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How to Talk to Your Kids About Sexting - Child Mind Institute

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Understand the importance of discussing sexting with teenagers. Learn how to address the risks and promote responsible online behavior.

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How to Talk to Teenagers About Porn - Child Mind Institute

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With almost all kids being exposed to porn before they are 18, it’s important for parents to counter unrealistic and unhealthy ideas about sex.

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Teens and Online Gambling - Child Mind Institute

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Learn why online gambling is rising among teens, understand the warning signs of a gambling problem, and how to talk openly with kids about betting and risk.

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Teen Sexting: A Parent’s Guide on What to Do First

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Teen Sexting: A Parent’s Guide on What to Do First

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Teen Sexting: A Parent’s Guide on What to Do First

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Learn what to do when you find your teen sexting. Our guide provides immediate steps on what to do, how to talk to them about the risks, and how to move forward

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Center for Parent and Teen Communication

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Center for Parent and Teen Communication

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Center for Parent and Teen Communication

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Center for Parent and Teen Communication

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Listen to Center for Parent and Teen Communication | SoundCloud is an audio platform that lets you listen to what you love and share the sounds you create.. 6 Tracks. 23 Followers. Stream Tracks and Playlists from Center for Parent and Teen Communication on your desktop or mobile device.

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How to Talk to Your Teen About Substance Use 

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How to Talk to Your Teen About Substance Use 

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How to Talk to Your Teen About Substance Use - Child Mind Institute

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Research shows that clear rules help keep kids safe. How to talk to your teen about substance use and what to do - for parents and caregivers.

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Start A Conversation: 10 Questions Teens Ask About Drugs and Health | National Institute on Drug Abuse

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Thousands of teens asked questions about drugs and health. Learn the answers to 10 popular questions.

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10 Tips for Parenting Preteens and Tweens 

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10 Tips for Parenting Preteens and Tweens 

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It's typically between the ages of nine and twelve that our cute, cuddly little children, once so willing to climb into our laps and share their secrets, suddenly want little or nothing to do with us. A child in preadolescence is not the same person they were just a year or two ago. They have changed -physically, cognitively, emotionally, and socially. They're developing new independence and may even want to see how far they can push limits set by parents.

What they may not know is that they need you as much as ever, because a strong parent-child relationship now can set the stage for a much less turbulent adolescence. But it won't be easy, because you as a parent need to respect your child's need for greater autonomy in order to forge a successful relationship with this "updated" version of your kid.

We asked some experts for parenting tips to help you keep the channels of communication open between you and your pre-teen -and have a smoother transition into the teen years.

1. Don't feel rejected by their newfound independence

It's appropriate for kids this age to start turning away from their parents and relying more and more on friends, but parents can take their pre-teen's withdrawal as rejection. "All too often parents personalize some of the distance that occurs and misinterpret it as a willful refusal or maybe oppositional behavior," says Catherine Steiner-Adair, a Harvard psychologist, schools consultant, and author of The Big Disconnect.

Beware of trying to force information out of a resistant tween. "This is a time when children really start to have secrets from us," says Dr. Steiner-Adair, "and parents who have a low tolerance for that transition - they want to know everything - can alienate their children by being too inquisitive."

2. Set aside special time with your child

It's often tough to get pre-teens to open up and talk. Laura Kirmayer, a clinical psychologist, suggests establishing a special period of one-on-one time once or twice a week that you spend with your tween, where you're providing undivided attention ,and you're not working or texting at the same time,

In doing this you're not only improving your relationship, you're also teaching interpersonal skills that are going to be crucial in the future. "That quality time is really key," Dr. Kirmayer says, "and it's something that we might overlook because our kids might be saying they don't want it and be pulling away. And we might unintentionally collude with that tendency."

3. Try the indirect approach

When they were younger you could ask direct questions. How was school? How did you do on the test? Now, the direct approach - carpet-bombing them with questions about school and their day - doesn't work. Suddenly that feels overwhelming and intrusive. And it's going to backfire.

If anything, says Dr. Kirmayer, you have to take the opposite approach and position yourself as mostly just a listener: "If you actually just sit down, without questions, and just listen, you're more likely to get the information about your child's life that you're wanting." Dr. Kirmayer says this approach gives kids the message that "this is a place where they can come and talk, and they have permission to say anything that they're thinking or feeling." Sometimes you'll be able to help and give advice-but don't try to step in and solve all their problems. Other times you'll just be there to empathize with how hard it is to deal with whatever they're going through.

"At this age your children are watching you very astutely to hear how judgmental you are," advises Dr. Steiner-Adair. "They are taking their cues on how you talk about other people's children, especially children that get into trouble - how that girl dresses, or that boy has good manners or bad manners. And they are watching and deciding whether you are harsh or critical or judgmental."

She gives the example of the parent who says, "'I can't believe they posted this picture on Facebook! If we were their parents we'd be mortified.' Or 'I can't believe they sent that YouTube video around!' They are commenting on behaviors that need commenting on, but the intensity and the rigidity of their judgment is what backfires."

Beginning in middle school, watching the stuff that your child wants to watch with them and being able to laugh at it and talk about it is an important way to connect and to be able to discuss subjects that would otherwise be taboo. "Don't get too intense in how you critique the values," says Dr. Steiner-Adair.

It's our job as parents, she adds, to help both boys and girls recognize how the media instills the gender code - the barrage of cultural messages that tell kids what it "means" to be a boy or a girl-and to help them identify when something crosses the line from teasing to mean. But tread lightly and use humor.

6. Don't be afraid to start conversations about sex and drugs

The unfortunate reality is that kids are starting to experiment with drugs and alcohol as early as 9 or 10. And according to Dr. Kirmayer, "Sexual development is a big part of this age, and it's when we first start to see eating disorders arise, so these are key years for us to be building a strong foundation and giving them developmentally appropriate information." Dr. Kirmayer suggests providing your tween with information and resources on sexuality without the pressure of a big "talk."

She recommends books like The Boy's Body Book (by Kelli Dunham) and, for girls, The Care and Keeping of You (by Valarie Schaefer) to introduce sexual development and Ten Talks Parents Must Have With Their Children About Drugs and Choices (by Dominic Cappello) to bring up the subject of drugs.

"They are going to be exposed to this stuff through their peer group," she says. "You want to provide them with information that is accurate, but you want to do it in a way that isn't overwhelming. Let them have the book on their bookshelf so that they can look through it and come to you with questions." Dr. Steiner-Adair's book The Big Disconnect also offers scripts and advice about how to talk to your children about sex.

Dr. Steiner-Adair warns against being the mom or dad who, in a bad situation, makes things worse. She gives this example: "Your child comes in crying; they weren't invited to a sleepover. They see a photo of it on Instagram or Snapchat. The parent says, 'Oh my god, I can't believe you weren't invited! That's horrible! I'm going to call the mother.'" The crazy parent amplifies the drama, throwing fuel on the pre-adolescent's already hyper-reactive flame. They make their kids more upset.

8. Don't be "clueless" either

At the other extreme, don't be a parent who "just ignores stuff," says Dr. Steiner-Adair. You risk seeming oblivious or unconcerned to kids.

When a teenager is caught hosting a party with alcohol, the clueless parent might say, "'Oh, that's just kids getting drunk at a 10 th grade party.' So kids watch their older siblings getting away with everything without consequences and they think, 'Great, why would I tell them anything? Why would I turn to them?'"

9. Encourage sports for girls

Girls' self-esteem peaks at the tender age of 9 and then drops off from there, but research shows girls who play on teams have higher self-esteem. Girls on sports teams also tend to do better academically and have fewer body image issues.

Anea Bogue, creator of an empowerment program for girls called REALgirl, notes, "There's a very common correlation, in my experience, between girls who play team sports and girls who suffer less with low self-esteem because they are looking within and to other girls for their value, as opposed to looking to boys for validation."

10. Nurture your boy's emotional side

"One of the really hard things for boys at this age is that the messages from the culture about their capacity for love, real friendships, and relationships are so harmful to them," says Dr. Steiner-Adair. "They say that anything to do with real feelings - love, sadness, vulnerability - is girly, therefore bad."

At the very least parents should do everything they can to encourage boys to be sensitive and vulnerable at home, while at the same time acknowledging the reality that those traits might not go over well at school. "You can tell him," Dr. Steiner-Adair explains, "that at 15 or 16, when he wants to have a girlfriend, this is going to serve him really well."

Finding just the right balance with your tween probably won't be the easiest parenting job you've ever had. It will take some trial and error, but keeping the channels of communication open during these years is well worth the work you'll have to put in.

If you develop trust with pre-teens you can offer them a safe place to come back to no matter what happens in the new world they're inhabiting, and in doing that you'll also be setting the stage for a smoother adolescence.

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10 Tips for Parenting Preteens - Child Mind Institute

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Gain parenting tips as kids move into adolescence. Child Mind Institute helps keep communication open and makes parenting tweens a bit smoother.

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If you've ever wondered what's going on in teenagers' minds, you're not alone. A new documentary, The Teen Brain , explores that question while also working to help teens feel better understood by adults. The film is produced by , a non-profit organization focusing on mental fitness founded by actress Goldie Hawn.

I wish I knew this brain science when I was a teen. More information helps you better understand yourself.

Why It's Smart to Learn About Teen Brain Science

For the documentary, Emmy-nominated filmmaker Tiffany Shlain interviewed a range of renowned neuroscientists, pediatricians, researchers, and teens, hoping to make brain science of teens more accessible to the general public. Shlain hopes having a better understanding of what's happening from a developmental perspective will allow young people and caring adults to gain insights into their unique perspectives. "I wish I knew this brain science when I was a teen. More information helps you better understand yourself," Shlain says. And, the more you understand why the teen brain reacts in a certain way, the more effectively you can manage all that comes with adolescence - from milestones to challenges.

Important Things to Know About the Teen Brain

The teen years are considered some of the most important in a child's development. They are a time when the brain is growing at a rapid pace . Teens interviewed in the film use a range of words to describe how it feels to be a teen, including "thrilling," "scary," and "complicated." One teen in the film relates her life to "a roller coaster," and another says that for him, "everything is just more extreme."

