Articles written by Susan Carney

Implementing Character Education Programs: Teaching Kids to be Moral and Ethical

College awareness activities are a great way to get kids excited about the possibility of a college education. more...

Oct 30, 2009

Learning How to Pay Attention in Class: Strategies for Improving Student Focus

Ideas for infusing character education activities into all aspects of the school experience. more...

Oct 10, 2009

Planning Youth Team Building Activities: How to Conduct Fun Icebreakers and Other Group Activities With Teens

Every student has had the experience of drifting off in class from time to time. Help kids practice these skills for maintaining focus. more...

Sep 26, 2009

Homework Help for Middle School Students: Parent Tips for Academic Support

Directions for youth workers on selecting, preparing, and implementing team building activities for young people. more...

Sep 11, 2009

Category: Middle School

How much homework help is the right amount for students whose goal is to become academically independent? more...

Aug 26, 2009

Student School Adjustment Problems: Identifying Reasons for School Avoidance

Protecting Teens From Internet Dangers: Survey Says Less Than Half of Parents Take Online Safety Precaution

Not all students greet the new school year positively. Here are five key reasons why students may have difficulty transitioning back into school. more...

Aug 14, 2009

Teens Who Text While Driving at Increased Risk: Recent Study Shows Texting Drivers 23 Times More Likely to Crash

Are parents concerned about keeping their kids safe online? And what steps are they taking to make sure they are? more...

Jul 31, 2009

Category: At-Risk Youth Support

Any distraction behind the wheel can add to the risk of a crash. But a 23-fold increase due to a behavior teens engage in regularly is cause for alarm. more...

Jul 17, 2009

Building Relationships With Teens: Ten Ways for Youth Workers to Build Trust and Respect

Category: Managing Youth Workers

A good relationship is crucial for making an impact when working with teens. There are several common elements. more...

Jul 3, 2009

Risky Summer Activities for Teens: Unsafe Temptations for Bored and Unsupervised Kids

Category: At-Risk Youth Support

Without school to occupy their time and provide structure, kids may be at risk for engaging in any number of high-risk activities. more...

Jun 9, 2009

The Search Institute's 40 Developmental Assets: Helping Teens Prevent Risky Behavior and Promote Resiliency

Uniquely Me! Program Builds Self-Esteem in Girls: Girl Scouts and Dove Self-Esteem Fund Create Life Skills Curriculum

The more assets a young person has, the better he or she will be able to manage life's problems and avoid unhealthy or dangerous choices. more...

May 21, 2009

Interview with Youth Activist Dallas Jessup: Just Yell Fire Founder and Young Revolutionaries Who Rock Author

Based on current research, the Uniquely Me! Program targets critical developmental areas in an attempt to boost self-esteem and eliminate at-risk behaviors. more...

May 7, 2009

Girl Scouts of America: Helping Girls Develop Confidence and Leadership Skills

Dallas Jessup shares what she has learned on her journey, as well as the journeys of several other young activists who are making a difference, in her new book. more...

May 5, 2009

Teaching Preschoolers How to Clean Up: Building Organizational Skills in Small Children

Girl Scouting provides girls with myriad opportunities to develop skills, interests, and character. more...

Apr 23, 2009

Category: Early Childhood Development

Showing kids how to clean up after themselves can help them develop skills and habits that will last a lifetime. more...

Apr 17, 2009

Packing for Vacations with Babies and Toddlers: Top Ten Must Have Items for Trips with Small Children

Category: Infants & Toddlers (general)

You don't need to bring everything; it just seems that way. Narrow your focus to things that will make your trip simple, safe, and (relatively) stress-free. more...

Apr 6, 2009

YMCA Healthy Kids Day: Programs Promote Healthy Lifestyles for Kids and Families

Staff Team Building Activities: Benefits to Youth Workers in Developing Group Skills

By offering a strong network of programming, the YMCA fulfills its goal of "Building strong kids, strong families, and strong communities." more...

Mar 30, 2009

Category: Managing Youth Workers

Team-building activities don't have to take a lot of time out of busy schedules, but can help staff members grow both as a group and individually. more...

Mar 26, 2009

The Ophelia Project: Creating Safe Climates for Teens

Category: At-Risk Youth Support

The Ophelia Project provides research-based resources and strategies to prevent relational aggression among youth. more...

Mar 18, 2009

Teen Obesity Causes and Risks: Why Kids are Gaining Weight, and How They Can Stay Healthy

Category: At-Risk Youth Support

As the number of overweight teens continues to rise, more is learned about the associated health problems and risks. more...

Mar 11, 2009

Teens, TV Viewing, and Depression: Study Links Adolescent TV Use and Later Development of Depression

Category: At-Risk Youth Support

A new study finds a link between television watching in early adolescence and the development of depression later in life. Several factors could be contributing to this. more...

Mar 5, 2009

Gambling Addictions and Teens: National Problem Gambling Awareness Week is March 1-7

Category: At-Risk Youth Support

Problem gambling is not often thought of as a youth issue, but for many teens, a seemingly harmless hobby can easily develop into something more serious. more...

Feb 16, 2009

Student Truancy Causes and Solutions: Reasons Kids Don't Attend School, and Ways Educators Can Help

Category: At-Risk Youth Support

Help students improve their academic achievement by improving their school attendance. more...

Feb 4, 2009

National School Counseling Week is Feb 2-6, 2009: Celebrating the Ways Counselors Help Students Grow and Achieve

Test Taking Tips for Teens: Strategies for Earning Good Grades on Assessments

National School Counseling Week is a time to recognize school counselors, the many ways they provide support , and how they constantly strive to improve their programs. more...

