On a Mission

Slang Terms

In this episode, we review some of the latest slang terms used by teens. WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! Please record your message, and we will answer it on a future podcast. Leave us a voicemail.

Meghan's Law

In this episode of the On a Mission podcast, we are listening in on an interview that took place in our public access show hosted by Rachel Kinder. In this interview, she speaks with Autumn Wagoner, Youth Support Liaison about Meghan's Law. WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! Please record your message and we will answer it on a future podcast. Leave a message for the show.

Talking to Your Teen About Dating & Sex

This episode of On a Mission tackles a subject that many parents of teenagers find daunting: how to have open and constructive conversations about dating and sex. We guide listeners through practical strategies for approaching these sensitive topics, emphasizing the importance of creating a supportive and non-judgmental space for teens. From identifying the green flags of a healthy relationship to recognizing the warning signs of an unhealthy one, this episode is packed with invaluable advic...

Navigating the Digital World

In this enlightening episode of "On A Mission," we delve into the critical topic of internet safety for teenagers, providing parents with the essential knowledge and tools needed to navigate the complex digital landscape. Our host explores the various online risks that teenagers face, such as cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, and privacy breaches, and offers practical conversation starters to help parents initiate meaningful discussions with their teens. With a focus on educa...

NAHM Week 4: May 27-31, 2024

In this concluding episode of "On a Mission" for National Adolescent Health Month™, Becky addresses the vital themes of eliminating health disparities and advancing equity, alongside the need for increased coordination and collaboration across various systems. She explores actionable steps towards creating a fair and supportive health landscape for all adolescents, emphasizing the importance of a united effort among healthcare providers, schools, community organizations, and families. Throug...

NAHM Week 3: May 20-26, 2024

In this insightful episode of "On a Mission," host Becky White explores the importance of increasing youth agency and engagement and providing robust support and training for the adults who guide them. Becky discusses how empowering young people to participate in the development of programs and policies not only enhances their leadership skills but also ensures these initiatives are truly reflective of their needs. The episode also highlights actionable steps for policymakers, healthcare pro...

NAHM Week 2: May 13-19, 2024

In this episode of "On a Mission," host Becky White delves into the vital topics of adolescent health research and health literacy. Discover the importance of involving young people in the research process to ensure accuracy and innovation, and learn how enhancing health literacy empowers adolescents to make informed decisions and navigate complex health systems effectively. Becky outlines actionable steps for policymakers, researchers, healthcare providers, youth-serving professionals, and ...

NAHM Week 1: May 6-12, 2024

In this week’s episode of "On a Mission," host Becky White focuses on the vital topic of ensuring and expanding access to health care, human services, and safe and supportive environments for adolescents. Dive into discussions on the importance of creating safe spaces in homes, schools, and communities, and learn about the collaborative efforts required across all levels of government and professionals to make a real difference. Becky provides actionable steps for policymakers, healthcare p...

May is National Adolescent Health Month PROMO

National Adolescent Health Month™ (NAHM™) in May is a dedicated observance aimed at promoting the health and well-being of adolescents across the United States. With a focus on "Take Action for Adolescents," the month encourages individuals and organizations to work towards creating supportive environments where young people can thrive and access equitable opportunities. Each week highlights specific goals, from expanding healthcare access to increasing youth engagement, providing a structur...

Teaching Consent

Dive into the essential world of teaching consent to teenagers with the latest episode of "On a Mission," where we guide parents through the nuances of discussing respect, boundaries, and understanding with middle and high school students. From practical scenarios for initiating the conversation to handling difficult questions with grace, this episode is a treasure trove of insights for those looking to foster a culture of consent at home. Resources for Parents: • RAINN (Rape, Abuse & In...

Vaping

In this episode of "On a Mission," we tackle the pressing issue of teen vaping, a challenge that’s clouding the future of our youth. As vaping devices become more disguised and flavors more enticing, parents find themselves navigating through a fog of misinformation and concern. We cut through the haze, offering insights into the hidden dangers of vaping and providing parents with actionable strategies to protect their teens. Support and Resources: You’re not alone on this journey. There a...

