On a Mission

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...

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 ...

S4E6: Understanding and Tackling Cyberbullying

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...

S4E3: How to Help Your Teen Get Over a Breakup

How to Help Your Teen Get Over a Breakup

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.

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...

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. 

podcast S2E19

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.

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.

Depression in Children

Does your child seem unusually sad, irritable or quiet lately? Such changes in mood could be due to a temporary stress in life. But how do you know if it’s something more? In this episode we go over the warning signs of childhood depression. Leave us a voicemail

What Consent is and Isn't

Consent is an agreement between participants to engage in sexual activity. Consent should be clearly defined and communicated. In this podcast, we discuss what consent is and isn't. 

National Teen Dating Violence Awareness & Prevention Month

During February’s National Teen Dating Violence Awareness & Prevention Month, teens and those who support them join together to raise awareness to teen dating violence. Dating violence is more common than many people think. One in three teens in a dating relationship experience abuse – emotional, sexual or physical. This month, we will go over ways we can empower young people with knowledge and skills to increase awareness and stop dating abuse before it starts! By learning about unhealthy an...

Tips for talking to teens about relationships

When parents talk to their kids about healthy relationships, they help protect kids from dating violence. Middle school is the right time to have those conversations. Even as young teens are moving towards stronger peer influence, they are still listening to what their parents have to say. In this episode, we have provided 10 tips for talking to your teen about relationships.  Ask a question Leave us a voicemail

Top 5 episodes of 2021

Welcome to Season 2 of the On a Mission Podcast. In this episodes, we go over the top 5 episodes of 2021 and replay the top episode.  Please leave us a message and we will answer it on a future podcast. 

The Bridge Program

In this episode we discuss Mission WV's Bridge program. The Bridge is devoted to serving West Virginia's youth in foster care. The Bridge serves these children with the vision of creating meaningful and effective support so that they can be successful in school and beyond.  Visit our website. Leave us a message.

Opening the Lines of Communication with Teens

Teens don’t easily open about what is going on in their lives. However, open communication with teens is a vital part of their relationship with you and is a key factor in your ability to support them. Here are some tips adapted from from several sources about improving parent-child communication. Sources located on podcast show page at www.missionwv.org.

Self-Harm

Self-harm is defined as any intentional injury to one's own body. This disorder also is called self-harm or self-mutilation. Usually, self-injury leaves marks or causes tissue damage. In this episode, we discuss what self-harm is, warning signs and support. We would love to hear from you! Please record your message and we will answer it on a future podcast. https://bit.ly/3GgPv3L

Developmental Milestones Ages 12-18

This is a time of changes for how teenagers think, feel, and interact with others, and how their bodies grow. Most girls will be physically mature by now, and most will have completed puberty. Boys might still be maturing physically during this time. Your teen might have concerns about her body size, shape, or weight. Eating disorders also can be common, especially among girls. During this time, your teen is developing his unique personality and opinions. Relationships with friends are still...