"Adolescents are super learners who are natural explorers. Teen brains are wired to seek out new experiences to help with learning. It is our job as adults to make sure that teens stay in safe boundaries and find enriching opportunities as they explore," Dr. Ken Ginsburg, Founder and Program Director of the Center for Parent and Teen Communication, says. Dr. Dan Siegel , a pioneer in interpersonal neurobiology, explains in the film, "It is an age when you have the courage to try new things. This drive to explore novelty is a wonderful feature of how the brain is remodeling in various fascinating ways."

In explaining some of the science behind the teen brain, we learn the amygdala - the part of the brain most closely associated with emotions, motivation, and the fight or flight response - becomes more sensitive during adolescence. It grows in size and can make a person feel emotions more intensely. The prefrontal cortex, which helps regulate judgment and decision-making, is also rapidly developing, but lags a bit behind. And, yes, teens feel bad when they show poor judgment or make a wrong decision.

Understand the Teen Brain to Help Manage Feelings and Stress

Psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour says that building good mental fitness includes having feelings that fit the situation and knowing how to effectively manage those feelings. The more you know about your brain, the more "it puts you in the driver's seat of your life," Shlain says. From understanding why teens experience such intense feelings, to learning how to de-stress, to for better mental health, she wants teens to have the strategies to solidify their mental health and well-being.

Shlain says another good step towards positive emotional and mental health is for teens to pay attention to what they're paying attention to. "Figure out what's in your toolbox and how you might need to experiment with what makes you feel good. Is it by doing yoga? Drawing? A walk with a dog? Calling a friend to do something together? Everyone's got a different set of things that make them feel good. Your job as a teen is to figure out what your things are. Be curious about what is available to you."

Too often, adults allow teen stereotypes to inform their opinions of the teens in their lives. Dr. Ginsburg reminds viewers that if adults promote adolescence as a "time of brokenness," adolescents will think they are broken. For better mental health and well-being, understanding what a teen is going through can make a positive difference in how an adult views a teen and how teens view themselves.

The Teen Brain and Social Media

The film also addresses social media and its impact on the teen brain. Shlain says many kids get "sucked down rabbit holes by algorithms." She interviewed Dr. Michael Rich , a pediatrician and Director of Harvard's Digital Wellness Lab. Dr. Rich equates too much processed information to too much processed food. Shlain relates to the analogy - while it feels good at the moment, it can make you feel empty later. "I love that framing because everything you put into your body is information, whether it's food, or media. Some social media feels good and helps you feel connected. But there's always that point where it stops feeling good, so it's important to set boundaries."

What to do After You've Watched the Film

Filmmakers kept the film length to just ten minutes. Shlain likens the film to eating an "appetizer" before having a longer discussion as the "main course." So, in addition to the short documentary film being available free online , discussion materials from MindUP are available to expand the conversation and delve deeper into the teen brain.

One memorable message expressed through the film comes from a teen who says, "I just wish adults would remember that they went through this too. They could really learn from who they used to be."

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A new documentary wants to help us better understand what's going on in the teen brain and how it impacts teens' actions and emotions.

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I found porn on my 11-year-old’s phone. Should I talk to him? - Child Mind Institute

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The short answer is yes, talk to your son about the porn on his phone. It might be an awkward conversation, but you don’t want him to have to hide this stuff away or be ashamed of his curiosity.

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Mental Health Care for All High School Students

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Mental Health Care for All High School Students

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Mental Health Care for All High School Students

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FCPS has partnered with Hazel Health to help eliminate barriers to quality mental health care services for all high school students, at no cost to families. Available beginning April 10, 2023.

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Peer Pressure & Adolescent Development

Most teens will experience some form of peer pressure - whether in person or online - during adolescence. At a time when teens are trying to figure out who they are and where they fit in, it is especially challenging for them to say no in uncomfortable situations or to go against their peer group. Teen brains are wired to care what peers think. Their brains actually have reward centers that get excited around peers, reinforcing their desire for more and deeper peer interactions.

Peer - or social - pressures may be subtle, making teens feel they must dress or act a certain way to fit in. Being different and not fitting in can cause teens stress and anxiety. They may grow fearful that they will never be accepted for who they truly are. Teens are motivated by a desire to be as they develop their identity, which they do in part by comparing themselves to others.

Parents Matter

As a parent, you may read this and ask, "Can I help my teen deal with peer pressure?" Good news: you can! Parents play an essential role in preparing teens to navigate pressured - or even risky - situations. Strategies like the and check-in rule can help teens feel confident they always have a safe way out of any uncomfortable social settings. There is also so much power in the ability to say "no." Teach your teen that "no" can be a complete sentence. Help them identify the core values they won't compromise. Surround your teen with role models that shape their development in positive ways. With your support, teens can develop the tools and skills they need to handle (and even overcome) peer pressure.

The Teen Perspective on Peer Pressure

While parents need to understand the developmental side of peer pressure, it's also valuable to hear directly from adolescents who experience it now. To get the teen perspective, we asked our Youth Advisory Board members to share their thoughts on social pressures and advise parents on the best ways to support young people through challenging situations. Here are some of their responses:

"... If your teen comes to you explaining a situation in which they have felt peer pressured in any way, the best piece of advice I can give is to listen to the entirety of their story. This is so important because it is quite hard as a parent to listen to your child be emotional, upset, angry, and anxious, but it is super key not to cut in with a dramatic response and overreact when they are trying to share pieces of information with you. That immediate dramatic response is likely to cause a shut-down from your kid, and it could cause them not to want to come to you with other issues in the future if they lose trust in you. Additionally, asking them how they would like to proceed is best to do as well. Immediately attempting to contact another parent or principal might lead to more embarrassment on their part, which is why talking through the next steps is key." - Jadan, 17-year-old

"When it comes to addressing peer pressure, parents should address their children in a way that portrays them as relatable. Parents should not try to put themselves on a pedestal above their children and tell them what to do without enlightening their children about the fact that they have gone through it and experienced it and that it's difficult. The more that parents can portray themselves in an understandable and relatable light, the better their children will understand and want to listen to them." - Art, 17-year-old

"As a teenager, there are lots of times where you're with friends, and they want to try something you're not comfortable with, but you don't want to tell them you're uncomfortable because that's kind of awkward. It's a situation you want to get out of. So, my parents and I had something growing up to help with that. Because there were a couple of times when I was in those situations and didn't want to be there, but I also didn't want to go through the awkward conversation of telling my friends I wasn't okay with it. Then they'd think I'm not cool. My parents and I had a code word. So, if I was in one of those situations, I'd say, 'Yeah, sure, we can do that. But I'm just going to call my parents quickly because they told me to check in with them around this time to make sure that I'm doing okay.' Then I'd step away and call them and say something specific, and they would know, by that sentence that I used, that I was in an awkward peer pressure situation and wanted to get out of it. And then they would tell me, 'Actually, this thing just came up. I know we told you that you could be out later, but we really need you to come back for this.' So that gave me an easy out where I could tell my friends, 'My parents had this thing come up and they need me to be back. And I don't want to leave, but I also need to be back for that. So I'll see you guys next time.' That was really helpful for me growing up." - Paul, 22-year-old

Talk With Your Teen

Open up a conversation with your teen. Share these teens' thoughts with your child and ask if they can relate to any of these shared experiences. Talk about the ways you can prepare them to best handle pressured situations. If you do not have a code word yet, try brainstorming some options together.

Conversation Tip: If you are having trouble getting this conversation started, try bringing it up while you are doing an activity together, like driving or running errands. This approach can help relieve pressure from the talk and help your teen feel more comfortable opening up. Discover more tips for getting teens talking .

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What Teens Think About Peer Pressure - And How Parents Can Help

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Real teens share their thoughts on peer pressure and the best ways parents can support young people through challenging situations.

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Raising kids can be a bumpy, stressful, and uncertain process - which is why Dr. Lisa Damour is here to help. The New York Times Adolescence columnist and author of bestsellers Untangled and Under Pressure brings her sane, informed, and practical perspective to your timely and timeless parenting questions. Cohost Reena Ninan, a world-class journalist who has covered the White House while packing a breast pump, makes sure to get you the answers you need.

Raising kids can be a bumpy, stressful, and uncertain process - which is why Dr. Lisa Damour is here to help. The New York Times Adolescence columnist and author of bestsellers Untangled and Under Pressure brings her sane, informed, and practical perspective to your timely and timeless parenting questions. Cohost Reena Ninan, a world-class journalist who has covered the White House while packing a breast pump, makes sure to get you the answers you need.

My favorite podcast

I so look forward to Tuesday mornings where I get my Dr Lisa fix! This is the first podcast review I have ever left, and I work in the podcast industry! This podcast speaks to me and where we currently are with our 11 and 13 year old. She offers such practical advice and wonderful perspective on issues facing kids today; both pandemic and non-pandemic. Any chance she can come live with me and coach me through parenting!

College junior decisions

How do I get my high school junior to think about college majors and get interested in researching colleges? I have a couple visits planned but most are still virtual.

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dr. lisa damour/good trouble productions

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‎Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Parenting on Apple Podcasts

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‎Raising kids can be a bumpy, stressful, and uncertain process - which is why Dr. Lisa Damour is here to help. The New York Times Adolescence columnist and author of bestsellers Untangled and Under Pressure brings her sane, informed, and practical perspective to your timely and timeless parenting que...

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Essentials for Parenting Teens Free Online Resource (CDC)

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Essentials for Parenting Teens Free Online Resource (CDC)

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Essentials for Parenting Teens is a free online resource for parents and caregivers of youth between the ages of 11 and 17. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reviewed extensive research to identify the best approaches to parenting teens and talked to the experts-both recognized leaders in the parenting field and parents themselves-to create articles, videos, and activities parents and caregivers can use.

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Essentials for Parenting Teens is a free online resource for parents and caregivers of youth between the ages of 11 and 17. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reviewed extensive research to identify the best approaches to parenting teens and talked to the experts-both recognized leaders in the parenting field and parents themselves-to create articles, videos, and activities parents and caregivers can use.