Jan 27, 2009

Facilitating Teen Conflict Resolution: Helping Kids Resolve Social Problems

Tests can be a source of anxiety for many students. Help them with these ten tips to test taking. more...

Jan 16, 2009

Category: At-Risk Youth Support

Cliques, rumors, insecurity, and hormones create the perfect breeding ground for social conflicts. Help kids learn a model to solve their own problems peacefully. more...

Jan 6, 2009

Helping Kids Develop Social Skills: Learning How to Build Friendships and Personal Connections

Category: At-Risk Youth Support

Social skills deficits can interfere with kids' ability to make friends and feel accepted. Learn how to help support development in this critical area. more...

Nov 18, 2008

Holiday Gifts for Toddlers and Preschoolers: Inexpensive Presents that Promote Healthy Development in Children

Category: Infant/Toddler Play

When budgets are tight, remember that simple, classic toys are often less expensive and better for kids. more...

Nov 7, 2008

How to Teach Children to be Thankful: Helping Kids Learn to Recognize and Show Appreciation

Category: Early Childhood Development

Kids are never too young to start learning how to see and show thanks for the good things in their lives. more...

Nov 3, 2008

Teens and Anabolic Steroids: Side Effects and Health Consequences for Young Athletes

Category: At-Risk Youth Support

Teens may view steroids use as a quick way to build size and strength. They may not realize that they are gambling with their health. more...

Oct 16, 2008

National Safe Schools Week: Speak Up Campaign Focuses on Youth Violence Prevention

Category: Youth Activities

October 19- 25 is National Safe Schools Week, which empowers young people to prevent violence in their schools. more...

Sep 7, 2008

Empowering Youth by Kelly Curtis: How to Encourage Young Leaders to Do Great Things

Category: Youth Activities

Empowering Youth: How to Encourage Young Leaders to Do Great Things! is published by the Search Institute and is based on their 40 Developmental Assets for adolescents. more...

Aug 20, 2008

Teens, Alcohol, and Sexual Activity: Impaired Judgment Puts Teens at Risk

Helping Kids Develop Social Communication Skills: Building Healthy Relationships Between Teens

Teens who drink are more likely to participate in dangerous sexual behavior for a variety of reasons. Help them understand the risks. more...

Aug 10, 2008

Setting Limits with Kids and Teens: Six Strategies for Avoiding Power Struggles

Many of the conflicts that occur between kids are due to deficits in social communication skills. But there are strategies that can help. more...

Jul 20, 2008

Category: At-Risk Youth Support

Many adults who work with teens often find it challenging to set appropriate limits without escalating situations into arguments or power struggles. more...

Jul 10, 2008

Teens and Impulse Spending: Ten Tips for Smart Shopping

National ASK Day: Before You Send Your Kids to Play, ASK About Guns in the Home

More disposable income than ever before, coupled with targeted advertising that takes advantage of their vulnerabilities, has helped to turn teens into impulse spenders. more...

Jun 21, 2008

Category: Early Childhood (general)

June 21st is National ASK Day, a day which reminds parents who send their children to play at other homes to ask the question "Is there a gun in your home?" more...

Jun 9, 2008

Top 10 Outside Activities for Kids: Ideas to Help Teens Get Back to Nature

Category: Youth Activities

Kids don't play outside as much as they used to. Here are some more simple activities that you can use this summer to get your kids back in touch with the outside world. more...

May 28, 2008

Nature Activities for Teens: Encouraging Kids to Play Outside

Category: Youth Activities

Kids today are spending more time on the couch and less time enjoying the natural world outside. more...

May 10, 2008

Dealing With Teen Drama: Why Teen Girls Have Trouble Communicating With Each Other

Talking to Teens: Strategies for Getting Kids to Open Up

Without proper role models for resolving conflicts, teen girls often resort to ineffective ways of solving interpersonal problems. more...

Apr 17, 2008

Teens and STDs: Prevention and Treatment of Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Try these activities for strengthening communication between kids and adults. more...

Apr 2, 2008

College Visits and Teens: Tips for Preparing for Your University Tour

April is National Sexually Transmitted Disease Awareness Month. Find out why teens are at increased risk and how you can help. more...

Mar 19, 2008

Teens Who Take Medication: What Educators Need to Know about Psychotropic Drugs

Visiting colleges takes time, money, and energy. In order to make the most out of this opportunity, you will also want to do some prep work ahead of time. more...

Mar 7, 2008

Category: At-Risk Youth Support

Knowing what to look for and expect when one of your students is on medication can help maximize the effectiveness of his treatment. more...

Feb 26, 2008

Teens and Divorce: Stressors Teens Face When Parents Split Up

Category: At-Risk Youth Support

The divorce of their parents is among the most stressful events a child will ever have to cope with. more...

Feb 14, 2008

Conflict Resolution Styles: Approaches to Interpersonal Problem Solving for Teens

Bullying in Schools: What Educators Can Do To Help Stop Bullying Behavior

Problems with other students may be the result of ineffective conflict resolution approaches. Help your kids learn better alternatives. more...

Jan 29, 2008

Category: At-Risk Youth Support

Teachers often feel powerless to have any real impact on school bullying. But there are things that can be done. more...

Jan 15, 2008

What is a School Counselor?: Programs and Services Offered to Students

Overscheduled Kids and Teens: The Risks of Too Many Activities

Find out how a School Counselor can help you or your child improve academically and socially through a variety of strategies and services. more...

Jan 3, 2008

New Years Activities for Teens: Ideas for Safely Celebrating New Year's Eve and Having Fun

More and more kids are becoming involved in multiple extracurricular activities. But at what expense? more...

