“This generation of young people is the most engaged, righteous, compassionate group of folks I’ve ever known. Y’all are doing the work every day to make yourselves a world better than the one we’re handing you.”

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.

We’ve all been there – arguing with our kids, arguing with each other, and feeling the stress and tension that everyday situations bring into our lives. Conflict can be a challenging thing to navigate with our family.

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?

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.

Providing a safe space for youth of all identities to be their true selves is part of what Ophelia’s Place is all about. As parents and adults, there are many ways to be an adult ally to the LGBTQ youth in your life. The impact is significant for youth and their futures.

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?

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?”

It’s annoying to feel like you’re not being heard. But actually, the frustration comes from feeling like others aren’t listening to you. It may seem like semantics, but listening and hearing are different and they both impact communication.

Meet Sabia - she’s an OP girl who shares her experiences with Ophelia’s Place pre-pandemic and virtually.

Social media isn’t the only online tool for youth to stay connected.

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.

While COVID-19 requires all of us stay 6+ feet apart and at home, staying connected requires just a few swipes and clicks.

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.

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.

Social isolation presents challenges when it comes to communication and conflict. As we transition to the majority of our school, work, and personal lives being confined to our homes, conflict is bound to arise with the family around you. Here are some tips on how to navigate conflict during social isolation.