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Decisions Teens Make

The modern adolescent experience

Resilience
Parenting Teens for Positive Risks and Resiliency

Stephen Gray Wallace on July 6, 2023

For parents and kids, summer involves trying to mitigate risk, but a newer, increasingly popular definition of risk refers to healthy, or positive, risk-taking.

For parents and kids, summer involves trying to mitigate risk, but a newer, increasingly popular definition of risk refers to healthy, or positive, risk-taking.

Suicide
Young People Navigating the American Mental Health Landscape

Stephen Gray Wallace on February 2, 2023

As much as parents and other caring adults exhort them to seek help when things aren’t going well, many youths simply don’t know where to turn or how to ask for support.

As much as parents and other caring adults exhort them to seek help when things aren’t going well, many youths simply don’t know where to turn or how to ask for support.

Health
Post Pandemic: Why the Kids May Not Be OK

Stephen Gray Wallace on April 21, 2022

Despite the pervasive optimism about what's ahead, a vast majority of Americans says that we are experiencing a mental health crisis.

Despite the pervasive optimism about what's ahead, a vast majority of Americans says that we are experiencing a mental health crisis.

Health
The Crisis of Youth Mental Health

Stephen Gray Wallace on December 16, 2021

Because children and teens may not clearly communicate their distress, it is important for peers, parents, and other adults to learn the warning signs of youth mental illness.

Because children and teens may not clearly communicate their distress, it is important for peers, parents, and other adults to learn the warning signs of youth mental illness.

Self-Control
What Aaron Rodgers Got Wrong

Stephen Gray Wallace on November 24, 2021

Character development is of critical import for everyone who serves as a touch point for young people, especially those with stature and notoriety.

Character development is of critical import for everyone who serves as a touch point for young people, especially those with stature and notoriety.

Health
The Art and Science of Family Dinner

Stephen Gray Wallace on November 4, 2021

Perhaps a one-size approach to "family dinner" is not the best. Flexibility seems key, as is finding other times and ways to stay connected as a family unit.

Perhaps a one-size approach to "family dinner" is not the best. Flexibility seems key, as is finding other times and ways to stay connected as a family unit.

Alcoholism
America's Ambivalence About Youth and Alcohol

Stephen Gray Wallace on May 27, 2021

Yet another alcohol-related death of a college student in America begs the question: “Why is this still happening?” Perhaps it’s our collective ambivalence about youth and alcohol.

Yet another alcohol-related death of a college student in America begs the question: “Why is this still happening?” Perhaps it’s our collective ambivalence about youth and alcohol.

Resilience
Rescued or Ready?

Stephen Gray Wallace on January 19, 2021

The roles of summer camps and parents are critical. Collectively, we need not rescue our children but rather help make them ready for the world ahead.

The roles of summer camps and parents are critical. Collectively, we need not rescue our children but rather help make them ready for the world ahead.

Trauma
Pitching Magic

Stephen Gray Wallace on December 8, 2020

The summer camp experience provides a safe place for young people to explore who they are. Summer camps can also support children who have experienced trauma in their lives.

The summer camp experience provides a safe place for young people to explore who they are. Summer camps can also support children who have experienced trauma in their lives.

Coronavirus Disease 2019
A Long Way From Anywhere

Stephen Gray Wallace on October 8, 2020

The transition from high school to college ranks as one of the more challenging changes in the turbulence of life. And the global pandemic has made it that much harder.

The transition from high school to college ranks as one of the more challenging changes in the turbulence of life. And the global pandemic has made it that much harder.

Health
In a Box Labeled Summer

Stephen Gray Wallace on September 22, 2020

While the winter months aren’t here yet, anticipating post-holiday doldrums may now elicit a form of grief.

While the winter months aren’t here yet, anticipating post-holiday doldrums may now elicit a form of grief.

Health
Empty Sky

Stephen Gray Wallace on September 9, 2020

Fall, this historic time of new beginnings and looking up may, because of the global pandemic, seem like, well, just more of the same.

Fall, this historic time of new beginnings and looking up may, because of the global pandemic, seem like, well, just more of the same.

Health
A Storm to Weather

Stephen Gray Wallace on August 20, 2020

While it’s not inappropriate to urge young people to practice self-care, many may have little idea what that means. The remedy? Modeling the behaviors you hope to inspire in them.

While it’s not inappropriate to urge young people to practice self-care, many may have little idea what that means. The remedy? Modeling the behaviors you hope to inspire in them.

Friends
Horseshoes

Stephen Gray Wallace on August 4, 2020

Can modified programming, in-person or online, drive the same organized camp outcomes that are the hallmark of experiential education?

Can modified programming, in-person or online, drive the same organized camp outcomes that are the hallmark of experiential education?