Dec 17, 2007

Youth Discussion Activities: Conversation Starters for Working with Teens

Help teens celebrate the New Year in a safe, fun environment. more...

Dec 5, 2007

Category: Youth Activities

Use these sentence stems to get the conversation moving. more...

Nov 22, 2007

Teaching Teens to be Thankful: Helping Kids Learn Gratitude

Helping Teens Become Safe Drivers: Reducing Accident Risk Factors for Teens

The holiday season is a great opportunity to help kids focus on appreciating the things that they have. more...

Nov 15, 2007

Category: At-Risk Youth Support

Teens are at increased risk for involvement in traffic accidents. Learn how you can help kids learn how to protect themselves. more...

Nov 7, 2007

Report Cards and School Success: Improving Grades Using Report Card Data

Team Building Activities for Teens: Group and Classroom Games to Promote Communication Skills

Help students learn how to use their report card as a tool to improve academic performance. more...

Oct 26, 2007

Category: Youth Activities

Games are a great way to help groups of teens learn skills for working together. Skills can be learning and practiced in a fun, non-threatening way. more...

Oct 15, 2007

Helping Teens Cope with Death: Assisting Kids with the Grieving Process

Problem Solving Lesson Plan: Teaching Kids and Teens to Make Good Decisions

When a teen's world is shattered by the death of someone close to them, they may feel helpless, angry, scared, and alone. more...

Oct 9, 2007

Classroom Interventions for ADD: Top Ten Strategies to Manage Attention Deficit Disorder in Kids

Kids often respond impulsively and emotionally to problems. Teach them to slow down and think about the choices they make with this lesson plan on analyzing consequences. more...

Oct 4, 2007

Category: At-Risk Youth Support

More and more kids are being diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder every year. Managing their behaviors can be challenging for teachers and youth program leaders. more...

Sep 24, 2007

Helping Teens Cope With Violence: Supporting Feelings of Safety in a Violent World

Daycare and Food Allergic Children: Top Ten Questions to Ask about Allergy Policies

Media exposure to violent acts can trigger feelings of fear and anxiety in teens. How can you help them feel safe? more...

Sep 18, 2007

Category: Day Care Regulations

Not all daycares are created equal when it comes to managing food allergies. When interviewing potential daycare providers for your food-allergic child, remember to ask t more...

Sep 14, 2007

Teen Suicide Warnings Signs: Top Ten Red Flags for Students at Risk

Category: At-Risk Youth Support

Keep kids safe by keeping on the alert for these signals that a teen may be considering ending his or her life. more...

Sep 8, 2007

Service Projects for Teens: Developing Empathy While Helping Others

Category: Youth Activities

Assist kids in developing social and organizational skills as well as self-confidence through involvement in service projects. more...

Sep 6, 2007

Managing School Phobia: Helping Teens and Kids Cope with School Anxiety and Avoidance

Category: At-Risk Youth Support

Learn what school phobia is, what signs to look for, and how you can help. more...

Sep 2, 2007

Tips For Welcoming New Students: Easing The Adjustment For Teens Who Transfer From Other Schools

Organizational Skills for Teens: Helping Kids Prepare for School Success

Changing schools is never easy. Kids worry not only about fitting in academically, but socially, too. Keep these tips in mind when new students arrive to your class. more...

Aug 28, 2007

Top Ten Refusal Skills for Teens: Teaching Kids to Respond Assertively to Peer Pressure

Keeping organized is one of the key ingredients for academic success. Teach teens these important strategies to keep it all together. more...

Aug 26, 2007

Category: At-Risk Youth Support

Teens face many situations where others are encouraging them to do something risky, illegal, or unhealthy. How can teens develop the ability to stand up for themselves? more...

Aug 24, 2007

Advertising In Schools: What Educators and Parents Need to Know about In-School Marketing

Goal Setting for Teens: Helping Kids Define and Meet Their Objectives

School advertising may seem like an easy way to increase much-needed revenues for your school district. But it may wind up costing your kids more than you realize. more...

Aug 22, 2007

Preventing Youth Worker Burnout: How Educators Can Reduce Work-Related Stress

Use this model to assist teens in mapping out the steps for what they want to accomplish this school year. more...

Aug 19, 2007

Category: Managing Youth Workers

Working with kids is emotionally draining, but too much stress can lead to burnout. Here are some tips to keep the pressure from becoming overwhelming. more...

Aug 15, 2007

Group and Classroom Games: Fun Socialization and Learning Activities for Kids and Teens

Category: Youth Activities

Use these games to help kids feel comfortable in a new environment, and to have fun while learning new skills. more...

Aug 9, 2007

Anger Management Skills for Teens: Recognizing Anger Triggers and Underlying Feelings

Category: At-Risk Youth Support

Find out what's behind the anger, and help kids problem-solve ways to deal with it. more...

Aug 3, 2007

Developing Empathy in Kids: Teaching Teens to Care

Food Advertising and Kids: Top Companies Announce Voluntary Changes in Marketing Practices

Help your kids develop the skills to understand and care for other people. more...

Jul 20, 2007

Top Stresses For Middle Schoolers: What Kids Worry About Most When Transitioning from Elementary School

Many people feel that marketing unhealthy foods directly to kids is wrong, and that changes are long overdue. But will these initiatives be enough? more...

Jul 6, 2007

Summer Job Skills for Teens: Learning From the Work Experience

With school starting in a few weeks, many pre-teens are starting to think about the changes involved in moving to a middle school or junior high environment. more...

