Parenting | Adolescent Counseling Services

Navigating Social Media: A Guide for Parents

in Depression / Disordered Eating / Mental Health / Monitoring Media / Perfectionism / Setting Boundaries / Social Media / Teen Privacy / Teen self-esteem / Teen Self-Image / Teens and Technology by Adolescent Counseling Services April 2, 2025March 26, 2025 0 comments

Written By: Julia Rumb, Clinical Trainee at ACS, On-Campus Counseling Program PEOPLE HAVE REALIZEDmore than ever that social media is a big part of a teenagers’ life. However, social networks can be useful as they foster connection and belonging, while at the same time it presents specific dangers to mental health, body image, and self-esteem. […]

How to Talk to Your Child About Suicide and Self-Harm

in Cutting / Depression / Mental Health / Parent Tips / Parent-Child Communication / Parent-Teen Communication / Parenting / Self-Harm / Suicide / Suicide Prevention by Adolescent Counseling Services March 12, 2025March 10, 2025 0 comments

Written By: Holly Fitch, Clinical Trainee at ACS, Outlet Program TALKING ABOUT SUICIDEand self-harm may be intimidating, but it is a crucial conversation to have with your child. Both suicide and self-harm are becoming increasingly common for children and adolescents. The goal of these conversations is to be open and understanding, while also taking steps […]

Simple Tips for Giving Clear Instructions

in Mental Health / Parent Tips / Parent-Child Communication / Parent-Teen Communication / Parenting / Setting Boundaries by Adolescent Counseling Services March 5, 2025March 4, 2025 0 comments

Written By: Christina Desage, Clinical Trainee at ACS, On-Campus Counseling Program EFFECTIVE INSTRUCTIONS are the foundation of positive communication between parents and children, fostering understanding and cooperation. When instructions are clear, concise, and delivered with a calm and respectful tone, children are more likely to grasp and act on them. This clarity not only enhances […]

Supporting your Child with ADHD

in Mental Health / Parent Tips / Parenting / Uncategorized by Adolescent Counseling Services January 30, 2025January 29, 2025 0 comments

Written By: Michelle Murphy, Clinical Trainee at ACS, On-Campus Counseling Program AS A PARENT it’s not easy to understand how your child or teen is experiencing ADHD. What are the visual and auditory sensations accompanying the disorder? What is contributing to their lack motivation and focus to complete a task? This 6 minute film, gives […]

When Growing Pains Aren’t Just Growing Pains: What Every Caregiver Needs to Know

in Mental Health / Parenting by Adolescent Counseling Services January 22, 2025February 26, 2025 0 comments

Written By: Hunter Fredericksen, Clinical Trainee at ACS, Outlet Program WHETHER YOU AREa caregiver or not, witnessing a child in pain is a heart wrenching experience. There is a profound and inherent sense of helplessness when a child complains about illness, pain, and discomfort. My parents recall my complaints of pain beginning around age 4, […]

The Impact of Social Media on Teen Social Anxiety: What Families Should Know

in Anxiety / Behavioral Norms / Cyberbullying / Mental Health / Monitoring Media / Online Monitoring / Parenting / Social Anxiety / Social Media / Social Media Abuse / Teen Development / Teen self-esteem / Teen Self-Image / Teens and Technology by Adolescent Counseling Services January 13, 2025January 13, 2025 0 comments

Written By: Tracy Kraft, Clinical Trainee at ACS, On-Campus Counseling Program IN TODAY’S DIGITAL WORLD,social media has become a vital tool for teenagers to connect with their peers, share their experiences, and express themselves. While it offers benefits such as social support and online companionship, research increasingly shows that social media can contribute to mental […]

Mindful Parenting: Responding to Your Child’s Big Feelings

in Anger Management / Emotional Intelligence / Emotional Regulation / Emotional Regulation / Mental Health / Parent Tips / Parenting / Stress / Stress Management / Teaching Mindfulness by Adolescent Counseling Services December 11, 2024December 10, 2024 0 comments

Written By: Teagan Novick, Clinical Trainee at ACS, On-Campus Counseling Program WHEN YOUR CHILDexpresses big feelings, there are several ways in which a parent can respond. A helpful tool when learning to recognize and respond to a child’s distress can be mindful parenting. Practicing mindful parenting consists of five key elements: awareness, attention, nonjudgmental acceptance, […]

The Impact of Academic Pressure and Stress on Mental Health

in Academic Stress / Anxiety / Emotional Regulation / Mental Health / Parenting / Perfectionism / Stress / Stress Management by Adolescent Counseling Services November 27, 2024November 25, 2024 0 comments

Written By: Julia Albro, Clinical Trainee at ACS, On-Campus Counseling Program ACADEMIC PRESSUREacademic stress are two constructs that heavily apply to the child and adolescent population. They are ones that are not often discussed, with implications that can be physically, emotionally, and mentally harmful for those experiencing them. With the increase in youth’s feelings of […]

The Rock and Role of Music in Adolescent Development: Exploring the Benefits of Listening to Music for Adolescent Development

in Academic Stress / Emotional Regulation / Identity Formation / Identity Formation / Mental Health / Parenting / Self care / Stress Management / Teen Development / Uncategorized by Adolescent Counseling Services November 6, 2024November 4, 2024 0 comments

Written By: Sarah Hulscher, Clinical Trainee at ACS, On-Campus Counseling Program NEARLY EVERYcoming-of-age movie involves a scene with a teen protagonist listening to some of their favorite music way too loud. Often, these favorite songs aren’t appreciated by the parents of the aforementioned main character. The classic phrase of “turn that racket off” has been […]

Fostering Emotional Intelligence in Children

in Anger Management / Emotional Intelligence / Emotional Regulation / Emotional Regulation / Mental Health / Parent Role Models / Parent Tips / Parenting / Stress Management / Teaching Mindfulness by Adolescent Counseling Services October 23, 2024October 18, 2024 0 comments

Written By: Daniel Stepanian, Clinical Trainee at ACS, On-Campus Counseling Program EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCEis a vital interpersonal skill for both children and adults. It is the ability to name, understand, and manage our own emotions, as well as identify the emotions of those around us. High emotional intelligence helps kids navigate their ever-changing social environment and […]