Summer break can be a welcome pause from school—but for many teens, it also brings a wave of loneliness. Even the most outgoing kids can feel disconnected. As a family with two teens, we’ve had to get intentional about creating moments of connection that support our kids’ mental health and sense of belonging. With a few thoughtful strategies, we can help our teens feel connected, included, and supported.

The past few years have been challenging for young people, but healthy activities, such as spending more time outdoors, can make a significant difference. Nature helps reduce stress, improve mood, and offers a healthy break from screens, allowing teens to reconnect with friends and themselves. Encourage outdoor time by making it fun and collaborative, and explore local programs like the Ryan Bartel Foundation’s FORT activities and camps, and Loudoun and Fairfax County program

Is your teen spending more time scrolling than thriving? Discover practical ways to help adolescents swap screen time for healthy, engaging activities that boost mental well-being, build resilience, and foster real-world connections. From creative outlets and physical movement to shared family adventures, learn how simple changes can help your teen flourish—emotionally, socially, and physically.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, but supporting student mental wellness is a year-round priority! As summer approaches, it’s crucial to help students, especially those who rely on school routines and mental health services, plan for positive mental health. Discover tips for maintaining routines, staying socially connected, and accessing supportive resources like the Ryan Bartel Foundation’s FORT Summer Camps and Teen Hangouts. Visit our Resource Library for tools, articl

Acceptance isn’t giving up—it’s showing up with compassion. In parenting, acceptance means meeting your child where they are, not where you wish they’d be. It’s essential to understand that struggles like anxiety aren’t signs of failure, but rather invitations to connect in a more meaningful way. By noticing without judgment, focusing on small wins, and letting go of unrealistic expectations, we create space for growth—for our children and ourselves.

Adolescence can be challenging for self-esteem, especially with the pressure of unrealistic body standards on social media. This article explores how parents can support their teens in building resilience, recognizing the signs of body image issues and eating disorders, and creating a safe space for open, judgment-free conversations. Learn how your presence, acceptance, and guidance can make all the difference.

Helping our teens build self-esteem can be tricky, and parents find it challenging to help them see their strengths and positives.

As parents and caregivers, this season offers a meaningful opportunity to help our teens learn and practice generosity.

There are ways we can help Loudoun Youth by becoming an upstander rather than merely a bystander when we see bullying.

With so much talk about resilience today, it can seem like just another thing teens need to do and be.