Idaho Youth Ranch Blog

Teen Suicide Prevention: Warning Signs to Watch Out For

If you’re worried your teen is suicidal, reach out to the following 24/7...

Unlocking Resilience: How Understanding Your Brain Can Help You Navigate Your Child’s Mental Health Journey

Parenting is a journey filled with joys, challenges, and unexpected turns....

Overcoming Schoolwork Challenges with Collaborative Problem Solving: A Guide for Parents of Teens

As your child enters their teenage years, new challenges may arise,...

Why Teen Counseling is Essential for Emotional and Mental Health

The teenage years are a time of change, growth, and discovery, but they...

Addressing Disrespectful Behavior in Teens: A Collaborative Problem Solving Guide for Parents

Parenting a teenager can be challenging, especially when they exhibit...

Growth Mindset and Academic Success: Boosting Your Teen’s Performance in School

As a parent, you naturally want to see your teen succeed academically and...

Teen Counseling Approaches: What Works Best and How They Differ from Counseling for Adults

As a parent, you want your teen to have the best possible mental health...

DBT Skills Every Parent of a Teenager Should Know

Navigating the teenage years can be challenging for both parents and...

The Power of DBT Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy at Idaho Youth Ranch: Why Your Teen Should Join

If you’re searching for a unique and transformative therapeutic experience...

The Ultimate Guide to Protecting Your Child from Cyberbullying

In the digital age, cyberbullying has become a prevalent issue for...

Normal Teenage Behavior or Mental Health Issue? Know When to Seek Help

Teens are in a constant state of change, trying to find themselves and...

Finding Balance with Screen Time: A Collaborative Problem Solving Guide for Parents of Teens

In today’s digital age, many teens spend a significant amount of time on...

When Anxiety and Depression Take Hold of Your Teen: Breaking the Stigma and Finding Help

The teenage years can be a challenging time for both parents and their...

Summer Online Safety: Protecting Your Teen from Cyber Threats During the Carefree Season

Summer is a time of fun and relaxation for most teens, but it can also be...

Building Resilience in Teens: Tips for Parents to Prevent Cutting

As parents, we want the best for our children, and it’s natural to feel...

How You Can Ask Your Teen About Therapy: Tips for Parents

There’s lots of advice out there on how to talk to your teen about the...

Collaborative Problem Solving for Parents: A Step-by-Step Guide to Addressing Family Issues

Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS) is an evidence-based approach that...

Celebrating Foster Care Awareness Month: How Idaho Youth Ranch Supports Vulnerable Teens

Foster Care Awareness Month is a time to recognize the importance of...

7 Often Overlooked Warning Signs of Teenagers’ Mental Illness

In today’s fast-paced world, parents of teenagers often struggle to...

Collaborative Problem Solving: A Resource Guide for Counselors Addressing Family Issues

Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS) is an evidence-based approach that...

What Should Parents Do If Their Child Has Anxiety? Here Are 5 Ways to Help

Anxiety is a relatively common concern for children and teens. Reports...

Building a Brighter Future: Creating Positive Childhood Experiences with Your Teen

Learn how to create positive childhood experiences with your teen that can...

Teen Respite Care: Finding Balance for Idaho Families

Understanding Teen Respite Care 

Respite care is a temporary relief...

The Power of Yet: Introducing Your Teen to a Growth Mindset Concept

As parents, we all want to provide our teens with the tools they need to...

The Parent’s Guide to Balancing Screen Time and Real Life for Teens: Strategies for a Healthy Digital Diet

Today’s teenagers are part of a digital generation that has grown up...

Unleashing the Impact: The Power of Complimenting Your Teen

Discover how the simple act of complimenting your teenager can lead to a...

Future Proofing Your Teen

Future Proofing Your Teen: The Importance of Developing Essential Life...

Teen Counseling: Helping Your Teenager Navigate the Challenges of Adolescence

At Idaho Youth Ranch, we understand that being a teenager can be a...

Helping Your Teen Take a Spring Break from Anxiety

Spring break can be an exciting time for teens to unwind and take a break...

How to Respond to Self-Harm Behavior

Idaho’s Youth Mental Health Crisis and The Role That Deteriorating Relationships and Family Bonds Play

The current generation is facing a mental health crisis, particularly...

