National Federation of Families

11/14/2025

Pilot study suggests tool developed at Cincinnati Children’s is easy to use during primary care visits:

A team of , , and at Cincinnati Children’s has created the Mood Action Plan (MAP)—a new tool pediatricians can use in clinic to help recognize and self-manage and symptoms through personalized “mood plans.”

A team of pediatricians, psychologists, and psychiatrists at Cincinnati Children’s has created the Mood Action Plan (MAP)—a new tool pediatricians can use in clinic to help adolescents recognize and self-manage depression and anxiety symptoms through personalized “mood plans.”

11/13/2025

Key Takeaways as the Holiday Season approaches:
1. SPEND - time not money
2. SAY NO - decide what's important to you and let the rest go
3. LOOK - at the faces of loved ones instead of a screen
4. CARE - maintain your mental and physical health (as a family)
5. PLAN - have a plan for yourself and/or loved ones in case challenges arise

Advertorial Tips for Parents to Minimize Stress and Maximize Joy During the Holidays Nov 10, 2025 Nov 10, 2025 Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email LightField Studios Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save (Fam...

11/13/2025

A growing body of evidence links heavy teen with poorer health outcomes, including sleep disruption and depressive symptoms, with new work highlighting bidirectional risks. Pediatric guidance continues to urge structured, balanced media use as navigate these challenges.

National survey spotlights fears of tech overuseNEW YORK, Nov. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A new report from BODA Therapy finds that more than 78% of parents say their teens would or might benefit from mental-health support, and more than two-thirds have noticed increased anxiety or sadness over th...

11/11/2025

Today we honor all veterans - past, present, and future. We thank you for your service and your families and loved ones for their sacrifices. ❤️🤍💙

11/10/2025

If you are a or and your child is scared to go to school, you are . Experts estimate 5 to 28% of students experience school avoidance each year. If this is true for your child, you know how painful and challenging it can be.

Research on school avoidance indicates its roots are usually emotional/anxiety-based. Research also indicates that a team-based approach is essential to helping students re-engage in learning.

Learn more about what you can do to help in this latest article from our colleague Sheilah Gauch (educator, writer, and mother with lived experience) with Dearborn Academy and Lifting Voices.

Helping a child who is afraid to go to school is hard work. Making sure you understand how anxiety works is essential as you lead the team in supporting them.

11/08/2025

❤️ to our affiliate Oklahoma Family Network for this important and timely post. Often families supported by school nutrition services during the week struggle over weekends and school breaks. Let’s share this far and wide and do anything else we can to support the families in our communities.

With everything that is happening with food insecurities now, OFN put together a little time and budget friendly cookbook of great meals that can be prepared with what you have in the cabinet. Most importantly can be prepared with and shared by the ones you love. If you are receiving this link please pass it along and remember family isn’t defined by biological relation — it’s made up of the people who stand by you, love you, and show up when it matters most. Family is Everything!

Link to digital cookbook.

https://www.canva.com/design/DAG3fKpiH9I/s3cPxWQEoEn6hjuUYwHPvQ/view?utm_content=DAG3fKpiH9I&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=viewer

11/08/2025

A clever, lighthearted way to tackle a vitally important topic with our kids and loved ones - of any age - who need to feel safe with their emotions, but get uncomfortable when they're heavy.

11/07/2025

Ready to support young minds? If you're looking for practical, proven ways to support young people in your life—whether you're a , , , or —check out Mental Health America's 2025 Supporting Young Minds resources.

This collection of free, easy-to-use materials is designed to help young people move from feeling helpless to hopeful.

For youth: DIY mental health tools like "What to do when you feel numb" and "10 affirmations to remind you of your power" that help build resilience and agency.

For adult allies: Guides on how to support youth advocacy without taking over and ideas for creating spaces where young people feel genuinely seen and heard.

Young people today are navigating a world that often feels overwhelming and out of their control. But with the right support, they can move from feelings of helplessness to hope and action. Adult allies (parents, caregivers, educators, mentors, or community leaders) play a powerful role in shaping e...

11/07/2025

This year's survey also showed many are evaluating what gives their lives meaning and purpose. An overwhelming 92% of adults recognized relationships as a key source of meaning in their lives. emerged as the most commonly selected source of meaning (77%), followed by friendships (62%), romantic relationships (47%) and pets (39%).

"People may be reevaluating what gives their lives meaning, but they haven't given up on finding that purpose," said Evans. ... That mix of hope and concern captures where America is today: Anxious, yes, but still striving for fulfillment."

Learn more about the results of the American Psychological Association 2025 Stress in America™ survey at:

/PRNewswire/ -- Loneliness and emotional disconnection appear to have become a defining feature of life in America, as a majority of U.S. adults say societal...

11/05/2025

On Monday, we kicked off the 36th annual conference with an opening welcome from our Executive Director, Dr. Lynda Gargan. She invited attendees to share both "what's keeping them up at night" and "what gives them " before underscoring our unwavering commitment to .

Following her welcome was the powerful story of Susan Nyamora, President and CEO of South Florida Wellness Network, whose lived experience is a testimony to , , and giving back.

Below are the words shared by our audience about what gives them hope. We're looking forward to a terrific second day of the conference starting this afternoon!

11/04/2025

Social media use has been linked to depression, su***de, self-harm and eating disorders — which is a lot for a generation that is estimated to spend, in total, about 30 years of their lives behind some kind of screen, said Rachel Hanebutt, assistant professor at Georgetown University, at Sunday’s APHA 2025 session “Adolescent/Young Adult Digital Wellness & Mental Health.”

Teenagers are more connected via social media nowadays, but some find themselves feeling lonelier and more depressed than ever.