S4E8: Sexual Assault Awareness

This episode is dedicated to understanding and combating sexual assault. We dive deep into the heart of a topic that affects millions yet often remains shrouded in silence. Through a blend of compelling statistics, insightful discussions on warning signs, and invaluable resources for prevention and support, this episode is a beacon of hope and empowerment. Whether you're a teen, young adult, member of the LGBTQ+ community, or an ally looking to make a difference, this episode offers the kno...

Sexual Assault Awareness

This episode is dedicated to understanding and combating sexual assault. We dive deep into the heart of a topic that affects millions yet often remains shrouded in silence. Through a blend of compelling statistics, insightful discussions on warning signs, and invaluable resources for prevention and support, this episode is a beacon of hope and empowerment. Whether you're a teen, young adult, member of the LGBTQ+ community, or an ally looking to make a difference, this episode offers the kno...

S4E6: Understanding and Tackling Cyberbullying

Understanding and Tackling Cyberbullying

Dive into the crucial world of cyberbullying with our latest podcast episode, where we simplify the complexities of digital parenting into actionable advice. As technology becomes more intertwined with our children's daily lives, understanding the signs and solutions of cyberbullying is essential for every parent. Our host breaks down what cyberbullying is, how to detect if your child is affected, and practical steps to protect them, all in language that's easy to understand. Whether you're ...

S4E5: Eating Disorder Awareness

This episode is dedicated to Eating Disorder Awareness Week, from February 26th to March 3rd. In this insightful session, we shine a light on the often-hidden world of eating disorders, exploring the complex mental health conditions that affect individuals and families worldwide. With a focus on hope and recovery, we delve into the signs of eating disorders, practical ways to offer support, and the invaluable resources available in the USA, including the National Eating Disorders Association...

Eating Disorder Awareness

This episode is dedicated to Eating Disorder Awareness Week, from February 26th to March 3rd. In this insightful session, we shine a light on the often-hidden world of eating disorders, exploring the complex mental health conditions that affect individuals and families worldwide. With a focus on hope and recovery, we delve into the signs of eating disorders, practical ways to offer support, and the invaluable resources available in the USA, including the National Eating Disorders Association...

How to Help Your Teen Get Over a Breakup

When you are in your teens, a breakup can feel like the end of the world. As a parent, this can be heartbreaking to watch. You want to help your child and prevent them from harm, but they might not want you to intervene. Everyone has their own coping mechanisms and needs their own space to get over a breakup. Here are a few ways to help your teen get over a breakup in a healthy, mature manner. WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! Please record your message and we will answer it on a future p...

S4E3: How to Help Your Teen Get Over a Breakup

What steps should I take now that my teenager has begun dating?

Attempting to stop your teenager from having a romantic relationship could lead to a problematic dynamic between you two in the long run. Rather than preventing, support your teen in establishing limits and encourage positive practices from the outset, such as when they are simply engaging in hand-holding or participating in group outings. This approach ensures they are ready for more private moments with a partner when the time comes. In this episode, we'll cover ways to assist your teena...

S4E2: What steps should I take now that my teenager has begun dating?

Attempting to stop your teenager from having a romantic relationship could lead to a problematic dynamic between you two in the long run. Rather than preventing, support your teen in establishing limits and encourage positive practices from the outset, such as when they are simply engaging in hand-holding or participating in group outings. This approach ensures they are ready for more private moments with a partner when the time comes. In this episode, we'll cover ways to assist your teena...

S4E1: Relaxation Tips

We gain power when we take active steps to relax, even as the world seems to swirl around us. When relaxed, we maintain the presence and clarity of mind that enables us to make wise decisions and problem-solve. We prepare ourselves and our children to think clearly, even in stressful times— through active relaxation.  In this episode, we go over a few breathing techniques to help you get into active relaxation mode. We also discuss Mindfulness exercises by Dr. Dzung Vo, you can find thos...

