Hillside Blog
When your teen is struggling with their behavioral and mental health, and weekly appointments don’t seem to be helping, it can be challenging knowing what to do next. It may seem like you’re taking all the right steps, but your teen is plateauing, or their symptoms are worsening. Many families…
In this fast-paced, ongoing current we call life, we sometimes get caught up in our own mental confines. Whether it’s about bills or upcoming responsibilities, we often find ourselves stuck in a rut. While being in these mental bubbles, it’s easy to forget about our children and what they may…
Peer pressure is a common challenge that many teens face. These pressures can look different for everyone, whether it’s feeling influenced to change your personal style to being pushed into trying drugs or alcohol. While social pressure is typically portrayed in the media as direct bullying, it is often more…
Children and adolescents experience worry as they navigate school requirements and changes in their daily routines. These fluctuations are part of development, but some young people may experience fear and tension that begins to impact their relationships or participation in daily activities. When these patterns persist, they may indicate an anxiety…
When a child begins to withdraw, lose interest in their favorite activities or seem unusually irritable, parents may feel anxious and unsure of what’s happening. Many families experience this moment of uncertainty, trying to determine whether their child is simply growing through a difficult phase or facing something deeper. Talking…
For many parents, it can be hard to witness their teen’s intense emotional outbursts or dysregulation. These episodes may seem unpredictable or disproportionate, leaving families feeling helpless or overwhelmed. However, it’s important to recognize that emotional outbursts are a normal part of adolescent development. With the right understanding and strategies,…
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is observed every September. It’s a dedicated time for communities to connect and raise awareness about suicide and come together…
Adolescence is a transitional phase for both parents and teens. This period brings many exciting opportunities and new challenges. For many parents, this transition can make children feel more distant as friendships take center stage. While these changes seem daunting, they are essential for moving children toward independence. This guide…
By: June Davis, LMSW Teens often feel like everyone else has friendship all figured out, but making friends at any stage of life can be tough, especially if you’re shy, anxious, or don’t know where to start. What teens often don’t realize is that many of their peers struggle with…
By: Lynne Smith, LMSW Parents naturally have authority in their homes because parents create and manage the home environment in which their children learn and grow. And how we use this authority in our relational connection as parents shape what children learn and how they grow. Children who experience validating…