Hot topics and things to know.
All content in our blog is posted for use by anyone who is seeking help — OP participants or not. We encourage you to share these posts with people you think will benefit. For your convenience, we’ve sorted content into hot topics, and you search below.
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Caring for Youth Post-Election
Youth are more dialed into elections or your feelings surrounding them than we might think. Help the young people in your family manage post-election anxiety with the following tips.
A REAL Back-to-School Supplies List
In addition to the usual notebooks, pencils, and graphing calculators, there are other provisions students need this year. OP offers this slightly different “back-to-school supplies” list to help you and your child get ready for school during COVID-19.
Hope: Our Most Powerful Asset
The Oregon wildfires reminded us that the best thing we can do to stay grounded and hopeful is to help others.
What is a Relationship Bill of Rights?
Relationships are a valuable part of a family and of growing up. While healthy relationships provide so much joy and value to the lives of youth, they also have their challenges. One tool that families and youth can use is a Relationship Bill of Rights.
How to Support Your Teen and Their Friendships
The friendships teen make are an integral part of growing up with fun, memories, support, and growth. They also introduce challenges like gossip, bullying, and relational aggression. How can you best support your teens and their friendships?
Fostering Strong Family Relationships
What are the characteristics of a healthy family? What are some ways to build strong(er) family relationships? A child’s earliest relationships begin at the family level. Learn how to support youth by fostering healthy family relationships.
What is an Adult Ally?
Think about an adult who was important to you when you were a teenager. A teacher? A youth group counselor? A cool aunt? Odds are, you can think of at least one adult who has made a difference in your life. What is it about them that makes them so memorable? Was it the way they talked to you? The way they made you feel?
Resisting Adultism
How many times have you heard one of these? (Or said one of them?)
“You’re so smart for a 15-year-old.”
“You think this is hard? Wait until you’re older!”
“Would you grow up?”
Social Media Alternatives Promote Connection for Youth
Social media isn’t the only online tool for youth to stay connected.
Social Media - A Place to Connect
We know the potential risks that social media plays in our young people’s lives. As parents and educators, many of our conversations with young people revolve around cyberbullying, hacking, online drama, and staying safe.
Staying Social During Social Distancing: Challenges and Solutions
While COVID-19 requires all of us stay 6+ feet apart and at home, staying connected requires just a few swipes and clicks.
Parents & Social Media: Doing The “Right” Things
Young people use social media to stay in contact with friends, peers, and dating partners. And while parents may feel pressure to heavily regulate and monitor screen time, we need to remember that social media is helping youth stay connected to the people who are important to them.
Get It in Writing: Technology Contracts for Your Family
How do you negotiate screen time when you and your kids are balancing school, work, and socializing? Creating a technology contract is a great place to start.
Good Grief: Supporting Youth with Grief While Supporting Yourself
Teachers and youth-serving professionals are in the middle of striking a balance between being supportive to the people in your life, while also owning that you equally need extra support. Being vulnerable while collectively grieving can help.
Five Ways to Support Students in the Virtual Classroom
When schools transitioned to virtual distance learning, educators experienced a shift in how they teach and connect with their students – in record time.
Setting Boundaries at Home, with Friends, and Significant Others
Boundaries teach others how to best love and respect you. It’s important to tell others what our boundaries are. Here’s the best part: you set them for yourself. Here are tips for setting boundaries at home, with friends, and your significant other.