Jun 21, 2007

Summer Service Projects: Learning through Helping

Summer employment is a great way to learn and practice the positive work habits that make a teen a valued employee. more...

Jun 7, 2007

Strategies to Prevent Bullying: Skills Kids Can Use to Stop Harassment

Summer means lots of time on your hands. It's the perfect time to give kids the experience of giving to others. more...

May 24, 2007

Category: At-Risk Youth Support

Help kids learn how to empower themselves to prevent and cope with bullying behavior. more...

May 10, 2007

Bullying and Teens: Helping Kids Recognize and Cope with Harassing Behavior.

Category: At-Risk Youth Support

Bullying is a hot button issue in our culture. Find out what kids need to know, and how you can support them in dealing with this difficult issue. more...

May 1, 2007

Preparing For Middle School: Easing the Transition

Category: Parenting Tweens (general)

If your child is entering middle school in the fall, now is the time to think about preparing for the change. more...

Apr 21, 2007

Teen Dating Violence: Warning Signs for Abusive Relationships

Category: At-Risk Youth Support

Help kids identify the red flags that signal their relationship is at risk. more...

Apr 13, 2007

Healthy Teen Relationships: The Key to Preventing Dating Violence

Category: At-Risk Youth Support

Help teens protect themselves from abusive partners by learning how to develop strong, respectful relationships. more...

Apr 8, 2007

Communication Builders: Strategies for Talking to Teens

Category: Managing Youth Workers

Communicating effectively with kids is tough. Here are communication techniques to explore feelings, identify problems and move kids to problem solving. more...

Apr 2, 2007

Sexual Assault Awareness: Prevention Activities to Get Teens Aware and Involved

Category: At-Risk Youth Support

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Help promote awareness, education, and activism in your kids by engaging them in activities suggested by the NSVRC. more...

Mar 27, 2007

Understanding Teen Depression: What Parents, Teachers, and Youth Workers Need to Know

Category: At-Risk Youth Support

Depression is on the rise among our youth. Learn about the risk factors and signs of teen depression, and how you can help. more...

Mar 23, 2007

Learning Through Play Activities: Five Important Skills for Toddlers

Category: Infant/Toddler Play

Helping kids develop the habits of mind that they will need for future learning activities. more...

Mar 21, 2007

Sexual Harassment and Teens: What it Is, How to Cope, and Ways it Can be Prevented

Category: At-Risk Youth Support

Sexual Harassment is unwanted attention of a sexual nature that makes a person uncomfortable or embarrassed. more...

Mar 17, 2007

Raising a Can-Do Kid: Building Confidence and Self-Esteem in Toddlers

Category: Infants & Toddlers (general)

Toddlers naturally want to do tasks on their own, to be independent. Learn how to capitalize on that and help kids learn perseverance and self-reliance. more...

Mar 13, 2007

Cyber Safety Tips for Teens: How to Keep Kids Safe Online

Category: At-Risk Youth Support

Cyber Safety and Teens talked about some of the inherent problems that exist online for teens. Here are some ways you can help kids stay safe and respectful online. more...

Mar 9, 2007

Wild Scenes and Drama Queens: Celebrities Behaving Badly

Cyber Safety and Teens: How Online Behavior Can Be Dangerous for Kids

Young models' and actresses' flamboyant, stereotyped behavior sets a poor example for our girls. more...

Mar 7, 2007

Category: At-Risk Youth Support

Teens often lack the maturity and social judgment necessary to act responsibly in the unsupervised, anonymous free for all of the internet. Help them protect themselves. more...

Mar 5, 2007

Sorority Sisters Kicked Out: Issues of Bias, Lookism, and Shallowness

Building Trust With Teens: Ten Ways to Improve Your Relationships With Kids

In December, 23 members of the Delta Zeta sorority at DePauw University were asked to move out of the sorority house and were put on "alumnae status." more...

Mar 3, 2007

Category: Managing Youth Workers

A trusting relationship takes time and dedication. What can you do to enhance the process? more...

Mar 1, 2007

Persevering/Delaying Gratification: Helping Kids Learn Patience

Getting Kids Interested in Reading: Fun Ways to Get Kids Involved with Books

In our "get it now" society, being able to stick with a difficult task that doesn't have an instant reward is a much needed and often absent skill. more...

Feb 26, 2007

Category: Parenting Methods (general)

Fewer and fewer kids and teens are reading for pleasure. How can you help keep your child motivated and excited about reading? more...

Feb 25, 2007

Models, Teens, and Self-Esteem: The Messages Girls Get From Media Images

Advertising To Teens: Why and How Marketers Target Kids

How repeated exposure to unhealthy body types can influence girls' perception of their own appearance. more...

Feb 23, 2007

Frustration and Disappointment: Helping Kids Cope with Unpleasant Feelings

Kids and teens are a valuable market to advertisers. Helping them become more critical of marketing messages can help protect them from exploitation. more...

Feb 19, 2007

Girls and Positive Body Image: Modeling Healthy Attitudes about Food and Appearance

It's become popular in our culture to "protect" kids from bad feelings. But these experiences are necessary learning tools, and managing them requires critical skills. more...

Feb 15, 2007

Category: At-Risk Youth Support

How we may unknowingly be saying or doing things that give kids mixed messages about food. more...

Feb 11, 2007

Extreme Dieting & Plastic Surgery: Girls Risk Good Health For Perfect Body

Category: At-Risk Youth Support

Do our girls have a healthy body image? What do they really see when they look in the mirror? more...

