Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. — 1 Peter 5:7

Every May, many counselors get a platform to speak about mental health with their school communities. It’s important to remember that mental health is far too valuable to overlook or minimize at any age. Students are navigating more pressure and uncertainty than ever before. From academic stress and friendship drama to anxiety about the future, many kids are carrying heavy emotional loads.

Summer is a fun-filled cherished time for families with children. It is a time to give growing brains a break from the classroom while also spending valuable time outside engaging in outside exploration. For many families, this can be a time filled with summer activities, including summer camps, sports, and playdates. For families who like to have their child involved in a structured summer program, finding the right options for their children may be a challenge.

“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” - G.K. Chesterton

 “Gratitude maximizes the enjoyment of the good.” - Dr. Robert Emmons

Most people do not realize how out-of-shape they are until they start working out. It’s a huge wake-up call to get on the treadmill after not running for over a year. A few minutes of light jogging will leave an unconditioned runner panting and struggling with every step. It can be truly eye-opening. Likewise, it is often not until we intentionally start practicing gratitude that we realize how much we take for granted.