Parent question: “Sometimes I’m not sure how to help my 14 year old when they are overwhelmed – I feel out of my depth and wonder if I am helpful at all. I also wonder how I would know when I should seek outside support if it feels like a crisis. I don’t know if...
Parent Question: What should I do if my child calls me names or says they hate me when they’re upset? First of all, take a deep breath. This is really tough. You love your child and want to support them when they’re in distress, but you also want to teach them how to...
AskBYS, I’m a parent of a teenager, and I’m noticing how much their needs and behaviors are changing as they grow. It feels like they’re pulling away, and while I understand it’s part of becoming independent, I’m struggling to stay connected. I want to build a strong...
What Is BYS, Anyway? — How Bainbridge Youth Services meets the needs of our youth, wherever they may be at Over the years, I’ve developed dozens of ways to describe what BYS is and does. There’s the prepackaged elevator pitch — “promoting youth mental...
By Irv Alpert, BYS Board President Youth mental health is at a critical juncture, with rising rates of anxiety, depression, and loneliness among adolescents. In this challenging environment, community plays a pivotal role in supporting the emotional well-being of...
By Courtney Oliver, BYS Executive Director The start of a new school year often brings excitement, with children eager to meet new teachers, make friends, and engage in fresh activities. However, as the novelty wears off, some children may begin to resist going to...