Feb 7, 2007

Helping Teens Express Feelings: The First Step In Effective Emotional Management

Planning Character Education Programs: Strategies for Bringing Virtues to the School Community

Learn how to use modeling, reflective listening, scaling techniques and "I messages" to help teens accurately label the type and intensity of their feelings. more...

Oct 30, 2009

Red Ribbon Week Awareness Campaign: Drug Prevention Ideas, Activities, and Classroom Lessons

A good school-based character education program requires careful planning and preparation to be successful. more...

Oct 17, 2009

Category: Youth Activities

Red Ribbon Week is traditionally held during the last full week of October, and is the oldest and largest drug prevention campaign in America. more...

Oct 3, 2009

National Bullying Prevention Week is Oct. 4-10: PACER Center Offers Activities to Increase Teen Bullying Awareness

Category: At-Risk Youth Support

National Bullying Prevention Week presents an opportunity for parents and educators to focus on helping kids develop the skills to prevent and cope with bullying. more...

Sep 19, 2009

Technology Dangers and Risks for Teens: What Adults Need to Know About Teen Cell Phone and Internet Use

How to Organize School Binders and Notebooks: Using School Supplies to Promote Academic Success

While teens, parents, and schools embrace technology for all of its benefits to kids, there needs to be awareness about its inherent risks, as well. more...

Sep 4, 2009

Tips for Organizing Student School Lockers: Strategies for Middle School and High School Success

Most middle and high school students use binders to organize their notes and assignments for each class. Keeping binders organized is a critical skill that can be learned more...

Aug 22, 2009

VolunteerMatch Helps Kids Find Opportunities: Resource Links Teens who Want to Serve With Non Profits

Organization is one of the key components to school success. Without it, a student's hard work is all but wasted. more...

Aug 6, 2009

Category: Youth Activities

VolunteerMatch is an online resource that provides inspiration, information, and ideas for volunteer opportunities to kids who want to help but don't know where to start. more...

Jul 24, 2009

2009 Safety Scholars Contest: Teens Produce Safe Driving Videos and Compete for Scholarship

Sexting and Teens: The Risks of Sending Sexual Material via Cell Phone

Bridgestone Americas is sponsoring the Safety Scholars Contest, which asks teens to create an original video on the theme of automobile safety. more...

Jul 11, 2009

Young Revolutionaries Who Rock by Dallas Jessup: Just Yell Fire Founder Inspires Youth Activism

Sexting is sending sexually explicit text and pictures via one's cellphone. Teens may think it's just harmless fun; the dangers may be more severe than they realize. more...

Jun 17, 2009

Getting Teens Involved in World No Tobacco Day: Pictorial Health Warnings use Shocking Images to Discourage Smoking

In her new book, teen activist Dallas Jessup helps other kids realize that they have the power to bring about amazing changes in the world, and shows them how to do it. more...

May 29, 2009

Category: At-Risk Youth Support

Sponsored by the World Health Organization, this year's "World No Tobacco Day" is May 31st, and focuses on increasing the use of graphic pictures in tobacco warnings. more...

May 14, 2009

DoSomething.org Promotes Youth Activism: Website Provides Resources for Helping Kids Help Others

Category: Youth Activities

Teens looking for a cause to champion may want to check out DoSomething.org, a website devoted to helping young people create change in the world. more...

May 7, 2009

The Crayola Factory: Kids Create at Easton Pennsylvania Hands-On Discovery Center

Category: Kids Activities (general)

The Crayola Factory at Two Rivers Landing is part museum, part factory, and part art studio. Kids can see how crayons are made and explore a variety of art mediums. more...

Apr 23, 2009

Counseling Awareness Month: Questions and Answers about the Counseling Process

Columbine Survivor Prevents School Violence: Crystal Woodman Miller Teams up with SPEAK UP Campaign

The American Counseling Association designates April as Counseling Awareness Month, highlighting how counselors help people make positive changes in their lives more...

Apr 18, 2009

Money Management for Teens: Using Budgeting, Planning, and Smart Shopping to Manage Finances

On April 20, 1999, sixteen year old Crystal Woodman Miller survived the deadliest school shooting in history by hiding under a table in the library. more...

Apr 8, 2009

Social Norms Marketing to Reduce AOD Use: Correcting Students' Perceptions about Peer Alcohol and Drug Use

Teens often have their own money to spend as they please. Help teens get the most out of their money by following these simple money management tips. more...

Apr 2, 2009

Category: At-Risk Youth Support

Social Norms Marketing is a drug and alcohol prevention strategy that aims to correct perceived norms about students' problem behaviors. more...

Mar 26, 2009

Children Left Alone in Cars: Preventing Death from Hyperthermia

Category: Infant & Toddler Health

Every year, babies and toddlers die due to being unintentionally left in cars. Learn how these tragedies can be prevented. more...

Mar 25, 2009

National Alcohol Screening Day is April 9: Helping Students Identify High Risk Drinking Behavior

Category: At-Risk Youth Support

NASD programs help raise awareness about problem drinking and provide resources to students who need them. more...

Mar 17, 2009

National Poison Prevention Week is March 15-21: Keeping Kids Safe From Toxic Household Substances

Category: Early Childhood (general)

Kids are naturally curious. Many household chemicals, medicines, and cleaning products could be potentially lethal if ingested. Learn how to keep your children safe. more...

Mar 5, 2009

The Please Touch Museum: Kids Learn through Play at Philadelphia Museum

Category: Kids Educational Activities

The Please Touch Museum, which recently moved to historical Memorial Hall in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, is a treasure trove of kid-friendly, hands-on exhibits. more...

