A Positive Approach to Teen Health

02/19/2026

Did you know that nearly seven million emojis are used every minute?

Emojis are part of everyday texting for so many of us, but they don’t always mean what we think they mean, and that can lead to confusion!

We love this post from Parent Guide because it shows how emojis can have hidden or changing meanings, a good reminder to pay attention to the intent behind them, not just the symbol. Check it out by visiting the link below!

https://axis.org/resource/a-parent-guide-to-emoji/?utm_campaign=The%20Culture%20Translator&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--pGJzB-n-KlkbcyjnpP97f0jk04tsRMf3zA-xRte4dAhHsfLpt0MbqxIipjAn9udcGIHxeUuW9ycfNQaO8alwP-UAuS2tXlhfyotAYoxRQXgxH4H0&_hsmi=401165789&utm_content=401165789&utm_source=hs_email

Do you use emojis? If you said yes, share your top 3 most used emojis in the comments!

Reference:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2023/07/17/world-emoji-day-2023-list-of-most-used-emojies/70419464007/

02/18/2026

Please join us in congratulating Carter Williams on becoming PATH’s first staffed Licensed Social Worker. This is a meaningful milestone for our organization, and a reflection of Carter’s hard work, integrity, and commitment to those we serve. We’re proud of this achievement and grateful to have such strong leadership on our team!

02/18/2026

Happy Wellness Wednesday!

With spring right around the corner, did you know that something as simple as stepping outside, opening a window, or just letting fresh air in can:

1. Boost your mood and energy
2. Improve focus and mental clarity
3. Reduce stress and tension
4. Support your overall wellness

This , we encourage you to give yourself a mini fresh-air break. Your mind and body will thank you!

02/17/2026

Here is a quick poll for you!

What do you think healthy love starts with?

a. Respect for yourself
b. Respect for others

Remember, a healthy relationship always begins with... you!

02/16/2026

02/16/2026

We are excited to feature another great video from Barb Winters! Take a moment to check it out and visit the link below to read her latest blog post!

https://positiveteenhealth.org/6691-2/

02/14/2026

Happy Valentine's Day!

We invite you to download our PATH Valentines and brighten someone’s day with a thoughtful message! 💌

02/13/2026

Did you know the viral “morning shed” trend has teens applying multiple beauty products overnight for a dramatic morning transformation?

Read the article for what parents should know!

Social media trends that target Gen Z are nothing new, but the 'morning shed' might be one of the most extreme yet. Here's what parents need to know.

02/12/2026

Respect is the foundation of a healthy relationship. 🤍

It means listening without dismissing, honoring boundaries, and valuing each other’s feelings, even during hard moments.

When respect is present, love feels safe, steady, and genuine. What does respect look like for you?

02/11/2026

For Wellness Wednesday this week, we encourage you to take 5 minutes today to stretch, breathe, and reset.

According to Vanker (2024), any form of exercise releases endorphins that boost mood. Stretching offers these same benefits while also helping reduce stress, improve focus, and promote a sense of calm.

For more benefits of streching, visit https://www.utphysicians.com/unlock-flexibility-the-benefits-of-stretching/.

Stay tuned for next weeks Wellness Wednesday!

02/11/2026

I love sharing materials that I feel are current, relevant, and helpful for parents (and grandparents) of teens. Our work often limits what we can share in the classroom and with students, but I am taking a moment to share some information for our faith-based followers who want to be faith-first in the 'training up' of their children. If that's you - keep reading. If that's not you - scroll on.
Note: Grant dollars are not being spent to post these materials. Thank you to our donors!

Your teen is already encountering messages about dating, relationships, and sex—through friends, social media, and the stories they’re watching.

Whether we realize it or not, culture is shaping the conversation.

Many parents feel unsure about when to speak up, what to say, or how to respond...especially if past conversations didn’t go as planned. That’s normal.

The good news? Axis is here to help you step into these conversations with confidence!

The free 2026 Talking Love & Dating With Your Teen: The Starter Pack is here! This Starter Pack is a collection of conversation tools for parents who’d rather not wait until things get weird. It’s not a purity lecture. It’s not a scare tactic. It’s a faith-first, eye-roll-resistant way to start talking dating… before dating starts talking back.

Here’s what you get in the starter pack:
Conversation Kit: Dating—A guided framework for honest, grace-filled conversations—so you’re not left guessing how to start or where to go next.
Parent Guide to Kicking Off the S*x Talk—A calm, biblical entry point into sexual ethics that helps you approach this topic with both clarity and compassion.
10 Questions to Ask Yourself (PDF)—Reflective prompts to help you prepare your own heart before diving into the deeper stuff with your teen.
The Conversation Starter: I dated an AI and it Scared Me (Video)—What happens when tech rewrites the rules of relationships?
The Conversation Starter: Should I Let My Teen Date? (Video)—A real-life take on boundaries, trust, and what it looks like to show up as a parent in your teen’s relationship
And the best part? It’s choose your own adventure! Explore these resources on your own, or have them emailed directly to you!

See the Love & Dating Starter Pack Now!
Dating conversations don’t have to be reactive or rushed. With the right tools, you can show up calm, prepared, and present—right from the start.

You've got this!

This Starter Pack is a collection of conversation tools for parents who’d rather not wait until things get weird. It’s not a purity lecture. It’s not a scare tactic. It’s a faith-first, eye-roll-resistant way to start talking dating… before dating starts talking back.