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What are some simple internet safety rules every elementary-age child should know? In today’s digital world, parents face the ongoing challenge of keeping their children safe online. We want our children to embrace technology and use it to learn, connect, and grow. But to do that safely, they must also understand the potential dangers that lurk online. One of the most important steps in protecting your child is building a strong relationship rooted in trust and open communication. When chi …

With the school year now in full swing, what are you noticing?     October is often when behavior and academic patterns begin to emerge that may not have been obvious when school first started.     Now, the excitement of the new academic year has worn off, routines are more established, and classroom expectations have increased. As a result, any struggles with reading, attention, organization, or executive functioning can become more noticeable.    That&rs …

How can parents build resilience and confidence in their children? When our children experience big emotions, frustration, or setbacks, it’s natural to want to help. You notice your child struggling to tie their shoe? We might quickly do it for them so you can get out the door. Did they come home upset about a disagreement with a friend? We may immediately want to know who hurt them, offer advice, or tell them to stay away from that person. Our instinct to help comes from a good place, but …

This isn’t just another back-to-school blog. Well, maybe it is. But only sorta. Here’s why… Back-to-school season is often a mixed bag of emotions for our kiddos, regardless of their age.  Some will be excited to reconnect with friends, join activities, and settle back into the social rhythms of school. Others may feel anxious about entering a new grade, meeting unfamiliar teachers, navigating a different building, or adapting to new routines. Adding to those emotions is …

Peer pressure is a normal part of growing up, but that does not make it easy for children to navigate. From wanting to fit in with friends to feeling pressured to make choices that go against their values, kids face social influences every day. The good news is that peer pressure resistance is a skill that can be taught and strengthened. Why Teaching Kids About Peer Pressure Matters Children experience peer pressure in many forms. Sometimes it is obvious, such as being encouraged to break rule …

Self‑determination plays a huge role in how we set goals, stay motivated, and bounce back when things get hard. You can see it when a student keeps practicing even after failing a test, when a teenager advocates for what they need, or when an adult sticks with a long-term goal despite setbacks. Whether you are supporting students, clients, or your own personal growth, these seven steps can help strengthen self‑determination in practical, meaningful ways. 1. Understand What Self‑Determination Is …

For many families, the holidays are the most wonderful time of the year - a magical season filled with bright lights, fun music, and lots of sweet treats. As wonderful as the holiday season is, it can also be overwhelming. For some families, the holiday season brings financial hardship, missing loved ones, or changes in routine that disrupt stability. Additionally, the hustle and bustle of holiday activities can be overstimulating. For children, the excitement and anticipation can be hard to reg …

​​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 …