by Ashley Gearhart | Aug 10, 2016 | Crossroads for Youth Corner
by: Terra Leach, Director of Development The recent passing of our country’s Fourth of July holiday reminded me of family picnics we used to take when I was a child. The smell of charcoal, seeing fireworks light up the sky, barbecuing hot dogs and burgers, are all memories and images I will never forget. And while all of these things are important, there is a bigger message we want to leave with our children regarding Independence Day and its meaning. The days surrounding July 4th are also a time to reflect on our freedoms as Americans. While we are taught the history behind the holiday and to say the pledge of allegiance in school, what are some ways we as parents and caregivers can teach our children about patriotism and the meaning behind freedom? Here are a few steps. Talk to children about the upcoming election, what it means to be an American and the freedoms that we have as citizens here. Regardless of one’s political views or feelings about a particular candidate, explain to your children the value of voting and how so many fought for this right before us. The more you talk about your patriotic beliefs, the more it will resonate with the youths you interact with. Consider volunteering with children in your life so they understand that in our country we help one another through hardship. This will teach young adults to appreciate all that they have, and develop empathy and sympathy for others. Emotional intelligence is crucial in a well-rounded youth. Get involved in your community alongside children in your life so that...
by Ashley Gearhart | May 25, 2016 | Every Child Deserves a Chance
It’s all about the kids: a column by Dr. Janet McPeek Ph.D., President of Crossroads for Youth As school lets out and summer break approaches there comes an inevitable shift in schedule, perspective and mindset. This is particularly true when a student is set to move to a new school: elementary school to middle school, middle school to high school, or highschool to the next step in education or career. It’s easy to get caught up in the fear of the change to come, but it’s important to be open-minded about what’s ahead. Tips for helping dealing with change: Talk it through. Chat with someone you trust about your worries in your ‘next chapter.’ By verbalizing your concerns you can work together on finding solutions. Set realistic goals. Whether it’s: ‘I will read one book each month in the summer’, or ‘I will strive to be on the honor roll next year’, it’s good and even exciting to be aspirational. Breathe. I know I offer up this bit of advice often, but realize that although change is a constant, you will get through this. Relax, breathe easy, and you’ll be ok. Personally, I’m about to embark upon one of the bigger transitions in my life. I’ll be focusing solely on my private practice and retiring as president of Crossroads for Youth this month, after decades leading nonprofit organizations. I am reassured in knowing that Marc Porter, previously vice president at Crossroads for Youth, will serve as president of the organization. Marc is truly a great leader, and he and others from Crossroads for Youth will continue to write these...
by Ashley Gearhart | Apr 20, 2016 | Crossroads in the News
April 28, 2016 –Board of Directors Names Marc Porter as Crossroads for Youth President Feb 2016 – President of Crossroads, Dr. Janet McPeek to Retire end of May Jan 2016 – CFY Announces New Board Members, Jan 2016...
by Ashley Gearhart | Apr 8, 2016 | Every Child Deserves a Chance
It’s all about the kids: a column by Dr. Janet McPeek Ph.D., President of Crossroads for Youth Elections. We teach our children from the time they are young about how fortunate we are to live in a country that allows every citizen to vote. From elementary school on, there are opportunities to participate in varieties of mock elections in which students can campaign and practice the skills they see exhibited by candidates in the “real” election. We teach government and knowing about the importance of all aspects of the political process so that by the time a student is 18 and able to vote, a solid foundation has been laid for an educated, thinking voter. Research repeatedly tells us the same thing. Parents have a tremendous influence in initially shaping children’s views and beliefs. But now data says that most kids get up to 75 percent of their information from some sort of social media. This means that they may hear the latest about what was said at a debate or in a Twitter insult before a parent ever had a chance to talk about it with their son or daughter. Parents are faced with a challenge in this election cycle as the debates, the ads and exchanges between candidates have often been much more than just the negative rhetoric that goes with a tense presidential campaign. There have been sexual references, insults and things said that in a school setting would be considered bullying and cause for discipline, possibly even suspension. This year, more than ever, is when the natural influence of reasonable parental involvement and conversation is...
by Ashley Gearhart | Mar 11, 2016 | Every Child Deserves a Chance
It’s all about the kids: a column by Dr. Janet McPeek Ph.D., President of Crossroads for Youth If you start seeing orange support ribbons this month, it’s because March is Self-harm Awareness Month. This topic is a broad one that can include includes cutting, suicide, alcohol and drug abuse and more. Just when we start to think about spring and “hope” that sunshine and warm weather are around the corner, this seems like a gloomy subject. However, these things happen in every community, even right here. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among teenagers — over 1,500 teens kill themselves each year, according to the National Youth Violence Prevention Center. Teens and even preteens learn to self-medicate with alcohol and prescription drugs not meant for them. Then there is cutting, or causing self-harm as a way to relieve emotional pain. Recognizing the warning signs of someone who may be self-harming is crucial. Below are few signals to look for: Reduced time with friends and family. Increased layers of clothes. (This may be a way to hide marks.) Withdrawal from normal hobbies/activities or other changes in usual routine. These could be signs that the young person is feeling pressure and is not sure how to manage all that is going on, which can be normal at this age. There could also be some more serious emotional concerns. Start by talking to the young person without jumping to any conclusions. Reaching out for professional help is always an excellent way to get an assessment of what is going on. Start with your local school, pediatrician or family physician. You...