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Join a game of kahoot here. Kahoot! is a free game-based learning platform that makes it fun to learn - any subject, in any language, on any device, for all ages!

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Everything You Need to Know About Opioids

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Everything You Need to Know About Opioids

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Everything you Need to Know about Opioids

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Everything You Need to Know About Marijuana

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Everything You Need to Know About Marijuana

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Everything You Need to Know about Marijuana in 1 hour: A Webinar for Families

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Substance Use Prevention and Encouraging Healthy Brain Development

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Substance Use Prevention and Encouraging Healthy Brain Development

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Substance Use Prevention and Encouraging Healthy Brain Development

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Preventing Youth Suicide by Healthy Minds

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In today's podcast, we meet Whitney McDonough, a social worker at West Potomac High School and FCPS employee for more than 25 years. Whitney provides information and resources about teen suicide prevention and a program available to FCPS parents and students called SOS - Signs of Suicide.

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Family Life Education curriculum in FCPS

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Family Life Education curriculum in FCPS

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Family Life Education (FLE) program descriptions for grades 9-12

Ninth graders participate in Family Life Education unit through health and physical education class for human growth and development and emotional and social health units. In tenth grade, students study human growth and development during health class.

During ninth and tenth grades, students continue building on their base of knowledge regarding human reproduction, sexually transmitted infection prevention, and the skills needed to make health decisions. In grades nine and ten, students learn how maturation affects adolescent development and learn to recognize the development of sexuality as a lifelong aspect of personality. Students are provided definitions for heterosexual, homosexual, and bisexual, and transgender and that all persons deserve to be treated with respect regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Students are taught that substance use/abuse affects decision making and that abstinence from sexual activity is the only way to guarantee the prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. The issue of dating abuse and violence to include human trafficking and sexual assault (grade 10) is instructed and students are taught prevention strategies and resources for help and assistance when it is needed.

During grades eleven and twelve, students continue their study of sexually transmitted infections, contraception, and exploitation to include human trafficking and sexual assault. Students in grades 11 and 12 receive FLE instruction through social studies courses. Grade twelve has a lesson on Virginia laws that pertain to family and family life education topics.

Grade Level Program Descriptions

Ninth Grade

Learn more about the FLE instructional objectives for ninth grade.

Tenth Grade

Learn more about the FLE instructional objectives for tenth grade.

Eleventh Grade

Learn more about the FLE instructional objectives for eleventh grade.

Twelfth Grade

Learn more about the FLE instructional objectives for twelfth grade.

Learn more about the modified lessons for Emotional and Social Health (ESH) that are designed for students with low incidence disabilities.

Learn more about the modified lessons for Human Growth and Development (HGD) that are designed for students with low incidence disabilities.

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Family Life Education (FLE) program descriptions for grades 9-12 Ninth graders participate in Family Life Education unit through health and physical education class for human growth and development and emotional and social health units. In tenth grade, students study human growth and development during health class.

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Parent Advocacy Handbook: High School Grades 9-12

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Parent Advocacy Handbook: High School Grades 9-12

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There are many dedicated individuals at your child's high school who are there to work with you and your child to insure student success. These individuals include administrative, instructional (classroom), and support staff. Make sure you know the names of each of these staff members, and how to contact them if necessary.

Principal. Every school has one principal who is the chief administrator and instructional leader.

Assistant Principals. Assistant principals in high school may be responsible for overseeing specific grade levels (as grade level administrator) and/or subject areas.

Teachers. Teachers are responsible for the day-to-day instruction of students. High schools have many more teachers than elementary schools, including:

Classroom Teachers: High School Teachers teach specific subject areas and may see your student every day in class or every other day, depending on class schedules.

Special Education Teachers. SPED teachers provide individual instruction or assistance for students with disabilities in and outside the general education classroom.

ESOL Teachers. ESOL teachers support students who speak other languages learn to read and understand English so they can succeed in school.

Equity Lead Teacher. The equity lead teacher works with the school principal to build relationships and foster a culturally responsive environment at school.

Director of Student Services. The Director of Student Services, or DSS, is a member of the school's leadership team and oversees the student services (or guidance) department, including counselors, social worker, and psychologist.

High School Counselor. Counselors consult with parents, teachers, and other staff to help a student's adjustment to school; collaborate with the student's teachers to ensure academic and social-emotional progress; coordinates student services for children with special needs; advise students on college and career options; and, assist students and parents to identify special enrichment and support programs to help with academic work. Counselors also write the Counselor Recommendation letter for college applications. Every high school student is assigned to a specific counselor. (If you have two, or more, children in the same school, they may have different counselors.) Make sure you know who your child's counselor is and how to contact him or her.

Social Worker/Psychologist. School social workers provide services to address the social, emotional, and behavioral needs of students. School psychologists provide family-school collaboration services to help families navigate educational and community systems to support students to address academic, mental health, and behavioral needs.

School Librarian: Every high school has its own library that provides special programs and workshops for students and loans books to its students. The school Librarian is another instructional leader in your child's school, and can assist high school students in learning how to do research, how to use source materials, and how to find books and reading material of interest to the student. The librarian can help students with access to technology to use at home.

System of Support Advisor (SOSA). The SOSA provides the school team monitor students' academics, behavior, and wellness, through a multi-tiered system of support framework. The role that a SOSA plays is determined by the principal. Some SOSAs, for example, monitor school attendance, while others coordinate SOL testing.

College and Career Center Specialist. The CCC Specialist provides students and parents with resources on college and career options and assists students in navigating the college admissions process.

Director of Student Activities. The DSA oversees student extracurricular activities at school, including athletics and after-school clubs and activities. The DSA also oversees building use.

Office Assistants/Administrative Assistants. School office assistants take care of scheduling appointments, greeting visitors, and communicating with school staff. If you have questions about registration, bus schedules, school lunches, immunization, or attendance, call the Main Office. Remember they are busiest at the start and end of each day.

Student Information Assistant (SIA). The SIA serves as Registrar for the high school and oversees student records. The SIA is responsible for maintaining high school transcripts, and providing them to colleges, employers, etc. upon a student's request.

Instructional Assistants. Classroom assistants help teachers and students in large classes.

Parent Liaisons (PL). Most (but not all) schools have parent liaisons who work with parents and teachers to help your child. They are usually local parents and speak the predominant language of your community. If your school does not have a PL, and you feel one is needed, start with the principal.

School Health Aide. The School Health Aide provides oversees the School Health Room (often called the "clinic").

School Based Technology Specialist (SBTS). The SBTS provides technical training and tech support to schools and school staff. Your SBTS may be able to assist you if you are having difficulty gaining access to school technology resources for parents.

School Security Staff. High schools have several staff member (depending on overall school size) who oversees safety and security in the school building. The school Security Office also oversees parking for staff, students, and visitors.

Student Resource Officer (SRO). The SRO is a uniformed member of the Fairfax County Police Department, who is assigned to the high school.

High school students take classes in English, Math, Social Studies, Science, and Health & Physical Education. They also may take courses in World Languages; Fine Arts; and Career and Technical Education. In addition, all high school students are required to take an Economics and Personal Finance class to earn their high school diploma.

The basic sequencing for core courses (other than math) in high school appear below. Not all students follow this sequencing, or order. Speak with your child's counselor for more information on course selection.

English

English 9*

English 10*

English 11* or AP English Language

English 12* or AP English Literature

Science

Biology*

Chemistry

Physics* or
AP Physics 1, Active Physics, or
Geosystems* or
AP Environmental Science

Choice of:
Astronomy
Geosystems
Human Anatomy
Oceanography
AP Environmental
AP Chemistry
AP Biology
AP Physics

Social Studies

World History & Geography 1*

World History & Geography 2* or AP World History

US & VA History* or
AP US History

US & VA Government* or
AP US Government or
AP US & Comparative Government

*indicates that course also is offered as an Honors class.

NOTE: IB students take IB English SL or HL and IB History of Americas in grade 11 and IB English 2 HL or SL and IB Topics in grade 12.

The basic math sequence available for high school mathematics in FCPS is as follows:

IB students may take IB Math SL or HL courses for some of these math classes.

Most students take Math through Algebra 2. Some students may begin this math sequence in middle school.

High school teachers may use a combination of various tools to measure your child's progress in the subject matter of their class offering, including:

Teacher-made quizzes, tests, and examinations

In-class assignments and exercises

Classroom participation

Homework assignments

Special projects

According to Grading Assignments and Assessments, "Teachers are expected to grade each assignment and post grades to the electronic gradebook within seven school days after the due date with the understanding that major projects/papers may require additional time to ensure quality feedback."

Progress reports (Report Cards) are sent home four times a year (you must sign and return the progress reports). High School students may receive an alphabetical grade ranging from A through F.

A

3.8-4.0

93-100

Designates the status of a student who consistently demonstrates accurate and complete knowledge of content and skills specified in the FCPS Program of Studies (POS) and applies that knowledge to solve problems in a variety of settings.

B+

3.1-3.3

87-89

Designates the status of a student who demonstrates knowledge of content and skills specified in the FCPS POS, with some improvement needed in accuracy and/or consistency in performance, applying that knowledge to solve problems in a variety of settings.

C+

2.1-2.3

77-79

Designates the status of a student who demonstrates knowledge of basic content and skills specified in the FCPS POS, but requires additional practice and instructional experiences to acquire skills necessary to solve problems.

D+

1.1-1.3

67-69

Designates the status of a student who needs significant practice and instructional experiences to acquire the knowledge of basic content and skills specified in the FCPS POS necessary to solve problems. As a final mark, it is not necessarily sufficient to meet the prerequisite requirements

F

0-0.7

Below 64

Designates the status of a student who has not demonstrated the basic knowledge of content and/or skills specified in the FCPS POS and requires additional practice and instructional experiences in order to succeed.

High School students also may receive a mark of:

Incomplete (I) - when, for example, a student has excused absences and are unable to complete assignments during the marking period but will complete assignments.

