Articles and Blog Posts

We are finally having spring and with that moving in to the time of year where we celebrate many events: proms, award ceremonies, graduations. Each school and community has its traditions and unique way to say bravo and congratulations. This is the season where we commemorate and mark milestones. While doing so, it is critical to consider not just what the party theme might be, but to give equal thought and importance to how we keep our teens safe and how to prevent tragedy.

It is hard to believe it is June and that despite all the snow this past winter another school year is drawing to a close. Youth Health Connection has spent this year dedicated to studying bullying with the intent of creating a comprehensive understanding of what it is, how to be aware of it and what we can do about it.

With National Children’s Mental Health Week, May 1 – 7, 2011 we want to recognize the importance of mandated behavioral screenings during annual well child visits.

With the arrival of the middle of March comes the process of students and parents receiving letters/emails from colleges bearing news of acceptances and rejections. This is a time of tremendous anticipation and for some, anxiety. We know that these notices have the power to induce joy or carry the weight of disappointment.

While every day should be Childhood Mental Health Awareness Day, May 3rd will kick off a national campaign to raise awareness of the mental health needs of children and youth. Data show that at least 1 in 5 children and adolescence have a mental disorder, 1 in 10 have a serious disorder.

On Tuesday, March 29th, Dr. Ned Hallowell spoke to an auditorium full of parents, educators, and medical professionals. He spoke personally and professionally and shared his years of accumulated research and clinical wisdom. Perhaps most importantly, he inspired those in attendance to understand that learning differences: ADD, Dyslexia, Processing Speed, among others need not be a curse if managed correctly.

Waiting to hear, then what?????? Even though it does not feel like Spring in New England, we know it is coming.  Gardens are beginning to come back from a long winter, driveway snow stakes are being removed and the Red Sox are one week away from opening day in...

We know April 1st is coming by the calendar, by the appearance of robins, by the announcement of Lester pitching on Red Sox Opening Day and by the signs of spring in the garden. There are other signals that April 1st is coming with attention being focused on the news from college applications.

May 6, 2010 marks National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day.  The nationwide focus this year is early childhood.  The goal is to help communities to: Integrate mental health into every environment that impacts child development from birth Nurture the social...

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. It lists best practice suicide prevention programs across the United States.

SAMSHA, the Ad Council and Inspire USA Foundation have announced the launch of a national public service announcement campaign designed to reduce the occurrence of suicide and suicide attempts among teens.   Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15-24...

In 1998 Ryan Whitney died in Lyons Quarry following a drinking event with friends.  Since that date, Dr. John Knight, founder and Director of the Center for Adolescent Substance Abuse Research at Children’s Hospital Boston, has dedicated himself to educating...

Modeling for Caring and Empathy All year YHC will be addressing the topic of bullying.  One of the key elements for helping children, families, school and communities is to build on the power of caring and empathy and the emotional climate in the classroom and...

An event at the House of Blues on February 20th brought 1500 people together trying to “make Noise to Save a Life”. The event was an effort to raise money for the Samaritans and included a concert, loud clothing, dancing and noise on the dance floor.

With February upon us I find myself reflecting on a number of topics.  With our dedicated focus this year on bullying,  schools have hosted speakers, trained trainers, submitted plans to the state, etc.  The good news is that the state mandate has raised the issue...

The following 10 tips for teaching empathy are evidence based inspired by scientific research and have been compiled by Gwen Dewar, Ph.D. Address your child’s own needs, and teach him how to “bounce back” from distress Be a “mind minded” parent Seize everyday...

I am pleased to share the news that over the past several days we have been notified that Youth Health Connection is receiving several awards and grants. In a State House ceremony on February 14, YHC will receive a State Leadership Award for Suicide Prevention...

Thursday, December 2nd Howard Gardner, Ph.D. spoke at Duxbury High School, sponsored by the Parent Connection and Bay Farm Montessori School. Dr. Gardner focused his presentation on the work described in his book, 5 Minds for the Future.

As we prepare for our first term Freshman to come home for Thanksgiving it is important to take a minute and reflect.  It was just a couple of weeks ago that you completed the drop off and good by process.  Take a moment, close your eyes, breathe deeply and recall...

I hope your return to school has been smooth and that you found time during the summer to restore your energy, refuel your batteries, and recalibrate your work/life balance. September can be a very vexing month for families and youth. Getting back into the structure and demands of school can be challenging. Remembering to take it one day at a time and keeping focus on wellbeing can help.