Blog

As the holidays approach, gratitude tends to take center stage. Whether it’s a classroom activity, a dinner table tradition, or a social media post, we’re all encouraged to pause and reflect on what we’re thankful for. But here’s the truth: gratitude isn’t just a seasonal exercise. It’s a skill—one that can be taught, practiced, and strengthened over time. And for kids, it’s a powerful tool that can shape how they see themselves, others, and the wo …

As a school counselor, you play a pivotal role in shaping the emotional climate of your school. When students feel safe, valued, and respected, they’re more likely to engage, build healthy relationships, and thrive academically and socially. One of the most effective ways to foster this environment is by intentionally promoting a culture of kindness. Why Kindness Matters Kindness isn’t just a “nice-to-have” trait—it’s a foundational skill that supports emotion …

Anxiety is one of the most common emotional challenges children face, and it can show up in many ways—from avoidance and irritability to physical symptoms like stomachaches. Fortunately, books can be powerful tools to help children understand and cope with anxious feelings. Here are five titles from Boys Town Press that support emotional regulation and resilience in young readers. Stress Stinks by Bryan Smith Amelia feels overwhelmed by the pressures of school, sports, and responsibilities …

When it comes to helping kids grow, both in and out of the classroom, one of the most powerful tools we have is simple: communication. More specifically, communication that begins early and comes from a place of positivity and partnership. Start Early. Stay Connected. Reaching out to families early, before any issues arise, sets the tone for a strong and trusting relationship. When parents hear from you when things are going well, not just when there are problems, they feel like true partners in …

It’s that time of year again! Crisp mornings and earlier sunsets signal more than just the end of summer. They also mean back-to-school shopping, homework help, and the start of fall sports.  In many ways, school is like a team sport. You have players and supportive leaders who work together to create a culture of learning, growth, and success. But just like in sports, not every player follows the rules of good conduct. In fact, bullying, whether verbal, physical, relational, or cyber …

​​The following ​is a Q&A with Boys Town Behavioral expert, Dr. Patricia Gisbert, on some of the most common questions parents have about using praise with their younger children. Q: What is Praise? A: More than anything else, children want and need the attention of ​their parents and they will do anything to get it. Praise is the positive attention and approval children crave from their parents. Unfortunately, we often tend to give children negative attention only when they are doing s …

Do you like parent-teacher conferences? Hearing that your little Tommy is excelling in his studies can be awesome. Hearing that your little Tessa is easily distracted and disruptive can be alarming. Every parent-teacher conference has the potential to bring up fraught emotions. But if you can proactively put yourself in a positive mindset and adopt a collaborative attitude, you can make the experience much less stressful and much more rewarding. Remember: This is an awesome opportunity to connec …

From grief to puberty and everything in between, parents and teachers are bound to face tough conversations with their children. As school counselors, we’re often the ones helping to guide these moments, whether we’re supporting families, talking to teachers, or navigating difficult conversations ourselves.  Here are a few go-to strategies I use myself, as well as tips I frequently share with families and staff to help support making tough conversations easier. Tips for Parents …

Children of all ages thrive when given clear, structured expectations. These expectations help to create a predictable and consistent environment that feels safe. When children feel safe, they’re more likely to display positive behaviors and meet expectations successfully. The Basics of Setting Expectations At Boys Town, we like to say, “If you can predict it, you can plan for it.” Think about the moments in the day that tend to bring out negative reactions in your child, such …

Back-to-school season can stir up a lot of emotions for kids, especially for Generation Alpha. These are the first kids to grow up fully in the digital age. Their brains are constantly absorbing information, sounds, and screens, which keeps their nervous systems more activated than ever. That’s why understanding what’s happening underneath their behavior matters. Big emotions aren’t random; they’re part of how the brain and body work together. Here’s the simple vers …