No Mark (NM) - when, for example, a student has been diagnosed with a medical issue which prevents them from completing work or there are other circumstances in which prolonged absences hinder a student's ability to complete work.

Pass-Fail (P or F) - when a high school student chooses to take one elective credit per year to be marked pass-fail. See Regulation 2436.

Audit (T) - In special circumstances, high school students may be allowed to attend one course without receiving credit for it.

Withdraw, Pass-Withdraw, Fail (W/P or W/F) - when a student drops a high school course. See Regulation 2445.

GPA, or Grade Point Average, is a calculation that results in the average, or mean, for all final high school grades. GPA is one indicator that colleges and universities may use when evaluating applicants for admission. GPA also may be used to determine various honors and awards given at high school graduation.

The 4.0 Scale in the table above determines the weight to be given each grade to determine a high school. Students who take Honors classes, Advanced Placement (AP), or International Baccalaureate (IB) classes receive an additional .5 to 1.0 for each course when determining GPA.

Yes. If your base high school does not offer a desired program of study, your student may apply to attend another high school that offers the program or desired course sequence. Students request such placement for sequential curricular programs (IB vs. AP), world languages (where a language is not offered at the base school), and academy sequences. You may request the school with the desired program that is closest to your residence that is open to student transfers.

Students on request also may take a single course at another school if their base school does not offer the desired class (e.g., academy courses; advanced math or language classes; JROTC). Be aware that the student loses an additional elective scheduling block for travel to the other school, and may need to take a summer school or online course to meet all graduation requirements.

Transportation is provided for students enrolled in academy programs and JROTC.

FCPS offers many dual enrollment options for students at select high schools and high school academies. Students who complete these courses may receive college credit in addition to high school credit upon successful completion.

Students may take English 12 as a dual enrollment course with English 111 and English 112 at NOVA. Students also may take select courses in math, science, social studies, and fine arts as dual enrollment courses with NOVA, George Mason University, James Madison University, and Shenandoah University.

FCPS students also may take college classes through NOVA in various Career and Technology areas, such as: CTE: Business and Information Technology (e.g., Cyber: Cisco 1A & 1B; 2A & 2B; Computer systems technology, network administration); CTE Family and Consumer Sciences (e.g., Culinary arts; early childhood education; teacher for tomorrow); CTE: Health and Medical Sciences (e.g., EMT, physical/occupational therapy); CTE: Marketing (e.g., entrepreneurship); CTE: Technical and Engineering Education (e.g., architectural drawing; engineering drawing; CTE: Trade and Industrial (e.g., auto collision services; criminal justice; HVAC ).

In dual enrollment courses, grades are awarded based on the FCPS grading scale, however, the college grades will not carry a plus or minus (e.g., no A+ or B-). Dual enrollment courses receive a weight of +1.0 when calculating GPA. For information on specific course weighted credit, see the course catalog.

The FCPS Online Campus allows students to enroll in up to two credits as part of their standard high school credits without fees. If students wish to take an online course as an eighth credit, there is a fee.

Online courses are identical in content to those offered in a traditional classroom. They align with the SOL and FCPS Program of Study.

Online classes are a good option for students who start a course after it has begun, have scheduling conflicts, personal reasons (e.g., health). Speak with your school counselor for more information.

Graduation requirements are set by state law. In Virginia, students must take a minimum number of credits to earn a standard diploma (for example, students who enter 9th grade in 2018-2019, must earn 22 standard credits). Some of these credits must be verified credits, i.e., the student must pass both the course and the end-of-course SOL test for that course. Students with disabilities may use credit accommodations to earn a standard diploma. The minimum requirements for graduation include courses in the following:

English

Mathematics

Laboratory Sciences [Update re: science SOL req. changes]

History and Social Sciences

Health and Physical Education

World Language, Fine Arts or Career and Technical Education

Economics and Personal Finance

Electives

Students who take additional classes may qualify for an advanced diploma.

Be aware that the Commonwealth of Virginia often changes its graduation requirements. If you have more than one child in high school at the same time, those students may not have the same graduation requirements. Speak with your student's counselor for more information about graduation requirements.

If you are a military family, the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Families governs how course waivers, verified credits, and transfers in senior year are handled for dependents of military enlistees.

Students must pass Standards of Learning (SOL) tests to earn verified credits required for graduation. Since your student will need verified credits based on when they enter high school, not all students take the same tests.

In addition, some students have a graduation requirement of a "student-selected" test. Parents and students may give input into which SOL test(s) they may attempt to earn their verified credit.

When your student has earned all of their verified credits, they are not permitted to take additional SOL tests, unless you as a parent "opt in" for such testing.

FCPS offers several elective courses that can help high school students develop executive functioning skills.

Strategies for Success: Strategies for Success is an elective course for students who need help on assignments in their core courses. It provides instruction in learning strategies, study skills, time management, organization, and self-advocacy skills.

AVID: AVID is an elective course that teaches students study skills, and offers motivational activities and the opportunity to explore college and career options. AVID students learn strategies for organization, planning and time management, and effective notetaking.

Speak with your student's counselor for more information or assistance.

Speak with your child's counselor about credit recovery. The Credit Recovery Academy provides an opportunity to recover one high school course credit. (Students may not take these courses for new course credit.) Students are eligible to enroll in a Credit Recovery course if they have previously received a grade of F. However, students who have passed Algebra 1 may take the Credit Recovery Academy to improve their understanding and skills before the next school year. No additional course credit will be awarded to these students.

A failing grade should not come as a complete surprise, as teachers are required to provide quarterly grades every nine weeks. Parents can get up-to-date information about your student's grades through the SIS Parent Account. Monitor your account regularly.

Naviance Student (formerly called Family Connection in FCPS) supports academic and career planning for middle and high school students. Naviance Student supports students in creating their Academic and Career Plan, which is designed to develop their post-secondary (after high school) plans. Students also can track service learning opportunities through x2VOL, accessed through Naviance. Many different resources are available for students through Naviance Student.

Naviance Student is part of the FCPS 24-7 Learning: Parent View. High School and Middle School parents with an active SIS Parent Account can access Naviance Student by clicking on the link for their child. The same log in credentials for SIS will also work for FCPS 24-7 Learning: Parent View.

Summer time offers many opportunities for high school students. Students who have failed a course and need to recover a high school credit have an opportunity to do so through the FCPS Credit Recovery Academy. Students who wish to get ahead in a subject area or take a course required for graduation that is difficult to fit into their school year schedule also may do so through the FCPS Online Campus over the summer.

There are many summer enrichment programs available throughout the area for high school students interested in pursuing their passions or new interests. High school students also may use the summer for internships or paid employment. Your school's Department of Student Services and College and Career Center can provide more information on these opportunities. Encourage your student to use these school resources to identify summer opportunities they might find interesting.

Summer Reading: Encourage your high school student to read over the summer, and to pay attention to any summer reading requirements their school may have for all students and/or any required reading teachers may have for some subjects or classes.

FCPS Summer Programs: FCPS operates various summer programs for high school students looking for academic support or enrichment. These programs include:
Credit Recovery Academy (Grades 7-12) students may recover one high school course credit through this online summer program. Speak with your child's counselor about this program.

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Parent Advocacy Handbook: High School Grades 9-12

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There are many dedicated individuals at your child's high school who are there to work with you and your child to insure student success. These individuals include administrative, instructional (classroom), and support staff. Make sure you know the names of each of these staff members, and how to contact them if necessary.

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Co-Parenting classes help parents focus on the responsibilities of parenting from separate households.

Looking for a Parenting Class?

Are you involved in a court case, or simply want to enhance your parenting skills? We offer fee-based classes in English and Spanish for parents and guardians of infants through teens. Our 4-hour class meets parent education guidelines developed by the Supreme Court of Virginia; a certificate is awarded upon completion of each class.

Day, evening, and Saturday classes are held each month at Dunn Loring Center for Parent Services in Dunn Loring, Virginia (near Tysons Corner).

Classes are for adults only--children are not permitted. Pre-registration is required. Please call 703-204-4344 or para mas información en Español, por favor comuníquese llame a la línea en Español 703-204-4351. Be sure to ask about our discounts for FCPS employees or parents signing up for more than one class.

We accept the following methods of payment:

Cash (exact change please)

Money orders, certified bank, or cashier's checks made out to Fairfax County Public Schools

We do not accept personal checks, debit, or credit cards.

Inclement Weather: Parenting classes are considered FCPS-sponsored activities and are canceled when school facilities are closed, or after-school or Saturday activities are canceled due to inclement weather. Please check the main FCPS webpage for the most updated school closing information.

Class Descriptions and Schedule

Co-Parenting: Two Parents, Two Homes (English and Spanish)

Helps parents focus on the responsibilities of parenting from separate households while keeping children out of the middle as the parents negotiate custody, visitation, child support, or divorce.

One four-hour session.

Please bring a form of identification to the class.

The cost is $40 per individual or $60 per couple attending the same class. (Cost includes a booklet and other materials.)

Contact:

Ann Warshauer 703-204-4344

En Español: 703-204-4351

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Co-Parenting classes help parents focus on the responsibilities of parenting from separate households. Are you involved in a court case, or simply want to enhance your parenting skills? We offer fee-based classes in English and Spanish for parents and guardians of infants through teens.

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Browse our selection of books about Parenting Teens here:

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Browse our selection of books about Parenting Teens here:

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Calm Conversations with Teens with Corinne Coppola

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Calm Conversations with Teens with Corinne Coppola

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Calm Conversations with Teens with Corinne Coppola

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Positive Discipline:   Keeping Your Sanity While Getting Your Teens To Cooperate

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10 Non-Negotiable Rules for Raising a Teenager

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10 Non-Negotiable Rules for Raising a Teenager

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10 Non-Negotiable Rules for Raising a Teenager

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Expert parenting tips on everything from handling big conversations to getting the most out of play

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How to Support your Teen During Stressful Times

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How to Support your Teen During Stressful Times

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How to support your teen during stressful times

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Be your child’s partner in navigating tough situations

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Center for Parent and Teen Communication

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The Center for Parent and Teen Communication is your guide through the journey of adolescence.