Why is Dialectical Behavior Therapy So Effective?

Is Your Teens Mental Health Holding Them Back in School?

As a parent, it can be difficult to watch your child struggle in school....

5 Ways to Talk About Mental Health With Your Child

Regardless of age, discussions around mental health can sometimes feel...

How to Manage Stress and Emotions During the Holidays

The holiday season is well underway, with happiness, cheer, and a...

Teen Loneliness in a Social Media World

A group of teens recently gathered in southwest Idaho to share with adults...

3 Reasons Apologizing to Your Child Is Important

One of the most common mistakes parents make is attempting to maintain an...

Effects of Cyberbullying on Social Media [& How to Prevent It]

Unfortunately, it is easier than ever for kids and teens to bully their...

Capital Campaign Cabinet Co-Chairs Honored as Philanthropists of the Year

Robert Rebholtz, Jr., CEO of Agri Beef, and Mark Miller, CEO of Miller...

Symptoms of Toxic Stress & Childhood PTSD

Some kinds of stress are good for the body, and some types aren't. Here's...

Take-Home DBT Skills: Emotional Regulation

Take-Home DBT Skills: Distress Tolerance

Take-Home DBT Skills: DEAR MAN

Take-Home DBT Skills: Mindfulness

Mindfulness refers to having an awareness of your present thoughts and...

Tips for Building Low Self-Esteem

How to Help Your Child or Teen with Life After Divorce

Research shows that between 40-50% of married couples in the United States...

Social Media and Self-Esteem

How to Help Your Adolescent Cope with Grief

Grief can be undoubtedly challenging at any age. It’s tumultuous, painful,...

A Teen’s Quick Guide to Supporting a Friend Struggling with Depression

6.7% of Americans struggle with depression in a given year.¹ Depression is...

Everyday Things You Can Do to Build Resilience in Your Child

Resilience refers to the ability to recover from adverse events and cope...

Signs It’s Time to Get Help for Your Teen’s Anger

6 Coping Skills to Help Manage Social Anxiety

Free Download: Guide to Relationships in a Time of Recovery

May Is Mental Health Awareness Month

In 1949, Mental Health America (MHA) began Mental Health Awareness Month....

Giving to Charity: Why Donors Are Heroes to Idaho's Kids

When Idaho’s kids need help, there are a special group of people out there...

The Signs of Sexual Abuse in Kids and Teens

Physical Abuse: Signs in Children and Parents

When a child has an adverse experience, it can lead to greater issues down...

What is Neglect and Why Is It Abuse?

When a parent withholds meeting the basic needs of their child physically,...

Emotional Abuse: The Signs & Effects on Children

One of the most difficult forms of abuse to detect is emotional—also known...

How to Help a Friend Who is Struggling [For Teens]

What should you do if a friend approaches you about a particular problem...

How Equine Therapy Helped Lacy Heal

Can you imagine being nine years old and watching your parents drive away...

Tips for Coping with Anxiety [For Teens]

Childhood should be a safe, happy, carefree time, full of fun and...

How to Talk to Your Parents About Your Mental Health

Tips for Maintaining Teen Relationships During COVID-19

Mental Health Self-Care Tips for Teens during COVID-19

Joseph's Story

Joseph was only thirteen years old when he faced unimaginable trauma.

Social Media Apps Parents Should Watch Out For

Eating Disorders As Self-Harm

What to Do When Your Child Hates School

Most kids complain about their teachers, studying, or school at some point...

When Is It Appropriate for Your Child to Switch Schools?

What Is Going on With Your Insecure Teenager?

Everyone knows the teenage years can be chaotic and tumultuous....

3 Helpful Tips for Talking to Your Teenager

Does it feel like you’re walking on eggshells when you interact with your...

How Caring Adults Can Help Kids Develop

The simple fact is that young people are more likely to grow up happy,...

Why Your Teen Might be Skipping School

Have you recently discovered that your teenager is skipping school? School...

Idaho Youth Ranch & The Women's and Children's Alliance Team Up

BOISE, Idaho (May 6, 2020) – Women’s and Children’s Alliance (WCA) and...

