4 Out of Ten LGBTQ+ Youth Are Considering Moving Out Of Their Home State

LGBTQ+ youth are incredibly concerned and aware of the political landscape. As state policies continue to endanger laws around access to gender-affirming healthcare, a new Trevor Project Survey shows that these young people are far more likely to considering moving from state to state, Parents reported. The Trevor Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to suicide prevention and crisis intervention for LGBTQ+ young people. The report analyzed data showing the overlap between LGBTQ+ youth’s perceived safety and mental well-being, and state policies. It then used information from the Movement Advancement Project to assess the social and political landscapes that led … Continue reading

How To Avoid Conflicts During Holiday Gatherings

Thanksgiving might be a time for gratitude and spending time with loved ones, but visiting family during holidays can often be stressful for many people. While some might look forward to making more cherished memories with their close circle, those same gatherings may be a source of dread for others, Yahoo! Life reported. In fact, more than half of Canadians find holiday seasons to have a negative impact on their mental health, according to a Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) survey. Moreover, 52 percent of those reported they have increased feelings of anxiety and depression.  There are many factors that … Continue reading

Tips For Gathering And Supporting Family

The month of December includes several holidays, including Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Solstice. Many people enjoy gathering together to celebrate with members of their families during these holiday celebrations. For best results, follow these tips for gathering and supporting family members. Plan Gatherings Around The Most Vulnerable Family Members CNBC News reported advice from Dr. Katrine Wallace, an epidemiologist at the University of Illinois Chicago. Her number one piece of advice is to plan gatherings around the most vulnerable family members. Vulnerable communities include people who are immunocompromised, children, and elderly people. Dr. Wallace listed the following examples of how … Continue reading

Ways To Gather With Family During December

There is something special about gathering with family during the holidays. Sharing time together can help build bonds between family members. Here are some simple things you can do to encourage family members to gather together during December. Attend a Religious Event Together Many families have a specific religion that they follow. Parents can bring their children to the building where the religious experience will take place. Doing so gives the children guidance that the parents want them to learn. When the children become adults, they might look forward to attending a religious event with their parents again. This is … Continue reading

What Parents Should Know About Teen Romance During COVID-19

Did your teen start dating during the COVID-19 pandemic? The Washington Post has information that parents should know about teen romance in the age of COVID-19. Parents might be more aware of signs that their teen has started dating. It is easier to notice when everyone is working from home or virtually learning. This knowledge may make parents uncomfortable, but it also provides opportunity for parents and teens to have important discussions. The Washington Post reported that schools may or may not be providing school-based sexual education during the pandemic. Schools that have on-campus health centers, which may provide birth … Continue reading

Celebrate Christmas Safely During COVID-19

Christmas celebrations during the COVID-19 pandemic will be somewhat different than in previous years. You can still celebrate with your favorite traditions if you take steps to keep everyone as safe as possible. No one wants COVID-19 for Christmas. Tour Outdoor Light Displays It has become tradition for people to decorate the outside of their homes with festive lights and stand-up decorations. There may be a street near you where the entire block created elaborate scenes, complete with lights, music, and large stand-up decorations. The safest way for your family to enjoy these displays is from the warmth and safety … Continue reading

Día de los Muertos During COVID-19

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have issued guidance that can help keep your family safe and healthy while celebrating Día de los Muertos. Celebrations must be done differently this year in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The CDC points out that if you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, you should not participate in in-person Día de los Muertos festivities. There are safer ways to celebrate the holiday. The CDC recommends these lower risk activities: Preparing traditional family recipes for family and neighbors, especially those at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, and delivering … Continue reading

Halloween Safety During COVID-19

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have posted information parents should consider before making decisions about how to celebrate Halloween this year. The purpose of these guidelines is to prevent the spread of COVID-19. According to the CDC, if you may have COVID-19, or you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, you should not participate in in-person Halloween festivities. You also should not give out candy to trick-or-treaters. The following activities are lower risk: Carving or decorating pumpkins with members of your household and displaying them Carving or decorating pumpkins outside, at a safe distance, with … Continue reading

Summer Fun During COVID-19

Are your kids sad because they cannot go out and enjoy the summer activities they were looking forward to? They aren’t the only ones! The COVID-19 quarantine is hard for kids of all ages (and many adults) to adjust to. Here are some ideas to try that might improve your children’s moods. Parents can start by asking their child, tween, or teen how they are feeling. Get them talking about their emotions. Being able to share what they are thinking and feeling can make people (of all ages) feel heard and understood. Little kids will enjoy splashing around in a … Continue reading

CDC Recommends Wearing Cloth Masks Outside

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people wear cloth masks while in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to manage – for example in grocery stores and pharmacies. This advice is recommended for everyone, and especially those that are in an area of significant community based transmission of COVID-19. The CDC states that they now know from recent studies that a significant portion of individuals with coronavirus lack symptoms (also called “asymptomatic”). Those people can – unknowingly – spread the virus to others before showing symptoms. The purpose of wearing a cloth mask … Continue reading