Habits: What They Are, and How to Form (or Change) Them

Introduction: Every single person has habits that they’ve created, consciously or unconsciously. Those habits can be healthy and productive, like going to the gym in the morning, or setting the dishwasher at night. They can also be destructive to our health and wellbeing. This article breaks down the science behind habits; it provides tips on […]

Regulating Emotions 101: Why It’s Important and How to Do It

Introduction: Learning to identify and regulate emotions effectively is a hallmark of self-management. This article explains what emotions are, why emotional regulation is important, and shares effective strategies you can try to process and control your emotional responses. Emotions 101: Emotions are reactions that humans subjectively experience in response to stimuli like an event or […]

Two Keys to Avoiding Adolescent Morning Meltdowns

Introduction: Mornings can be hard for anyone of any age, but especially for families with adolescents. Now that school is back in session, it’s time for the morning rush out of the door, which can cause a lot of stress for both the teen and caregiver. But with a few changes, mornings can become easeful […]

Two Exercises to Increase Self-Awareness (for Adolescents and Adults)

What is self-awareness? Self-awareness is the conscious knowledge of who we are and why we do what we do. Psychologists Shelley Duval and Robert Wicklund put it this way: “Self-awareness is the ability to focus on yourself and how your actions, thoughts, or emotions do or don’t align with your internal standards. If you’re highly […]

4 Strategies Caring Adults Can Use to Foster Resilience in Young People

Introduction: What is resilience? It is the ability to dust yourself off and try again in the face of challenges or defeat. Resilience allows humans to adapt to stress and recover in order to pursue high interest goals. Resilience is strongly linked to mental health for adolescents and adults. Resilience decreases stress, anxiety, depression and […]

Three Ways to Help Teens Through the Back-to-School Scaries

In the blink of an eye, summer is on its way out and a new school year is on the horizon. That means it’s time to get adolescents and teens prepared for what’s ahead. But – if they’re like most kids out there – they have no interest in stopping the summer fun, and plan […]

Three Lessons Teens Can Learn Watching Athletes in the Paris 2024 Olympics

Millions of eyes will be on Paris, France this week as the 2024 Summer Olympic Games kick off. Elite athletes from around the world are chosen or must qualify to compete in hopes of securing medals in their sport on the behalf of their country. Athletes as young as thirteen have an opportunity to make […]

3 Ways Adults Can Help Teens Develop Their Own Values

Introduction: Think of values like an inner compass; they provide direction along the journey of life. Values are a core piece of an individual’s self-understanding and identity. Values define what one considers to be important in terms of living life and interacting with others. Adolescence is defined by a rapid period of cognitive, physical, and […]