What You Need To Know About Suicide in Idaho

If you’re worried your teen is suicidal, reach out to the following 24/7...

The Protective Factors - Social Connections

“The greatest human need aside from food, water, and shelter is...

The Protective Factors - Parenting Skills

Do you know everything there is to know about your kids? Can any parent...

Protective Factors- Social, Relational Competence in Teens

The Protective Factors - Parental Resilience

The ups and downs of life can be rough for both children and parents...

What Teens Need to Know About Finding a Job During COVID

For most teenagers, finding a job in the best of times is an intimidating...

Protective Factors: Concrete Support in Times of Need

One of the hardest things about parenting is knowing that you can’t...

Emotional Regulation and How It Helps Kids Succeed

We've all been there. You’re standing in the grocery store at the exact...

Shake Loose A Little Bit

Born outside Caldwell to two Idaho natives, Jane speaks fondly of a...

The 5 Protective Factors that Promote Resilience

There are many factors that play a role in how a person develops through...

When Is It Time to Get Help for Your Child?

The thing we hear most often from parents is, “I wish I would have known...

5 DBT Skills to Help Your Kids Manage Stress

What Are ACEs, and How Are They Affecting Your Kids?

In 1953, Reverend James Crowe had a vision for a place where “wayward”...

How Equine Therapy Helps Vulnerable Youth

People often ask how, exactly, horses can make such a big impact on people...

Therapists Don't Judge and Neither Do Horses

Below is a letter from a mom whose kids got help at Idaho Youth Ranch. 

Trauma, Toxic Stress, and the Developing Brain

Psychological or emotional trauma is defined as “damage to the mind that...

Talking to Your Kids about Race, Racism, and Inequality

The thought of discussing topics like race, racism, and inequality leaves...

SUCCESS STORY - How Equine Therapy Healed a Broken Spirit

A child’s mind is not equipped to deal with the stress of adult burdens....

PRIDE Skills: Building Strong Bonds Through Skills-Based Parenting

There is a lot of conflicting information out there about parenting, and...

Why I Give to Idaho Youth Ranch

I support Idaho Youth Ranch because I believe that all people have a basic...

Idaho Central Credit Union Delivers Sweet Treats to the Thrift Stores

Last week our friends at Idaho Central Credit Union (ICCU)took treats to...

Screen Time During COVID-19

Studies are only starting to show the dramatic increase of screen usage in...

5 Ways Taking Care of Yourself Makes You a More Effective Parent

7 Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs)

In 1985, Dr. Vincent Felitti was the Chief of Preventative Medicine at...

Strength in Kindness: Coping with a Smile

Stress has the ability to bring out the best and the worst in people....

How to Practice Radical Acceptance [For Kids & Teens]

One of the many approaches we take at Idaho Youth Ranch is a form of...

Intentional Communication That Makes an Impact

Have you ever opened your mouth and heard your parents come out? Being...

10 Ways to Compliment Kids & Build Resilience

One of the most basic needs of every child is the need for their parents’...

Coping Skills for Parents

The COVID-19 pandemic is giving parents more time than ever to spend with...

Class of 2020: The Impact of COVID-19 on High School Seniors

Senior year is an exciting time for most high school seniors. The last...

How Are Kids Experiencing COVID-19?

It’s easy for adults to believe that because children are small, their...

Helping Kids Succeed in Online School During the Stay-At-Home Era

Over the past few months, we’ve faced drastic changes and heartache as a...

Success Story: TeleMental Health

“When routines get disrupted at home, kids don’t have the emotional...

10 Ways Families Can Come Together During Quarantine

COVID-19 has changed the shape of day-to-day life for everyone, but many...

Family Game Time

It’s not just the game that makes family game night a success that...

Idaho State Tax Credit Ins and Outs

One of the unique things about giving to Idaho Youth Ranch is the tax...

5 Reasons to Still Make a Tax-Deductible Donation Before End of Year

Did you know that, in 2018, charitable giving decreased by roughly 6% in...

Tax Deductible Donations: Rules and Tips

When tax season comes around, do you ever find yourself asking yourself,...

Domestic Violence Has a Powerful Impact on Children

The impact of domestic violence on children is huge, whether they become...

