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 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...
by Ashley Gearhart | Feb 29, 2016 | Every Child Deserves a Chance
National Eating Disorders Awareness Week February 22 through the 28th Poor body image runs rampant in our society today – especially in youth. More than 20 million women and 10 million men suffer from a clinically significant eating disorder at some time during their lives according to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA). Eating disorders are serious. Results of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating range from pancreatitis, hair loss, tooth decay, high cholesterol levels, heart disease, gallbladder disease and more. NEDA also notes that eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental disorder, so early intervention means saving lives. The National Eating Disorders Awareness Week takes place Feb. 21 – 27 to spotlight eating disorders and improve public understanding of their causes, dangers and treatments. A focus of this year’s campaign is on early intervention via a three-minute confidential online eating disorders screening which can help determine if professional help is needed. Generally, signs of eating disorders can vary from person to person. A few common signs to watch for include: Drastic diet changes, including evidence of binge eating or purging behaviors Sudden uptick in body-conscious commentary Skipping meals Obsessive exercising Withdrawal from friends and activities Bottom line: if you notice any of the signs above in children or teens in your life, please seek professional help immediately. It’s also important to practice good eating habits/attitudes yourself and act as a positive role model. To learn more about eating disorders, visit nationaleatingdisorders.org. To take NEDA’s free, confidential screening, visit...
by Ashley Gearhart | Jan 29, 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, January 2016 I know it’s easy to fall into the January blues and be discouraged, but I’m confident that 2016 can be your year if you set the right New Year’s resolution. The biggest misconception about establishing New Year’s resolutions is that you have to rid yourself of a bad habit. I have a suggestion for this month, and all year round: do more of something that is already positive in your life. What’s the most positive activity you engage in? Spending time with your family. Family, and having a solid home is crucial in a child’s life… By dedicating your New Year’s resolution to be with them more, you’re providing stability and support for your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, etc. Here are some tips to keeping this New Year’s resolution: Evaluate what activities bring you the most joy when you’re sending time with your family, and make more memories doing those things. Plan dedicated time to spend with your family, even if it’s only one family dinner per week - small steps make a difference. Give gratitude for the time you’re able to be with your family, and the impact they make in your life. Share with others, so they know you’ve made this resolution. Who knows, maybe you’ll inspire them to do the same. Happy New Year from Crossroads for...
by Ashley Gearhart | Dec 15, 2015 | Every Child Deserves a Chance
It’s all about the kids: a column by Dr. Janet McPeek Ph.D., President of Crossroads for Youth Runaway Prevention Month November marks runaway prevention month, an opportune time to address an issue that is prevalent nationwide. One in seven young people between the ages of 10 and 18 will run away, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. When youth runaway they are faced with homelessness or are often times placed in shelters. Sadly, over 50 percent of young people in shelters and on the streets report that their parents told them to leave or knew they were leaving and didn’t care, according to DoSomething.org. That’s why is so important every day to strive to teach our kids their value and to learn how special, unique and cared for they are. It is also realistic to recognize that some kids and families might be going through some difficult times. There are resources available through the local schools, faith based organizations and counseling organizations. The key is to provide opportunities to express their feelings and to find solutions so that running away is not something that’s on their mind. Warning signs that a child is considering running away include but aren’t limited to (according to kidsinthehouse.com): A change in energy – if a child is more sluggish when he or she used to be quite active Rebellion – acting out in school or regarding at-home responsibilities Excessive saving – if you sense your child is saving money to get away I’m sure at some point we’ve all thought about how nice it might be to get out of dodge...
