Join our next emotional regulation conversation where we share real life case studies!
Join our next emotional regulation conversation where we share real life case studies!
Where does self-confidence come from? According to researchers, confidence is built from both external elements, like a positive family environment, and internal elements, like a strong sense of self. To develop a strong sense of self, tweens and teens need opportunities for self-discovery: learning about their unique character, beliefs, abilities,…
If you’ve been following us for a while, you probably already know that everything Lucero creates – from new features in the app to our social posts – is a collaboration between licensed clinical therapists and a team of youth advisors. Hands down, we believe that the best way to…
Any transition can create stress, and going back to school is a big transition for teens. At the start of the school year, they may be navigating a mixture of social anxiety, academic pressure, disrupted routines, unfamiliar situations, and other challenges, all at once. Whether they are excited, anxious, or…
Loneliness has reached epidemic proportions in the U.S., according to Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy. In May, Murthy’s office released a sobering report which stated, “Our epidemic of loneliness and isolation has been an underappreciated public health crisis that has harmed individual and societal health. Our relationships are a source…
2023 marked the release of a public health advisory unlike any other in history. Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community calls out the profound impact of loneliness on mental and physical health, with a special focus…
Self-love includes “radical honesty, positive habit building, and unconditional self-acceptance,” writes poet and author Yung Pueblo. If a single quality could ensure teens’ lifelong mental, physical and emotional well-being, it just might just be the ability to love themselves. That’s because self-love gives teens tools to conquer self-doubt, practice self-acceptance…
Did you know that one of the top causes of teen stress is negative thoughts and feelings about themselves? Neurological, biological and social changes during adolescence make teens more self-conscious, and that can quickly lead to self-judgment and self-criticism. To stop the cycle, teach your teen how to practice self-compassion.…
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on the mental health of people of all ages, but teens were hit especially hard. According to the CDC, more than a third of high school students (37%) reported they experienced poor mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, and 44% reported persistent feelings…
Self-care is a term that’s overused and easily misunderstood. So what is it exactly? According to the Mt. Sinai Adolescent Health Center, self-care is not about bubble baths and pedicures. “Self-care refers to intentionally engaging in practices and activities that reduce stress… It can look really different for different people.”…
“A deep sense of love and belonging is an irreducible need of all people,” says researcher and author Brené Brown. “We are biologically, cognitively, physically, and spiritually wired to love, to be loved, and to belong.” Belonging is important at every age, but it’s especially important for tweens and teens.…
Tweens and teens today are under intense pressure. According to a survey by the American Psychological Association, adolescent stress levels top those of adults, and the National Institute of Mental Health reports that 32% of teens will experience an anxiety disorder. And while the pandemic exacerbated already-high levels of teen…
Confident people make it look so easy. They believe in and trust themselves. They speak up without fear of rejection. Their body language and tone of voice says, “I’ve got this.” But where does that confidence come from? Some people are naturally more confident than others, but experts agree that…
Imagine that you’re an explorer about to journey into unfamiliar territory. You have no idea what challenges you’ll face, so you need to fill your pack with tools to help you stay safe and find your way. Adolescence is a lot like that: exciting, scary, and full of transitions. And…
Hey, how are those New Year’s resolutions going? If you’ve lost momentum, you’re not alone. According to a survey by Statista, only 22% of respondents said they kept some of their New Year’s resolutions after about a month. We all struggle to stick with healthy habits, but behavior and neuroscience…
Human beings are creatures of habit. We get out of bed, shower and brush our teeth without thinking about it. We make our coffee the same way, eat the same thing for breakfast and take the same route to work or school. In fact, research shows that about 40% of…
Have you ever scrolled through Instagram and felt like everyone is better dressed, making more money, and having more fun than you? Comparing is human nature. According to Social Comparison Theory, a big part of our identity is shaped by how we think we measure up to others. But teenagers…
There is no easy answer to the ongoing crisis in teen mental health, but one powerful solution may be found in rethinking how teens’ daily lives are structured. Research suggests that stable routines support teens’ overall mental health and well-being, while a lack of routine makes them more vulnerable. A…
The teen years are prime time for developing healthy habits. As teens learn to navigate the world and make independent choices, their brains form patterns of thought and behavior. Over time those patterns– including healthy and not-so-healthy ones– become habitual. Habits are often formed unintentionally, but with a little awareness,…
What if you could give your teen a secret inner strength to raise their confidence, protect their mental health, and ensure lifelong access to optimism? Positive psychology researchers say you can, and that secret strength is gratitude. Studies show that practicing gratitude causes lasting changes in the brain that are…
Parenting teens has never been an easy job, but today’s technology contributes new challenges that leave many of us feeling overwhelmed and underprepared. According to a 2020 Pew Research survey, two-thirds of parents say parenting is harder today than it was 20 years ago, citing technology in general and social…
Give them the tools to develop healthy habits that last a lifetime in a way in which they enjoy.
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