Articles

Decisions, Decisions…How Can We Prepare Our Children to Make Responsible Choices?

By Jennifer Miller, M.Ed. “I don’t like playing anymore, but all my friends are joining the team again,” relays my eleven-year-old son, Ethan, voicing his debate over whether to commit to another season of baseball. He has played for a number of years cultivating valuable friendships along the way. But, as he’s grown, the coaches, …

Parenting and Divorce

Parenting with Dual Families: Two Vital Ways to Support a Positive Summer Visit with a Parent

By Kelly Killham, LCSW Parenting through divorce is difficult, to say the least, but one of many main points reiterated tirelessly from experts is that children should maintain important, independent relationships with each parent whether the household is married, single, or divorced because it fosters good judgment, character, and values. While being separated for the …

Children’s Growing Identity: Cultivating Self-Awareness to Inspire Confidence

By Jennifer Miller, M.Ed. In those last sweet days of summer, Mom Margaret wanted to do something enjoyable with both kids in addition to the typical flurry of school supply shopping. But she hesitated to propose an outing when she noticed that ten-year-old Olivia was slinking around the house seeming down. When Margaret asked her …

Five Truths About Middle Schoolers and How Parents Can Make the Most of a Critical Phase

By Phyllis L. Fagell. LCPC “When Maia starts sixth grade in the fall, I’m putting you on speed dial,” my friend Jackie told me over lunch. “I was the mean girl in middle school, and karma is going to bite me. Tell me the truth—just how bad will it be?” As a school counselor who …

Who Should You Trust With Your Mental Health?

By Daniel Champer, LCPC – Intermountain Clinical Director When you have a headache, you can take ibuprofen to feel better regardless of the brand. This is because ibuprofen must follow a chemical manufacturing standard allowing it to be called ibuprofen. Unfortunately, psychotherapy (therapy) is not ibuprofen. While there are standards of care that accompany every …

Warning Signs of Substance Use and How to Address Substance Use With Your Child

By Kendall Small, LAC, Florence Crittenton There are many concerns with raising children in a technology heavy era, one concern being potential substance use. Symptoms of substance use can be difficult to recognize due to the commonality of behaviors that areassociated with being a teen such as mood swings, sleeping more than normal, and breaking …