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Black young boy hanging on the back of his father. Both father and son are smiling.

The Importance of Fathers and Their Mental Health

Research shows that fathers play a critical role in their children's lives. Strong father involvement increases academic performance, social competence, and better peer relationships. Men and fathers are not immune from their own challenges, including high rates of depression, suicide, and chemical abuse as they age. And men are far less likely to seek mental health services than women. As we strive to be good fathers and positive role models to our children, remember that what we do matters as our children look to us to determine their own sense of self.
A group of children racing/sprinting.

Maintaining Children’s Mental Health During Summer

When trying to work out a summer schedule that also helps maintain your child’s mental health, remember that less is often more. It’s important to find a balance between providing some structure to children’s time, but not making it so structured that they can’t properly rest and find themselves more stressed.
Father sitting on a couch with teenage girl

Fostering Communication

Youth in foster care and their care providers experience many transitions. Foster parents play an important role in helping youth navigate these difficult transitions by providing stability, emotional support, and being an advocate for their needs. Take a look at how you can best support a child during an emotional time.
Two teenage girls with an adult female

From Paperwork to Placement

As a new foster parent who just completed mountains of paperwork and all the necessary training, you may wonder what exactly is next. Cherie Johnson, Foster and Adoptive Parent, shares her experience as a new foster parent with some action steps you and your family can take to prepare.
resiliency camp kids

Raising a More Resilient Child

As a parent, one of the most important things you can do is to help your child learn to deal with the inevitable challenges that life brings. Children who can successfully manage the stressors that come into their life have lower rates of mental health issues, greater levels of happiness, and often have more success later in life.
A woman and a child sitting together reading and smiling.

Foster Care and Adoption Children’s Booklist

In honor of National Foster Care month, we wanted to share a list of books and workbooks for youth in foster care or in adopted families that are a wonderful way for children to explore other people's life experiences, while at the same time seeing their own stories represented and know they are not alone in their feelings.
An adult male holding hands with a younger girl

Family (Dys)Function: Navigating Family Dynamics in Foster and Adoptive Care

In the world of foster care, you will encounter more family dynamics than you even knew existed. This isn’t always because these families are broken, sometimes we distance ourselves from family members who have emotionally or otherwise harmed us. How do you navigate all of this? Foster and Adoptive Parent Cherie Johnson shares tips and guidance to help you navigate a variety of family dynamic situations.
Picture of a mother and child relaxing.

A Focus on Stress Awareness Month

It’s National Stress Awareness Month, and we think it’s important to take a moment to reflect on what that means. Learning more about our stress and finding healthy ways to deal with these situations can go a long way in living a healthy and positive life.  
An adult Black male deeply breathing in fresh air while outside under a tree

Stressed Out? Be The Calm, Not the Storm

April is National Stress Awareness Month and Nexus Family Healing has some tips to manage your stress and improve your quality of life.
A white person's arm in the air with a rainbow tattoo on their wrist. Looks like they are attending a festival.

National Day of (No) Silence

The National Day of Silence started as a student-led protest in the 1990s where LGBTQ+ students and allies take a vow of silence to protest the harmful effects of harassment and education discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community. Take a look at this event's history and how you can celebrate this year's National Day of (No) Silence.