Feb 26, 2009

Teens Who Text While Driving: The Dangers of Sending Messages from Behind the Wheel

Category: At-Risk Youth Support

Kids used to multi-tasking may think nothing of texting a friend while driving. But they may be seriously underestimating how dangerous this behavior really is. more...

Feb 6, 2009

Misunderstandings about School Counselors: Reasons Kids are Hesitant to Seek Help from Counselors

Habitat for Humanity Teen Service Project: Service Learning Opportunity for Youth Volunteers

When kids understand how the helping relationship between students and School Counselor works, they are more likely to be comfortable sharing their problems. more...

Jan 30, 2009

Team Building Activities for Kids: Games to Promote Leadership, Teamwork and Cooperation

Habitat for Humanity International provides the opportunity for kids to serve others while developing leadership and teamwork skills. more...

Jan 19, 2009

Identifying Students' Learning Styles: Strategies for Educating Kids Through Different Modalities

Kids can practice communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills with these three challenging activities, and build group cohesiveness at the same time. more...

Jan 9, 2009

Just Yell Fire Empowers Teen Girls: Girls Learn Techniques to Prevent Sexual Assault and Abduction

Help teens identify their personal learning styles and develop strategies to maximize their educational potential. more...

Nov 21, 2008

Category: At-Risk Youth Support

Teen Dallas Jessup wrote and produced a popular film teaching girls how to fight back against potential attackers with street fighting techniques. more...

Nov 10, 2008

How To Buy Great Holiday Gifts for Teens: Strategies for Smart Shopping for Kids and Teens

Team Building Games for Kids and Teens: Fun Ways to Learn Cooperation Skills

Don't stress out about finding the right Christmas presents for the kids and teens on your list this year. more...

Nov 7, 2008

Category: Youth Activities

Games that promote team building are valuable in any classroom or youth center. more...

Oct 22, 2008

Mix It Up at Lunch Day: Helping Kids and Teens Learn Tolerance and Understanding

Category: Youth Activities

The simple act of sitting with someone new in the school cafeteria can help students cross social boundaries and encourage new friendships. more...

Sep 18, 2008

Planning Youth Service Projects With Teens: Helping Kids Combine Leadership with Helping

Category: Youth Activities

Service projects don't have to mean a lot of work for adults. Youth can often take more of a leadership role in than adults realize. more...

Sep 5, 2008

Marketing To Kids and Teens: Why Young People are Targeted by Advertisers

Violent Video Games and Teens: Negative Effects on the Brain, Development, and Behavior

Much of today's advertising is high-energy, colorful, and edgy: clearly designed to appeal to kids and teens. But why? more...

Aug 13, 2008

Category: At-Risk Youth Support

Like most things that appeal to teens, the most outrageous games are the most popular. Unfortunately, that often means more extreme and more realistic violent content. more...

Aug 2, 2008

Teens and The Choking Game: Kids Don’t Realize The Game Can Be Deadly

Category: At-Risk Youth Support

The Choking Game, known also by names such as the Black Out or the Pass Out Game, is well-known among adolescents but may be unfamiliar to parents and youth workers. more...

Jul 16, 2008

Travel Tips for Teens and Their Families: Hints for a Successful Road Trip

Helping Teens Learn Responsibility: Developing Dependability and Sound Judgment

Summer means vacations, and vacations usually means road trips in one form or another.
Several hours in a car with other family members can seem like forever to a teen. more...

Jul 8, 2008

Positive Peer Pressure: Kids Encouraging Kids to Do Good

People often lament that kids lack the ability to act responsibly. But what exactly does that mean, and how can youth workers and parents promote responsible behavior? more...

Jun 21, 2008

Category: At-Risk Youth Support

Teens often pressure other kids into negative choices and bad behavior. But peer pressure can be used to encourage pro-social behavior, too. more...

Jun 1, 2008

Travel Games for Kids and Teens: Fun Activities for Long Car Rides

Category: Youth Activities

Keep kids engaged during long road trips with a variety of games that require no more than a pencil, paper, and your imagination. more...

May 21, 2008

Preventing Relational Aggression: Strategies for Building Strong Girls

Teens and Career Research: Helping Kids Discover Their Future Job Options

Help girls develop the skills and attitudes that can help protect them from the pain of girl bullying and drama. more...

Apr 23, 2008

Teens and SADD: Organization Help Kids Make Positive Choices

Help students get the most out of the many online career resources that are available. more...

Apr 11, 2008

Listening to Teens: Communication Skills to Keep the Conversation Going

SADD (Students Against Drunk Driving) was originally conceived over twenty-five years ago with the mission of helping youth resist pressures to drink and drive. more...

Mar 27, 2008

Category: Managing Youth Workers

Using good listening skills helps kids feel heard and encourages them to share their experience. more...

Mar 14, 2008

Relational Aggression and Teens: How Kids Use the Power of Friendships to Bully

Category: At-Risk Youth Support

Though more subtle than traditional forms of bullying, relational aggression can have lasting impact on it's victims. more...

Feb 29, 2008

Helping Teens Cope with Divorce: Ways to Help Ease the Stress for Kids

Category: At-Risk Youth Support

Teens and Divorce discussed the many stressors kids living with divorce must learn to manage. Chances are, some of the kids you work with are dealing with this issue righ more...

Feb 15, 2008

Plagiocephaly in Infants: Causes and Treatments for Flat-Head Syndrome

Category: Infant & Toddler Health

Permanent deformation of your baby's head can have serious consequences. Learn how to prevent and treat this condition. more...

Feb 7, 2008

Cutting and Teens: Helping Teens Who Self-Mutilate

Category: At-Risk Youth Support

Many teens, especially girls, are at risk for a form of self-mutilation known as cutting. more...