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College 101 - A Webinar for Families of Students with Disabilities

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College 101 - A Webinar for Families of Students with Disabilities

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College 101 - A Webinar for Families of Students with Disabilities

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Parenting Podcasts | Celebrate Calm | Celebrate Calm

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Celebrate Calm | Stop Power Struggles with Strong-Willed Children.

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THE TOP 5 CALM PARENTING PODCASTS

De-Escalate & Discipline A Defiant Child: My Best Podcast Ever
This 30-minute podcast will change how you handle meltdowns, yelling, and discipline in your home. Ever feel helpless when your kids are out of control or defiant? So do your kids. So learn how to break these negative cycles, lead your child to calm, and show him/her how to deal with frustration. This is rich with insight into your kids...and you. Share this one. It will change relationships.
Click here to listen via Simplecast.

No More Excuses, Kids! You Have Unique Advantages (For Parents & Teachers)
It's heartbreaking to hear kids say, "I'm stupid" and shut down. Your kids have struggles, but I don't want to coddle them or make excuses. In fact, I want you to turn their negatives into positives. Listen until the end for one of the most powerful talks you could ever have with your child or student. SHARE THIS WITH TEACHERS. Click here to listen via SimpleCast.

Want Respectful, Responsible Kids? Do the Step Back.
Yeah, I know we all want the same thing: kids who are responsible, respectful and become good citizens. I'm going to share a very powerful secret that will get your kids to actually step up and be responsible for themselves. It will eliminate so many of the power struggles. This is inspiring! Click here to listen via SimpleCast.

Get Your Strong-Willed Kids To Do Stuff Without the Fight
You have a strong-willed child who automatically resists you at every turn, chooses the harder path, and won't do things the way you want them to be done. Kirk gives you 5 ways to get your kids to do homework, get ready in the morning, apologize, do chores, and more in this important podcast. Click here to listen via SimpleCast.

Discipline When Consequences Don't Work
How do you discipline a child who doesn't respond to consequences? Who doesn't ever want to do things the way you want? How can you discipline without making your child feel like a failure? Kirk will show you how to handle misbehavior, blurting out, lying, stealing, screen time, and much more! Email Casey@CelebrateCalm.com or call 888-506-1871 to get practical help and our free newsletter. Click here to listen via SimpleCast.

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working with add adhd strong willed child

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Parenting Podcasts | Celebrate Calm | Celebrate Calm

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Kirk Martin shares practical strategies to stop the defiance, disrespect, yelling and power struggles in the Calm Parenting Podcast

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There are four primary Teen Center locations in Fairfax County with several Drop-In locations in the surrounding area. Drop-In sites are established through annual partnerships and can change from year to year depending on availability and the needs of the community. For details about Teen Programs in your area, please contact the primary Teen Center for your location:

Reston Teen Center
703-326-704012196 Sunset Hills Road, Reston, VA 20190
, TTY 711
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 2 to 9 PM; Friday, 2 to 10 PM; and Saturday, Noon to 10 PM
Drop In Sites:
South County Teen Center at the Original Mount Vernon High School
703-704-62348333 Richmond Highway, Alexandria, VA 22309
, TTY 711
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 2 to 9 PM; Friday, 2 to 10 PM; and Saturday, Noon to 10 PM
Drop In Sites: South County Middle School
8700 Laurel Crest Drive, Lorton, VA 22079
Hours: Friday-Saturday, 6 to 10 PM
6402 Franconia Road, Springfield, VA 22150
Hours: Friday-Saturday, 6 to 10 PM

703-534-3387James Lee Teen Center
2855 Annandale Road, Falls Church, VA 22042
, TTY 711
Hours: Monday-Friday, 2 to 10 PM; and Saturday, Noon to 10 PM
Drop In Sites:
Graham Road Community Building
3036 Graham Road, Falls Church, VA 22042
Hours: Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 5 to 8 PM

Mott Teen Center
703-278-860512111 Braddock Road, Fairfax, VA 22030
, TTY 711
Hours: Monday-Friday, 4:30 to 9 PM; and Saturday, Noon to 9 PM
Drop In Sites:
8100 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield, VA 22512
Hours:Friday-Saturday, 6 to 10 PM

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There are four primary Teen Center locations in Fairfax County with several Drop-In locations in the surrounding area. Drop-In sites are established through annual partnerships and can change from year to year depending on availability and the needs of the community.

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Family Education Booklet | Family Acceptance Project ®

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Family Education Booklet | Family Acceptance Project ®

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Thank you for downloading community publications from the Family Acceptance Project™.

We ask you to share your e-mail address and a little information so we can learn about where our publications are used and to get your feedback on our materials.

We will send you an e-mail in 2 weeks to ask you for feedback on this publication. This will help us develop more effective resources and materials. Thanks very much.

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Thank you for downloading community publications from the Family Acceptance Project™. We ask you to share your e-mail address and a little information so we can learn about where our publications are used and to get your feedback on our materials. We will send you an e-mail in 2 weeks to ask you for feedback on this publication.

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Driver's License process from Virginia DMV

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Driver's License process from Virginia DMV

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Welcome to the official site of the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, with quick access to driver and vehicle online transactions and information.

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Driver Education | Virginia Department of Education

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On March 17, 2022, the Virginia Board of Education approved and adopted the proposed revisions to the 2015 Driver Education Standards of Learning. The 2022 Driver Education Standards of Learning for Virginia Public Schools have been refined through feedback from parents, teachers, administrators, an…

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Helping high school students complete the state requirements for Driver Education.

In the tenth grade health and physical education class, students complete a 30 hour course of classroom driver education. Students must attend a 90-minute parent-teen traffic safety program: Partners for Safe Teen Driving.

Classroom driver education is also offered through Adult and Community Education (ACE) in the summer.

Must be at least 15 years and 6 months old

Must complete a two-part exam

Signs: 10 signs, must score 100%

Knowledge: 25 questions, must score 80%

The exam is available in multiple languages

Offered at most high schools

Must pass a vision test

Documents proving residency and legal presence are presented to DMV

Must have a learner's permit for a minimum of 9 months for licensing

Classroom Driver Education includes 30 hours of instruction

Topics include

Virginia traffic laws

Vehicle operating procedures

Management of visibility, time, and space when driving

Characteristics of different driving environments

Effects of drugs, alcohol, and fatigue on driving

Use of occupant protection features such as seatbelts and airbags

Sharing the roadway with other users including pedestrians, school buses, bicycles, emergency vehicles

Financial responsibilities of vehicle ownership

Students must attend a 90-minute parent-teen traffic safety program: Partners for Safe Teen Driving.

Occurs in the evening as part of grade 10 classroom driver education

Additional sessions are offered through ACE

A Driver Education Certificate of Completion (DEC-District 8/pink card) is issued after passing classroom driver education. This includes

a summative assessment.

and attending Partners for Safe Teen Driving.

Classes meet for 7 days.

Eligibility

Must have a learner's permit

Must have a DEC-District 8 card or be able to present a concurrent enrollment form prior to the first behind-the-wheel class

Lessons Cover

Basic vehicle control skills

Driving in residential, rural, city, and freeway (where available) setting

Administration of the Virginia Road Skills Evaluation is included

Must be completed with a licensed driver

The licensed driver must be 18 or older if they are a family member

The licensed driver must be 21 or older if they are not a family member

15 hours must be driven after sunset

Issued after all juvenile licensing requirements are met

Valid for 180 days

Within 180 days, the student will receive notification to attend the licensing ceremony in Juvenile and Domestic Court

Parent or guardian and student must attend the licensing ceremony.

Must be on time and dressed appropriately for court.

License is issued and given to the parent or guardian. The parent or guardian determines when the child can drive unsupervised.

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Helping high school students complete the state requirements for Driver Education.

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Students need 45 hours of behind-the-wheel practice with an adult in the car. This guide helps to know what skills to practice and in what order to introduce them. Also includes a log to keep track of 45 hours. This log must be turned in to behind-the-wheel instructor before receiving the license.

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As part of Virginia's graduate licensing programs, teen drivers must have 45 hours of behind-the-wheel practice, 15 of which must be after sunset, before they are eligible for a provisional license.

The 45-Hour Parent/Teen Driving Guide is technical assistance guide that provides parents with a systematic approach to guide their teen toward remaining collision-free in both low- and high-risk driving environments. The suggested lessons in the guide follow a sequential learning pattern that progresses from the parking lot to neighborhoods, to light traffic, to rural highways, to expressways and then to city driving. Each lesson provides parents with an estimated amount of time the student will need to achieve mastery; however, because students have different abilities and learning styles, parents need to spend as much time as necessary to allow your child to master the skills before moving on to the next lesson.

Research shows that in order to remain collision-free, parents must model safe driving behaviors and invest in meaningful guided practice over a long period of time to turn these skills into good driving habits!

For a copy of the 45-Hour Parent/Teen Driving Guide, go to: https://www.doe.virginia.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/1994/637949897707070000.

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As part of Virginia's graduate licensing programs, teen drivers must have 45 hours of behind-the-wheel practice, 15 of which must be after sunset, before they are eligible for a provisional license. The 45-Hour Parent/Teen Driving Guide is technical assistance guide that provides parents with a systematic approach to guide their teen toward remaining collision-free in both low- and high-risk driving environments.

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Knowing the Signs: Substance Abuse and Today's Youth with Sam Anthony Lucania

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Alcohol, Tobacco, Vaping, & other Drugs Webinar

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Alcohol, Tobacco, Vaping, & other Drugs Webinar

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Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Webinar

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Manage time, energy, focus,

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Assistive Technology to Support Executive Functioning

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Playlist: Transition from High School for Students with Disabilities

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Playlist: Transition from High School for Students with Disabilities

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Career & Transition Services Super Transition Week webinars

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High School Career and Transition Services (CTS) 2020-21

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CONSIDERATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES IN THE COLLEGE SEARCH & BEYOND: Virtual College Week highlighting issues to consider in the college search, app...