Relaxation Tips

We gain power when we take active steps to relax, even as the world seems to swirl around us. When relaxed, we maintain the presence and clarity of mind that enables us to make wise decisions and problem-solve. We prepare ourselves and our children to think clearly, even in stressful times— through active relaxation.  In this episode, we go over a few breathing techniques to help you get into active relaxation mode. We also discuss Mindfulness exercises by Dr. Dzung Vo, you can find thos...

S3 EP6 - Common Concerns about Puberty

Adolescence marks a time of significant changes in physical development. It’s a time when teens question what’s happening to their bodies and what’s expected. They often compare themselves to their friends — noticing differences in height as they stand in line or their bodies as they change into gym clothes. Sometimes these changes in development can trigger both parents and teens to have concerns. Those issues can range from concerns about puberty, physical development, self-esteem, and b...

7 Tips for Youth-Supporting Professionals for Talking with Youth About Sexual and Reproductive Health

National Adolescent Health Month™ (NAHM™) is a health observance that emphasizes the importance of building on young people’s strengths and potential, encouraging meaningful youth engagement in adolescent health activities, and highlighting key topics in adolescent health.  Week 1: Expand sexual and reproductive health information and services. Better information and improved access to services will help adolescents make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health. So...

S3EP4: Help Teens Avoid Online Mistakes

In this podcast, we go over a few things parents can do to help teens avoid online mistakes. Resources: Riasing Digital Citizens - Parents Guide Common Sense Media Healthy Children Family Online Safety Institute Kelly Wallace, CNN  

S3EP3 Growth Mindset

Research shows that parents can have a powerful impact on their childrens’ mindsets. The language you use and the actions you take show your children about what you expect. Giving process praise, talking about the brain, accepting mistakes as learning opportunities, and understanding the role of emotions in learning are all practices you can begin today.

S3EP2: Teen Dating Violence

Teen dating violence affects nearly 10% of all teenagers throughout the U.S. We wanted to do this podcast in order to provide information and resources to help bring attention to this serious issue. Resources: https://www.safesecurekids.org/ www.loveisrespect.org Parent discussion guide: https://www.loveisrespect.org/wp-content/uploads/media/sites/3/2021/09/Parent-Guide-2021_TAF_love-is-respect.pdf www.nsvrc.org I ask how to teach consent early: https://www.nsvrc.org/sites/def...

S3EP1: Who We Are

Mission WV changes the lives of youth and families. We promote positive futures by recruiting foster families, providing life skills education and creating community connections. Learn more about who we are and what we do in this episode.

Types of Bullying

In this episode we go over the different types of bullying, warning signs, and how to get support. 

October is National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month

In this episode we go over what bullying is, and how to get support. 

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood. ACEs can include violence, abuse, and growing up in a family with mental health or substance use problems. Toxic stress from ACEs can change brain development and affect how the body responds to stress. ACEs are linked to chronic health problems, mental illness, and substance misuse in adulthood.  In this episode we go over what ACEs are, some of the impact they have on our lives, and some preven...

Understanding Sexual Assault

Sexual assault is a severe, punishable act that should not be taken lightly. In this epside, we go over: What sexual assault is. How drugs and alcohol play a factor.  Red flags to watch out for.  What to do if you or a friend has been a victim of sexual assault. Support Information: Crisis Support Lines Resources for Healthy Relationships Domestic Violence Support Information  

Yes or No?

Consent in simple terms means choosing for something to happen. The legal definition says a person gives consent when they ‘agree by choice, and have the freedom and capacity to make that choice.' In this episode, we clearly define what consent is.

Jackson's Story

In this episode, we tell a story written by a Bridge Program Mentor, about a young man named Jackson.  The Bridge is devoted to serving foster children in West Virginia with the vision of creating meaningful and effective support for foster children to be successful in school and beyond. When students are successful, we create wealth not only in the life of the student, but also our communities. 