Jan 24, 2008

Healthy Eating Tips for Teens: Avoiding Dieting Dangers

Test Anxiety and Teens: When Students Feel Pressure to Perform

Help teens develop healthy eating and dieting habits they can use for a lifetime. more...

Jan 9, 2008

Team Building Strategies for Teens: Helping Your Group Learn to Work Together

More and more students are feeling stressed out about test taking and academics in general. How can we help them? more...

Dec 26, 2007

Category: Youth Activities

Find out how to encourage cooperation and team building among your kids. more...

Dec 12, 2007

Helping Teens Cope With Anxiety: Working with Kids Who Suffer from Fears and Worries

Category: At-Risk Youth Support

Use these simple strategies to assist teens who may be dealing with anxious feelings. more...

Nov 28, 2007

Holiday Service Projects for Teens: Kids’ Christmas Service Learning Opportunities

Category: Youth Activities

During the holiday season, it can be easy for kids to get caught up in the whirlwind of wish lists, fun events, shopping, and general holiday excitement. more...

Nov 16, 2007

Lesson Plan: Taking Responsibility: Helping Kids Lose the Excuses and Make Better Choices

College Care Package Ideas: Sending Gifts to Your College Students

Help students identify how making excuses limits their choices. Instead, help them take control by taking responsibility. more...

Nov 8, 2007

Category: Campus Life (general)

Surprise your child with a thoughtful care package that reflects his or her tastes and interests. more...

Nov 2, 2007

Sexy Fashion Trends and Teens: When Girls Want to Look Like Pop Stars

Positive Role Models for Teens: Ten Ways to Set a Good Example for Kids

Addressing the issue of appropriate dress can be tricky. With current fashions practically encouraging young girls to dress provocatively, many educators are concerned. more...

Oct 19, 2007

Category: Managing Youth Workers

Kids look up to the adults in their lives. They look to us for protection, answers, and guidance. They also look to us for cues on how to act in everyday situations. more...

Oct 14, 2007

Peer Pressure Lesson Plan: Helpings Kids Learn Refusal Skills

Category: Lesson Plans & Materials

Help kids make good decisions by teaching them these ways to "say no" when other kids encourage them to do wrong. more...

Oct 6, 2007

Student Behavior Management Plans: Developing Point Sheets for Kids

Category: At-Risk Youth Support

Create simple, helpful point sheets to zero in on target behavior and help kids improve performance. more...

Sep 26, 2007

Supervising Youth Workers: Eight Tips for Youth Program Managers

Category: Managing Youth Workers

Keep your employees happy and your program running smoothly with these eight ideas for supervising youth workers. more...

Sep 19, 2007

Positive Thinking Lesson Plan: Challenging Negative Thoughts and Learning to Think Positively

Teen Behavior Management Basics: Routines, Rules, and Consequences for Youth Programs

Help kids recognize how their feelings are largely determined by their thoughts about an event, and how changing their thoughts can change their feelings. more...

Sep 17, 2007

After School Homework Clubs: Helping Teens Succeed Academically

Keep behavior problems to a minimum by developing a well-structured program and clear student expectations. Make sure yours contains the following components. more...

Sep 12, 2007

Identifying Feelings Lesson Plan: Helping Students Recognize Emotions in Themselves and Others

How youth organizations can support education by providing solid homework programs for kids. more...

Sep 7, 2007

Listening Skills for Teens: Helping Kids Develop Receptive Communication Skills

Adapt this lesson plan to use with kids of any age to help them learn to accurately recognize and label feelings. more...

Sep 3, 2007

Homework Tips for Teens: Strategies for Helping Teens Complete Assignments

Make sure kids are familiar with these six steps for gathering spoken information. more...

Aug 29, 2007

Group Learning Activities: More Classroom Games and Icebreakers for Kids and Teens

At the start of any school year, all teens could use a refresher on best practices for homework completion. Share with your kids the following tips: more...

Aug 27, 2007

Category: Youth Activities

Use these activities to help kids relax and have fun while learning new skills. more...

Aug 25, 2007

Teens and Date Rape Drugs: What Educators Need to Know About Drug Assisted Sexual Assault

Category: At-Risk Youth Support

Help teens protect themselves by making sure they know everything they need to know about these dangerous substances. more...

Aug 23, 2007

Supporting Your Middle Schooler: Parents' Homework for Guiding Kids Through the Transition and Beyond

Category: Middle School Life

Once school starts, what can you do to help ensure that your child has a successful school year? more...

Aug 21, 2007

Handling Difficult Parents: Teachers and Youth Worker Can Turn Confrontation into Cooperation

Category: Managing Youth Workers

How youth workers can turn demanding parents into allies and provide the best outcomes for kids. more...

Aug 17, 2007

Accepting Student Differences: Showing Compassion for Kids’ Circumstances

Category: Managing Youth Workers

Showing sensitivity to students' unique situations is a must for all youth workers. Avoid these common mistakes. more...

Aug 11, 2007

Stress Management Skills for Teens: Helping Kids Cope with Pressure and Disappointment

Category: At-Risk Youth Support

Kids today are dealing with more stress than ever before. Help your kids learn the tools for coping with the ups and down of life. more...

Aug 7, 2007

Group and Classroom Icebreakers: Activities to Help Students Get to Know Each Other

Category: Youth Activities

Try some of these games with your kids to promote interaction, cooperation and group bonding. more...

Jul 26, 2007

Building Confidence in Teens: The Power of Positive Thinking

Surviving Middle School: Five Skills For a Successful School Year

Kids need to believe in themselves to be successful in life, but too often they doubt their capabilities. more...