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Webinar from National Institute of Mental Health

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National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

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Behavioral Activation: Treatment of Adolescent Depression

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Search for colleges that are explicitly LGBTQ+ inclusive

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Projects include Lavender Graduation ceremonies, trans-affirming programming, and visibility for BIPOC and disability justice initiatives. CHARLOTTE, NC - Today Campus Pride announced a new round of funding for its "Social Justice Mini-Grants for Activism" program, designed to elevate and celebrate ...
Read More →

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for supporting Campus Pride and the valuable work we do for LGBTQ+ college students across the country. We needed you, and you made a generous gift. Our Giving Tuesday fundraising drive raised $11,510 ...
Read More →

Charlotte, NC - Today, Campus Pride, the leading national organization for LGBTQ+ young adults on college campuses, responded to the deadly mass shooting at Club Q in Colorado Springs, a local LGBTQ+ nightclub. The club is a safe-haven for the ...
Read More →

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Campus Pride | Building Future Leaders & Safer, More Inclusive LGBTQ-Friendly Colleges & Universities

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Projects include Lavender Graduation ceremonies, trans-affirming programming, and visibility for BIPOC and disability justice initiatives. CHARLOTTE, NC - Today Campus Pride announced a new round of funding for its "Social Justice Mini-Grants for Activism" program, designed to elevate and celebrate ...

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Thinking Outside the Box-Creative Postsecondary Employment Options for Parents of SWD

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Thinking Outside the Box-Creative Postsecondary Employment Options for Parents of SWD

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Thinking Outside the Box - Creative Postsecondary Employment Options for Parents of SWD

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Into Adulthood: The Journey from Dependence to Independence

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Into Adulthood: The Journey from Dependence to Independence

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2021 by Corrine Coppola at the Parent Resource Center.

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Into Adulthood: The Journey from Dependence to Independence

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Exploring Post-Secondary Options through the College & Career Center

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Exploring Post-Secondary Options through the College & Career Center

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Exploring Post-Secondary Options through the College & Career Center

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Stages of Adolescence - HealthyChildren.org

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Stages of Adolescence - HealthyChildren.org

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By: Brittany Allen, MD, FAAP & Helen Waterman, DO

Adolescence is the period of transition between childhood and adulthood. It includes some big changes-to the body, and to the way a young person relates to the world.

The many physical, sexual, cognitive, social, and emotional changes that happen during this time can bring anticipation and anxiety for both children and their families. Understanding what to expect at different stages can promote healthy development throughout adolescence and into early adulthood.

Early Adolescence (Ages 10 to 13)

During this stage, children often start to grow more quickly. They also begin notice other body changes, including hair growth under the arms and near the genitals, breast development in females and enlargement of the testicles in males. They usually start a year or two earlier in girls than boys, and it can be normal for some changes to start as early as age 8 for females and age 9 for males. Many girls may start their period at around age 12, on average 2-3 years after the onset of breast development.

These body changes can inspire curiosity and anxiety in some―especially if they do not know what to expect or what is normal. Some children may also question their gender identity at this time, and the onset of puberty can be a difficult time for transgender children.

Early adolescents have concrete, black-and-white thinking. Things are either right or wrong, great or terrible, without much room in between. It is normal at this stage for young people to center their thinking on themselves (called "egocentrism"). As part of this, preteens and early teens are often self-conscious about their appearance and feel as though they are always being judged by their peers.

Pre-teens feel an increased need for privacy. They may start to explore ways of being independent from their family. In this process, they may push boundaries and may react strongly if parents or guardians reinforce limits.

Middle Adolescence (Ages 14 to 17)

Physical changes from puberty continue during middle adolescence. Most males will have started their growth spurt, and puberty-related changes continue. They may have some voice cracking, for example, as their voices lower. Some develop acne. Physical changes may be nearly complete for females, and most girls now have regular periods.

At this age, many teens become interested in romantic and sexual relationships. They may question and explore their sexual identity―which may be stressful if they do not have support from peers, family, or community. Another typical way of exploring sex and sexuality for teens of all genders is self-stimulation, also called masturbation.

Many middle adolescents have more arguments with their parents as they struggle for more independence. They may spend less time with family and more time with friends. They are very concerned about their appearance, and peer pressure may peak at this age.

The brain continues to change and mature in this stage, but there are still many differences in how a normal middle adolescent thinks compared to an adult. Much of this is because the frontal lobes are the last areas of the brain to mature―development is not complete until a person is well into their 20s! The frontal lobes play a big role in coordinating complex decision making, impulse control, and being able to consider multiple options and consequences. Middle adolescents are more able to think abstractly and consider "the big picture," but they still may lack the ability to apply it in the moment. For example, in certain situations, kids in middle adolescence may find themselves thinking things like:

"I'm doing well enough in math and I really want to see this movie... one night of skipping studying won't matter."

Do I really have to wear a condom during sex if my girlfriend takes the pill?"

"Marijuana is legal now, so it can't be that bad."

While they may be able to walk through the logic of avoiding risks outside of these situations, strong emotions often continue to drive their decisions when impulses come into play.

Late Adolescents (18-21... and beyond!)

Late adolescents generally have completed physical development and grown to their full adult height. They usually have more impulse control by now and may be better able to gauge risks and rewards accurately. In comparison to middle adolescents, youth in late adolescence might find themselves thinking:

"While I do love Paul Rudd movies, I need to study for my final."

"I should wear a condom...even though my girlfriend is on birth control, that's not 100% in preventing pregnancy."

"Even though marijuana is legal, I'm worried about how it might affect my mood and work/school performance."

Teens entering early adulthood have a stronger sense of their own individuality now and can identify their own values. They may become more focused on the future and base decisions on their hopes and ideals. Friendships and romantic relationships become more stable. They become more emotionally and physically separated from their family. However, many reestablish an "adult" relationship with their parents, considering them more an equal from whom to ask advice and discuss mature topics with, rather than an authority figure.

Parents: How To Help Your Children Navigate Adolescence

Children and their parents often struggle with changing dynamics of family relationships during adolescence. But parents are still a critical support throughout this time.

Here are some things you can do:

Help your child anticipate changes in his or her body. Learn about puberty and explain what's ahead. Reassure them that physical changes and emerging sexuality is part of normal, healthy development. Leave room for questions and allow children to ask them at their own pace. Talk to your pediatrician when needed!

Start early conversations about other important topics. Maintain open communication about healthy relationships, sex, sexuality, consent, and safety (such as how to prevent sexually transmitted infection and pregnancy, and substance use). Starting these conversations during early adolescence will help build a good framework for discussions later.

Keep conversations with your child positive. Point out strengths. Celebrate successes.

Be supportive and set clear limits with high (but reasonable) expectations. Communicate clear, reasonable expectations for curfews, school engagement, media use, and behavior, for example. At the same time, gradually expanding opportunities for more independence over time as your child takes on responsibility. Youth with parents that aim for this balance have been shown to have lower rates of depression and drug use.

Discuss risky behaviors (such as sexual activity and substance use) and their consequences. Be sure to set a positive example yourself. This can help teens consider or rehearse decision-making ahead of time and prepare for when situations arise.

Honor independence and individuality. This is all part of moving into early adulthood. Always remind your child you are there to help when needed.

The adolescent years can feel like riding a roller coaster. By maintaining positive and respectful parent-child relationships during this period, your family can (try to) enjoy the ride!

Additional Information:

About Dr. Allen:

Brittany Allen, MD, FAAP, is a board-certified general pediatrician and provides specialty care to transgender and gender nonconforming youth. She is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. She is a member of American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Section on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health and Wellness and the Wisconsin Chapter.

About Dr. Waterman:

Helen Waterman, DO is a resident physician in pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin. Within the American Academy of Pediatrics, she is a member of the Section on Pediatric Trainees and the Section on Osteopathic Pediatricians.

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Adolescence is the period of transition between childhood and adulthood. It includes some big changes-to the body, and to the way a young person relates to the world. Learn about these different stages here.

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Mental Health and Teens: Watch for Danger Signs - HealthyChildren.org

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Mental Health and Teens: Watch for Danger Signs - HealthyChildren.org

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By: Richard J. Chung, MD, FAAP

If your teenage child is dealing with anxiety, depression or any other mental health concern right now, you're not alone. More than a year after the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) joined with other organizations to declare a national emergency in youth mental health, many teens are still struggling.

Still, you may wonder whether the symptoms are part of the biological and social changes all young people go through on their way to adulthood, or something more. As a parent or caregiver, how do you know when to talk with your teen and their doctor about mental health?

Read on to learn more about teen mental health, including signs someone is struggling and may need more support. You can also visit the AAP YouTube channel for a series of videos for teens on mental health. The videos address topics including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, self-harm and other topics. Share with someone you care about:

Pressures teens face

Youth mental health expert raised concerns about the extreme pressures on children and teens throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet the lingering effects of school closures and other COVID-related stressors are not the only factors in teen stress. Many young people are also dealing with:

Overwhelming pressure to figure out their future, get good grades or gain admission to elite colleges and universities

The need to be superstars in sports, the performing arts or other extracurriculars

Tough schedules that don't allow enough time for rest, relaxation and unstructured fun

Bullying (whether in person, via social media or both)

Persistent fears about climate change, global conflict and other weighty issues

Discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation​, weight, religion, disability or other factors

Problems related to a poverty or lack of money for safe, stable housing and enough nutritious food.

How will I know if my teen is struggling?

The mental health symptoms you might see in your child will, of course, be unique to them. But as a parent or caregiver, you have a good sense of what their "normal" looks like.