Ask Us Anything: Teen Pregnancy

In the classroom our educators respond to a wide variety of questions from middle and high school students. This podcast segment called, Ask Us Anything, will go over some of those questions and our typical responses. This episode will address questions related to teen pregnancy.

podcast S2E19

Your Teen Lied. Now What?

So, your son or daughter lied to you. What should you do? The most important first step you can take, the one that can preserve your relationship, is to remain calm. But the ability to keep your cool and discuss this challenging moment – openly and honestly – will accomplish yet another essential goal: Make it less likely they will be dishonest with you again.  For help repairing a fractured relationship, read Create Opportunities for Teens to Regain Trust.

Love Bombing Part 2

Love bombing happens when someone overwhelms you with loving words, actions, and behavior as a manipulation technique. In this episode, we do a quick recap of what love bombing is, some signs, and go over how to gain support if you believe you may be in a love bombing situation.

Love Bombing

When you first meet someone, being swept off your feet can feel fun and exciting. Having someone shower you with affection and admiration is especially exhilarating when you’re in the beginning stages of a new relationship. Love bombing, however, is another story. It happens when someone overwhelms you with loving words, actions, and behavior as a manipulation technique.

Clinical services for youth

During NAHM, sustain equitable, accessible, youth-friendly services Join the Office of Population Affairs during National Adolescent Health Month to sustain equitable, accessible, youth-friendly services. Young people—especially those with chronic conditions and disabilities—can experience serious gaps in care as they get older. Young people who experience homelessness, foster care, and the juvenile justice system and who live in mixed immigration status households can have a difficult time ...

Mental Health Access and Resources

As symptoms of mental health disorders emerge and develop, they have strong influences on an adolescent’s behavior and can become more difficult to treat. Although effective therapies exist for many mental health disorders, not all adolescents who need treatment receive it. In this episode, we talk about some disparities that may partially explain why use of mental health services differs. We also go over many mental health resources.

Common Mental Health Warning Signs

Mental health is not simply the presence or absence of symptoms. Variations in how adolescents experience symptoms can make identification and diagnosis of mental health disorders challenging.  In this episode, we go over some warning signs of mental health disorders in adolescence, as well as, common mental health disorders in adolescence include those related to anxiety, depression, attention deficit-hyperactivity, and eating.

Talking about relationships with teens

During adolescence, youth grow physically, try new activities, begin to think more critically, and develop more varied and complex relationships. Ensuring adolescent health requires giving youth the sexual and reproductive health information and services they need to empower healthy decision-making. In this podcast we go over some tips on how to talk to your teen about relationships. 

Healthy Relationships in Adolescence

During adolescence, young people learn how to form safe and healthy relationships with friends, parents, caregivers, teachers, and romantic partners. In this podcast, we go over what healthy relationships in dating, friendships and with caregivers look like for adolescence.  Stay tuned for future podcasts where we will provide more information about talking with teens about relationships and conversation tools for parents and caregivers. 

May is National Adolescent Health Month

May is National Adolescent Health Month! Join us in celebrating young people’s strengths and potential, encouraging youth engagement, and highlighting key topics in adolescent health. Parents, caregivers, youth-serving professionals, and healthcare providers can empower youth to make decisions about their own health and become leaders in their communities. During NAHM, help adolescents build on their strengths, overcome barriers to accessing services and resources, and make healthy and inform...

Online Safety Tips

In this podcast, we go over some ways to help keep your family safe online.

Let's talk condoms

In this podcast, we discuss what condoms are, answer questions from our youth and share some important facts.  For information about the age of consent please check out this article. 

Ways to Support Teen Brain Growth

The brain undergoes tremendous changes during adolescence. In this episode, we discuss several ways you can support teen brain growth and development. Information from Parent And Teen. Visit our website. Submit a question.

Ask Us Anything: Student Questions

In the classroom our educators respond to a wide variety of questions from middle and high school students. This podcast segment called, Ask Us Anything, will go over some of those questions and our typical responses. This episode will address questions related to relationships and teen pregnancy.