Jul 13, 2007

Activities for Parents and Teens: Ideas for Spending Time Together

Middle School requires more than just being able to read, write, and do math. What else do kids need? more...

Jun 28, 2007

Category: Youth Activities

Take advantage of the summer months and spend some quality time one on one with your teen. more...

Jun 14, 2007

The Truth About Self-Esteem: Developing Capable, Confident Kids and Teens

Alcohol Advertising and Teens: How Marketers Target Kids

Self-esteem deficits have been blamed for everything from poor academic achievement to anger problems and violence. more...

May 31, 2007

Keeping Kids Motivated: Finishing the School Year on a Positive Note

What do you need to know to help kids resist the pressure of alcohol advertising? more...

May 16, 2007

Teen Pregnancy Prevention: Recognizing Risks and Consequences

Kids tend to lose focus in the weeks before school lets out for the summer. How can you help keep them on track? more...

May 3, 2007

Category: At-Risk Youth Support

The National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy highlights an important issue and offers activities and ideas for our work with kids. more...

Apr 26, 2007

Problem Solving Skills for Teens: Teaching Kids Decision-Making Strategies

Teens Walk for Premature Babies: March of Dimes Service Project

Kids often shut down when faced with a problem or obstacle. How can you help them develop the skills to face challenges confidently? more...

Apr 17, 2007

Category: Youth Activities

The March of Dimes Walkamerica to fight prematurity is a great way to get kids involved in helping others. more...

Apr 11, 2007

Encouraging Female Friendships: Moving From Competition to Cooperation

Alcohol Awareness Month: Education and Prevention for Teens

How to promote powerful, authentic relationships in a culture that emphasizes gossip, rumors, and celebration of other's failures. more...

Apr 5, 2007

Category: At-Risk Youth Support

April is Alcohol Awareness Month, and April 5th is National Alcohol Screening Day. Getting kids involved in prevention efforts is the key to keeping them alcohol free. more...

Mar 30, 2007

Communication Blockers: Mistakes to Avoid When Talking to Teens

Category: Managing Youth Workers

Our response to kids in crisis can determine whether they will continue to talk with us. Here are four common responses that tend to get in the way of good communication. more...

Mar 24, 2007

Preventing Teen Sexual Harassment: Tools You Can Use to Help Kids

Category: At-Risk Youth Support

Strategies to help support teens in dealing with this overwhelming issue. more...

Mar 22, 2007

Fun Family Activities That Teach: Learning While Spending Time Together

Category: Kids Educational Activities

Get back to basics with ideas and activities that provide great learning opportunities as well as good, old fashioned family time. more...

Mar 18, 2007

Huffing and Teens: National Inhalants and Poisons Awareness Week is March 18-24

Category: At-Risk Youth Support

Inhalant use is on the rise. How much do you really know about this popular and dangerous trend among youth? more...

Mar 15, 2007

Alcopops and Teens: Ready to Drinks are a preferred alcoholic beverage amoung youth

Category: At-Risk Youth Support

Call them what you want: malternatives, alcopops, clear malts, or RTD's. How and why are kids getting their hands on these sweet, trendy drinks? more...

Mar 11, 2007

Avoiding Gender Bias: Equal Opportunity for Teens

Category: Managing Youth Workers

Do you unknowingly convey different expectations for kids based on their sex? more...

Mar 8, 2007

Queen of the Multitaskers: Time Management Strategies for Working Moms

Category: Working Mothers

After working all day, the last thing we want to do is come home and tackle household chores. How can we maximize the time we spend with our kids? Multitasking! more...

Mar 6, 2007

The Truth About Girl Power: Helping Your Daughter Develop Strength and Spirit

Category: Adolescent Culture

In a culture that seems to put girls down at every turn, how can we help girls stay confident and strong? more...

Mar 4, 2007

Teens and Cervical Cancer: Why Gardasil Should Be Mandatory

Category: Teen Health

The new vaccine to prevent cervical cancer in young women is stirring up a lot of controversy. more...

Mar 2, 2007

Books, Pizza Hut, and Bratz Dolls: Does In-School Marketing Push Unhealthy Products on our Kids?

Category: Educational Issues (general)

The Campaign for a Commercial Free Childhood (CFCC) has started two campaigns aimed at products marketed through schools under the guise of "educational" programming. more...

Feb 27, 2007

Teen Reading Scores Down: Promoting Literacy in a Plugged-In World

Breastfeeding in Public: Nursing Mom is Threatened with Police

How helping kids slow down and learn to enjoy books can help their academic achievement and encourage a love of reading. more...

Feb 26, 2007

Category: Breastfeeding

Nursing moms hold a "nurse-in" after a Pennsylvania mall security guard orders a young mother to cover up or leave the area. more...

Feb 25, 2007

Pre-Reading Skills for Toddlers: How to Raise a Reader

Category: Parenting Methods (general)

Programs that teach children to identify letters might make a child seem ready to read, but reading readiness involves so much more. more...

Feb 21, 2007

Effects of TV on Kids: How Excessive Media Use May Impact Kids' Development

New Cigarette Targets Girls: An Old Camel Gets a Pretty New Face

Increased screen time for kids in our media-saturated world is not necessarily a good thing. more...

Feb 16, 2007

Category: At-Risk Youth Support

If you don't think tobacco companies target young girls with their marketing, check out the latest offering from the R.J. Reynolds Company. more...

Feb 13, 2007

Helping Kids Develop Coping Skills: The Next Step in Effective Emotional Management