Signs your teen may be having mental health difficulties

In addition to more overt symptoms like mood swings, irritability, anger and tearfulness, you may see:

Notable changes in sleep, weight, eating habits or other everyday patterns

Loss of interest in the things they usually love or quitting activities that they enjoy

Withdrawing more than usual from friends, family and community

Canceling plans with their closest friends with little or no explanation

Academic struggles that seem different or more intense: for example, failing quizzes in their favorite subject or refusing to do homework that once would have seemed easy

Running thoughts or worries that won't leave them alone

A whole new set of friends you've never met before

Refusing to talk about what's bothering them, even after you've made it as safe as possible to discuss hard issues openly

Obsession with a certain goal, possibly with the belief that if they don't achieve it, their life will never be the same

Signs of drug, alcohol or other substance use

Signs of self-harm such as cuts, burns, bruises, etc. that your teen tries to hide or can't explain fully and credibly

Sexual activity or interest that seems new or more intense than before

Keep in mind that having just one symptom on this list doesn't mean your teen is experiencing a full-blown crisis. Biological changes, including the hormone shifts all tweens and teens go through, can affect your child's mood, school performance and more. But if you consistently see one or more of these signs, it's time to open a conversation about mental health with your teen.

What mental health conditions are most common for teens?

Young people face pretty much the same array of mental health challenges that adults do. However, these are the most common mental health conditions seen in U.S. tweens and teens:

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder(ADHD) affects nearly 10% of all U.S. kids aged 3 to 17.

Nearly 9.5% experience anxiety that interferes with their everyday functioning.

Around 4.5% live with depression. In teens, depression may or may not look like the stereotyped tearful blues. Symptoms of depression can sometimes look more like anger/irritability.

Though they are less common, eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa can cause major health problems for teens and young adults. Self-harm,thought to be underreported, is another serious concern for tweens and teens.

Are drinking and drugs part of the problem?

Substance use is very common among teens. It can combine with mental health issues (and in most cases, making them worse).

Around 15% of all high-school students say they have used street drugs such as cannabis, cocaine, inhalants, heroin, meth, hallucinogens or MDMA (also called ecstasy or molly). Some 14% report they have misused prescription opioids. Nearly 30% say they've tried alcohol and 14% admit to binge drinking. A frightening 17% got into a car driven by someone who had been drinking, exposing them to a whole new level of danger.

Substance use is a concern all its own-one you should definitely discuss with your teen, even if you don't see signs of mental health issues. But noticing it alongside mental health symptoms raises extra concern. Drinking and drugs are often used to cope with difficult feelings or circumstances. This can signal deep emotional pain that needs to be addressed.

What role does social media play?

Young people spend a lot of time on sites such as Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and others. One study found that 90% of teens aged 13 to 18 use multiple platforms, with more than 60% engaging with social media every day.

We are still learning about the ways social media can affect human health, especially among children and teens. Healthy use of social media can foster positive connections. However, some young people may face greater risks for negative effects. See " Social Media & Your Child's Mental Health: What the Research Says" for insights that can help you consider social media's impact on your child.

How can I open conversations with my child?

Here are some points to consider as you open the door to discussing your teen's mental health. Ideally, this should be a a series of ongoing conversations and "check ins" that you have with your child. This can help support your child's mental health and also give you a foundation for times your child may be struggling more and need more problem-focused support.

Resolve to listen more than you speak. Nothing will send your teen running the other way faster than failing to see and hear them fully. You will need to manage your own fears during the conversation so you can avoid autobiographical listening. This happens when you filter everything through your own life lens instead of listening for deep understanding.

Realize that mental health stigma still exists. Despite much progress, some people still believe that having a mental health condition means someone is broken, untrustworthy or potentially violent. In fact, many don't seek mental health treatment because they're afraid of what others will think of them. If you're concerned about the harm stigma can do to your teen, this article may help.

What to remember about mental health​ as you move forward

How can our pediatrician support us?

Your pediatrician cares about your child's health and has helped many other parents and caregivers with mental health concerns. Your pediatrician also knows about local resources you can tap to support your teen, now and throughout the healing process.

Pediatricians can explain treatment options, including medications that might help. They can also refer you to mental health specialists who can evaluate your teen. In this way, your pediatrician will become part of a care team that can help you create a treatment plan, as well as a crisis plan that spells out what you will do if things get worse for your child.

What if my teen is having thoughts of suicide?

Suicidal thoughts or actions should NEVER be ignored. If your teen is in crisis right now, call The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or text 'TALK" to 741741. Trained lifeline staff will help you figure out immediate steps to protect your child.

If your teen is thinking about suicide but not in crisis, it's still vitally important to get help. Call your child's pediatrician or mental health provider right away to find resources and plan for appropriate treatment and support.

If you're concerned you might be missing the warning signs of suicide, here is an article that may help.

Proactively promote mental health & self-care

Also keep in mind that mental health is not just about responding to problems. It is important to promote positive mental health and resilience in everyday, proactive ways.

Even if your teen is doing fine, help them find time for self care and mood-boosting healthy habits. Make time to enjoy each other as a family. Positive activities and relationships can have a protective, "scaffolding" effect on mental health.

We all have good days and bad days, just as days when we feel healthier than other times. Mental health should stay on our radar; promoting it should be among our day-to-day goals.

More information

About Dr. Chung

Richard J. Chung, MD, FAAP is a pediatrician and adolescent medicine specialist in Durham, North Carolina. He is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Adolescence.

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Teen Mental Health: How to Know When Your Child Needs Help

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For many teenagers, the transitions that accompany adolescence and other pressures can lead to one or more of a variety of mental health disorders. Here are signs parents and caregivers can watch for, and information to help know when they may need more support.

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website with free printable lists

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and optional kid-sized clipboard with 4-color pen

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Free Printable - Things Not Taught In School

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Things not taught in school that your child should know before they graduate from high school! Print it as is, or edit it at TheTripClip.com. :og

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Are You Over-Helping Your College-Bound Teen? - HealthyChildren.org

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Are You Over-Helping Your College-Bound Teen? - HealthyChildren.org

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As a parent, it's difficult to watch your child struggle. At any age, you hurt for them. You want to help―but there comes a point when helping can be harmful.

Removing obstacles from their path may make life easier in the short term, but as they approach college and young adulthood, it could set them up for bigger problems.

So, how can you help your teenager learn to navigate life's obstacles? Here are some tips.

Change your focus. Instead of helping your kids "avoid difficulties," help them "get through difficulties." To do this, try to think of difficult circumstances as "teachable moments" for your child.

Avoid quick fixes. We've all experienced occasions when our children's stress became our stress, too. It's hard to hear that your son was picked last for a team in gym class, or that other girls chastised your daughter for her outfit. It sometimes seems tempting to deal with adversity by taking an easier road. Removing the child from that 'awful' school. Buying the trendy outfit.

Give your child the freedom to fail. This may just be the hardest thing to do; we don't want to see our kids fail. We may still call the high school teacher about a bad grade or keep track of our 18 year old's exams and doctors' appointments. But the biggest gift we can give our children is the freedom to fall, dust themselves off, and get back up again. This does not mean that we never extend a helping hand. It just means that we need to let them learn how to navigate and adapt so they'll be prepared. Life is bound to throw them some curve balls, and we aren't always going to be there.

Promote independence. Coach your child on how to talk with their teachers about a bad grades rather than doing it yourself. Encourage your college-bound kids to make their own appointments and remember their own schedules. They may miss appointments or oversleep for school, but that creates a learning opportunity. We know that in real life, if we miss an important meeting at work, there are usually consequences. Learning about this as a student is better than learning how to manage life and cope with difficulty as an adult.

Make college decisions together. What's most important to your child when it comes to choosing a college? Yes, I said your child. Not you. Many factors go into selecting one college over another, not just which school has the "superior academic reputation." What often sways the vote one way, or another are the basics: cost, distance, location, and size. What does your teen want? Is it different than what you want? Have conversations and listen. Learning your child's preferences at the outset will help all of you to narrow the search and come to a decision that all of you feel comfortable with.

Ask about mental health support on campus. The American College Health Association Survey on health showed that over 60% of kids in college have "overwhelming anxiety" at some point; and that the average time to access a counselor is 1 week. If you have a family history of mental health disorders, your child is a greater risk. The Jed Foundation provides a detailed guide for parents and students that includes questions to ask about the services and programs a college provides to help students manage their mental health and thrive in the campus environment. Download the guide and learn more at nami.org/collegeguide.

A Word About Test Scores:

Our culture is obsessed with numbers and data. In our jobs, many of us have a need to quantify and measure performance. Although standardized test scores like the SAT and ACT are important to some college admissions officers as indicators of a student's ability to do college-level school work under pressure, they do not define your child's intelligence, talent, or worth.

If your child is feeling ashamed about his or her test results, you must not let it take a downward spiral. Help your child put things into perspective. When the topic of 'success in life' is studied, it turns out that standardized test scores do not correlate with anything once the student graduates from college. Character traits such as resilience, optimism, and enthusiasm seem to guarantee success no matter what the person's SAT or ACT scores were.

Remember, there are many colleges that no longer require standardized test scores and many others that will accept your child, no matter what scores he or she has.

Additional Information:

About Dr. Bhargava:

Hansa Bhargava, MD, FAAP is Senior Medical Director at WebMD, Senior Medical Advisor at Medscape, and Staff physician at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. At WebMD she leads strategy around pediatric content, helps to develop products such as apps and tools to help get timely relevant information to parents and oversees a team of medical experts to ensure accuracy and credibility of articles, videos, and other content. In her role as a spokesperson for these initiatives, she interacts with broadcast, radio, and print media, and hosts her own series at Medscape called 'Uncharted Medicine.' Within the American Academy of Pediatrics, Dr. Bhargava is a member of the Council on Communications and Media Executive Committee. She is a graduate of University of Toronto Medical School and is board certified in Pediatrics. Her favorite role is to be a mom of two kids in Atlanta. Follow her on Twitter @hansabhargavaMD .

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Are You Over-Helping Your College-Bound Teen?

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Removing obstacles from your teens' path may make life easier in the short term, but they approach college and young adulthood, it could set them up for bigger problems. Here are some tips for helping your teen learn how to navigate life's obstacles.

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ParenTeen Connect | Parenting Advice | ParenTeen Connect

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ParenTeen Connect | Parenting Advice | ParenTeen Connect

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Make Adolescence Less of a Struggle with ParenTeenConnect.org

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When it comes to being a teen or raising one, couldn't we all use some support? ParenTeenConnect.org can help your family connect and communicate better.

