mental Health Helping your teen get mental health care December 2, 2025 / November 10, 2025 Teens are already building resilience as they navigate the ups and downs of their teenage years, and they thrive even more when they have parents and caregivers they trust, like you, showing up for them. Sometimes, supporting your teen also means helping them connect to professional mental health care like a therapist or a counselor. Finding the right kind of care isn’t always easy though: barriers like waitlists, cost, insurance networks, finding the right match, […] Read more
Mental Health Social Media, Vaping, and Your Teen’s Mental Health November 25, 2025 / November 10, 2025 When your teen scrolls TikTok or Instagram, chances are vaping shows up somewhere in their feed. It might be influencers showing off colorful devices, quick videos of “vape tricks,” or memes that make vaping look harmless and fun. These are powerful images, and they are not random. Vape companies design this content to make vaping look trendy while downplaying the real risks. Social […] Read more
Mental Health Why do teens vape? November 18, 2025 / November 10, 2025 You’ve probably noticed more teens vaping these days, but the story behind it isn’t just about nicotine or trends. For many young people, vaping is a way to cope with stress, fit in with peers, or manage big emotions that come with growing up. Understanding what’s really driving this behavior can help adults respond with empathy. First, what is vaping? Vaping means breathing […] Read more
