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Fence with signs on it that say Don't give up and You Matter.

This September: Start a conversation. Be the difference.

Each September is national Suicide Prevention Month. In 2023, 12.8 people seriously thought about suicide and 1.5 million people attempted it. Over 49,000 people died by suicide in 2023. That is one death every 11 seconds. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. The...
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colored pencils, crayons and paper clips

Back to school tips for parents and students

The beginning of school means changes from the “free flowing” days of summer to regular daily routines. Here are some tips from West Virginia University Extension to help boost your children’s attitude, confidence and school performance.Re-establish school time biorhythms. Get back into regular...
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Sad preschooler sitting next to a window on a rainy day

When children mourn

Grief is a difficult experience for people of all ages, but navigating grief and loss can be especially challenging and confusing for young children. August 30 is National Grief Awareness Day, and I wanted to share this tip sheet from the Illinois Early...
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child flying a kite

Indoor and outdoor activities for kids and families

Summers at home can often feel like a full-time job of having to find constant entertainment for the kiddos. The good news? You don’t need an elaborate vacation or expensive outings to create a summer that’s filled with memories. Thinking of new, fun, and engaging activities can be difficult, but...
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one younger hand on top of older hands

Siblings working together as caregivers

Many things affect sibling relationships when caring for a parent:Do all the siblings want the same thing for the parent?What do past relationships look like?How should care be divided?What kind of care is needed?Who provides amount/type of care among siblings?Where will the parent live if they...
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Mother and child blowing bubbles

Find some relaxing family time this summer

Summer is here and many families are packing up for a memorable family vacation.   Sometimes families arrive home from their trip exhausted and irritable. Planning relaxed family time together at home can be an alternative.  Slow down the pace and plan for a family night in...
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three children feeding a rabbit

Helping youth find purpose in their lives

Purpose is defined as a strong stable sense of commitment to something that is meaningful to you and makes a difference in the world around you. It can be found in all aspects of life and can change over time.Why is purpose important?Purpose increases well being. People with higher levels of...
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