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50 Conversation Starters to Build Communication with Teens

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50 Conversation Starters to Build Communication with Teens

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https://www.signupgenius.com/home/teen-conversation-topics.cfm

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Talking with teens has never been an easy task. Especially as a parent, it can be difficult to start conversations with your teen and keep them talking about subjects they enjoy talking about. And in today's changing social environment, it's never been more important.

Whether you're a youth director, camp counselor, neighbor, relative, or parent looking for conversation topics, this list of ideas will be a helpful place to start. The long-lasting reward of getting to know the teen in your life better is worth every ounce of your effort.

Keepin' It Light with Small Talk

Going in too strong, too fast is a surefire way to crash and burn. Try these easy and fun questions as a casual way to talk to a teen.

Teen power: TV and social media

Beginning with any topic where the teen can show expertise is a good option, and they'll have the upper hand on this one.

1. Seen any good shows on Netflix lately?

2. What's your most recent binge-worthy series?

3. How long does it usually take you to get through a new show? Weeks, days or hours?

4. What TV series would you recommend for me? And why?

5. What social media do you spend the most time on these days?

6. What do you like most about social media?

7. What do you hate about social media?

8. Do you have a favorite TikTok trend?

9. Have you ever made a TikTok? What was it about?

10. Did you hear about _____? (fill in the blank with the latest celebrity and/or sports news you just looked up) What do you think about that?

Coordinate a sweet sixteen birthday party with an online sign up. View an Example
Talk about food

Even if it's not always the same types or styles, all teenagers like food.

1. I just went to this new restaurant called _______ last week and it was so good. Have you ever been there?

2. What's your favorite style of food?

3. What's your favorite restaurant?

4. If you could choose, would you rather go to an exclusive, fine dining restaurant or a casual one?

5. Do you like to cook?

6. If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your days, what would you choose?

7. What is your least favorite type of food?

Chat about movies

Do your research beforehand to brush up on celebrity names and stats.

1. Have you seen any good movies lately?

2. What do you think is the best movie of all time?

3. What was the movie you asked your parents to watch over and over again when you were little?

4. What's your favorite movie soundtrack?

5. Who are your favorite actor and actress?

6. If you could meet just one celebrity, who would it be?

7. If you could play any role in a movie, what would it be?

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Topics with a Little More Depth

If you're a parent or someone who knows the teen pretty well, you likely already know most of the answers to the lighter questions. These questions are great if you have a solid relationship already. Hint: You must offer some personal information about yourself if you expect something in return. Just a battery of questions is a poor, though often used, communication strategy with teens.

Traveling through life

Have fun while taking the time to dream a little.

1. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would it be?

2. What was your favorite trip ever, near or far, that you remember?

3. I'm thinking about finding new places to explore. Do you have any recommendations?

4. If you had the choice to visit a beach or the mountains, which would you choose?

5. What is your favorite activity on vacation?

6. Would you choose a slower-paced, chill vacation or a high-energy, active trip?

Holiday fun...or not?

If you are trying to segue to memories, this can be a good one.

1. Do you have any plans for ______ this year? (Insert closest holiday and then offer your upcoming plans.)

2. What does your family usually do for (holiday name)?

3. What's your favorite part of that holiday? Mine is ....

4. Which holiday do you look forward to the most each year?

5. What is your best holiday memory?

6. What's the best holiday gift you ever got?

Topics That Get Deep

Master the basics first and build some rapport, but if you see an opportunity for a bit of deeper conversation, never pass it up! The more depth your conversation has, the more you will get to know one another.

Pandemic woes

This was a rough time for most of us, so use extra sensitivity, but you can learn lots about what's been on their minds.

1. What did your typical day look like during the COVID lockdown?

2. What was the hardest part of social distancing for you? Mine was...

3. Did you pick up any new interests or hobbies with the extra down time? I tried...

4. What has been the hardest part for you as we all try to get back to a new "normal"?

5. Who did you miss the most during lockdown time?

Past, present and future

Be sure to draw on any and all details you have discovered thus far.

1. Sounds like you really like ____ (fill in the blank with their biggest interest you've discovered thus far), could you ever see yourself involved in that as a career?

2. What is your dream job?

3. What makes you smile the most often?

4. How do you cheer yourself up on a bad day?

5. Do you ever get the feeling that it's going to be a great day when you wake up, and what makes you feel that way?

6. How would you describe a perfect day?

7. Would you rather have a large group of friends that are only a little close, or a small group of friends that are much closer? Why?

8. What do you think makes someone a good friend?

9. When do you know you can trust someone in your life?

Noticeably absent from the list is the topic of school. Most kids, even excellent students, don't really want to discuss it during their free time, and yet they expect an adult to always ask about school because they usually do. If you know anything, or even a lot, about the teen you want to get to know better, try to find topics they can feel relaxed about, and then you can both enjoy the communication-building conversation.
Laura Jackson is a freelance writer based in Hilton Head, S.C. with her husband and two teenagers.

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50 Conversation Starters to Build Communication with Teens

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Talking with teens has never been an easy task. Especially as a parent, it can be difficult to start conversations with your teen and keep them talking about subjects they enjoy talking about. And in today's changing social environment, it's never been more important.

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Straight Talk About Teens: Realistic Ideas and Advice for Parents of Older Teens

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Straight Talk About Teens: Realistic Ideas and Advice for Parents of Older Teens

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Realistic ideas and advice for

parents of older teenagersINCLUDES

A Teenager’s

Guide to Parents

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Healthy Minds Podcast: Preventing Youth Suicide

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Healthy Minds Podcast: Preventing Youth Suicide

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October 2, 2020

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In today's podcast, we meet Whitney McDonough, a social worker at West Potomac High School and FCPS employee for more than 25 years. Whitney provides information and resources about teen suicide prevention and a program available to FCPS parents and students called SOS - Signs of Suicide. Participants learn how to Acknowledge, Care, and Tell or ACT.

2020 © Anchor FM Inc. All rights reserved.

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Preventing Youth Suicide by Healthy Minds

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Preventing Youth Suicide by Healthy Minds

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In today's podcast, we meet Whitney McDonough, a social worker at West Potomac High School and FCPS employee for more than 25 years. Whitney provides information and resources about teen suicide prevention and a program available to FCPS parents and students called SOS - Signs of Suicide.

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A young adult who goes away to a college or a job far from home has to build a social support system from the ground up. At the same time, he may have to acclimate himself to a drastically different environment.

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A young adult who goes away to a college or a job far from home has to build a social support system from the ground up. At the same time, he may have to acclimate himself to a drastically different environment.

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High School Success: A Strategic Transition from MS to HS

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High School Success: A Strategic Transition from MS to HS

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High School Success: A Strategic Transition from MS to HS

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December 2020, Fairfax County Family Services

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Positive Discipline:   Keeping Your Sanity While Getting Your Teens To Cooperate

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January 2021, Rachel Bailey

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How to Get your Child or Adolescent to Open Up to You - a webinar with Rachel Bailey

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Local Teenage Counseling in Fairfax, VA | Newport Academy

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Local Teenage Counseling in Fairfax, VA | Newport Academy

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Local Teenage Counseling in Fairfax, VA | Newport Academy

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The Newport Academy teenage counseling & outpatient program in Fairfax, Virginia, is tailored for teens who are experiencing anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns, and who may also be falling behind in their academic and social-emotional progress as a result. Through a comprehensive, evidence-based plan tailored for each individual and incorporating a robust family therapy counseling component, we help teens and families reestablish a solid foundation for thriving.

Virginia Mental Health Statistics

Like their peers around the country, adolescents in Virginia are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, and other mental health conditions. More than 15 percent of Virginia teens suffer from major depression, yet less than half of them receive any mental health services at all.

Newport Academy's outpatient program in Fairfax VA is helping to address this gap in mental healthcare in the state, by providing teens with integrated, evidence-based care while helping them to build supportive peer communities. Our model of care incorporates teenage counseling services, including teen depression therapy, with local parent support groups and family therapy in our Fairfax mental health center. Both young people and parents gain tools for better communication and enhanced family harmony.

Learn more about our outpatient programming, including our levels of care, our clinical model, and our academic differentiators.

Comprehensive Solutions for Teenage Counseling in Fairfax

Our Newport Academy Fairfax outpatient location features art and music studios and cozy, home-like spaces for group therapy sessions. It is located on Willow Brook Corporate Drive, close to shops, restaurants, and Tysons Corner, and easily accessible to downtown Washington DC.

Serving Virginia Through Collaborative Partnerships

Newport Academy prioritizes our relationships with other individuals and entities that are working to support youth and expand access to adolescent mental healthcare. In the Fairfax area, we partner with a number of community organizations and providers, including hospitals, school systems, and local referring professionals.

Special Offerings at Newport Academy Fairfax

Each client's daily schedule at our Virginia outpatient location includes a blend of scientifically validated clinical and experiential modalities, ranging from CBT, DBT, and Attachment-Based Family Therapy to art and music therapy. Clients also do yoga and meditation and participate in Adventure Therapy excursions in Great Falls Park and other local nature preserves.

"The effort, commitment, and passion of our team here in Fairfax is endless, and we get to witness the positive impact on our teens and families every day. To be instrumental in their healing journey is the most meaningful part of what we do."
- Najah Dail, LPC, LCPC, Newport Executive Director of Outpatient Services, Fairfax

Images of Our Virginia Location

Newport Academy Virginia Outpatient FAQs

Our Address

Newport Academy Outpatient

8280 Willow Oaks Corporate Dr.
Fairfax, VA 22031

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Our teen outpatient program provides an integrated approach to family and teen counseling in Fairfax, VA, and the surrounding area.

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Resources + Partners - Safe Community Coalition

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Resources + Partners - Safe Community Coalition

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RESOURCES The Safe Community Coalition has hosted critical presentations on anxiety, stress, teen depression, resilience, dating abuse, drug and alcohol prevention, safe technology use, positive discipline, and parenting. We work with a Youth Advisory Council in middle schools, and hold a variety of school- and community-based events. The