Choosing the Right Therapist For Your Child

There's so much to consider when it comes to child counseling that many...

How to Help Your Struggling Child

It can be challenging to know just what to do when your child is...

How to Find the Right Adoption Agency

There's so much to know about finding, choosing, and working with an...

Kendall Auto Group Makes Generous Donation to Idaho Youth Ranch

Northern Idaho Women Raise Over $215,000 Help Idaho Youth Ranch

Qualifying For Social Security Benefits Due To Child Abuse

Every parent fears that their child will be a victim of abuse. After being...

Normal Teen Behavior Vs. Troubled Behavior

It can be hard for a kid to admit when things aren’t okay. If your teen is...

Volunteer Spotlight: Warren

Fun Fact: “Warren was a traveling musician in his early 20’s”

Originally...

2019 Volunteer Spotlights: Jeannie, Hazen and Domenic

Volunteer Spotlight: Jeannie

Fun Fact: “My passion is dogs, I have 7 dogs...

5 Signs Your Child is Overusing Technology

While there’s some debate about the reality of technology addictions,...

Jake's Success Story

“I didn’t want to do it, but living in that environment, I just didn’t...

Misconceptions about Mental Illness in Teens

It is a common misconception that mental health is only relevant to...

Idaho Youth Ranch Receives $10,000 Grant from The CarMax Foundation

We are honored to announce that Idaho Youth Ranch was nominated and...

7 Tips for Having The Talk With Your Kids

Most parents find talking about sex and sexuality with their children...

Buy a Home. Give a Home.

We always feel so fortunate to receive so much incredible support from our...

erstad ARCHITECTS Donates Winnings From Bocce Ball Tournament

Katie's Success Story

When Katie first came to the Ranch Campus, she had no intention of ever...

It's a Money Thing

Hard-won financial lessons are some of the most important things you learn...

Koda's Success Story

Koda came to the Ranch Campus at 16 years old, so full of fight that the...

How You Can Help Foster Children in Need

To promote National Foster Care Awareness, we wanted to share some...

Planned Charitable Giving 101

With changes in tax laws in 2017, many Americans are left wondering how...

Your Fred Meyer Rewards Card Helps IYR Kids & Families

If you have a Fred Meyer Rewards card, you are just one step away from...

Micromanaging Kids

No one likes a micromanager--and that includes kids! Adults can understand...

How to Have Meaningful Conversations with Your Child

"My parents don't understand what it's like to be my age."

“They just...

Motivating Your Child or Teen

You’ve probably heard the old adage “You get more flies with honey than...

Build a Back-to-School Schedule for Success

If the idea of trying to fit in homework, meals, down time,...

Defining a Family Culture

What kind of family did you imagine you would create when you were younger?

Pokemon Go: Good or Bad?

As Pokemon Go continues to sweep the nation, it’s inspiring more than...

20 Fun Questions to Ask About Your Child’s Day

If you’re like most parents, you’ve probably noticed that there seems to...

Quality Time at The Kitchen Table

Did you know that one of the most critical indicators for a child’s...

How Parents Can Model Respectful Behavior

Have you ever been angry with your child for acting exactly like you?...

Fear and Respect: What’s the Difference?

The words “fear” and “respect” go hand-in-hand in the minds of many...

Saying 'Because I Said So' Doesn’t Work When Disciplining

The parenting catchphrase “because I said so” is so ingrained in our...

How to Discipline Your Child

Dealing with discipline is tough for parents. Are you being too strict?...

Generational Impact of Domestic Violence

The statistics on domestic violence are sobering -- and seemingly endless....

Building Future Generations of Healthy Families

Jerry Finds His Path

Very few success stories move in straight lines that never waver. For many...

EAP: the Healing Power of Horses at IYR

Back-to-School Success

School is starting again--already! If you’re like most families, that...

How Does Idaho Youth Ranch Save Families?

The family is both the fundamental unit of society as well as the root of...

Youthworks! blog: Z’s journey

One of the first things you’ll notice about Z * is her very shy demeanor,...

Free Things To Do With Your Kids This Summer

Scheduling Quality Time with Your Kids

We totally get it. Life gets hectic and finding time to even take a breath...

Signs of Abuse: Being a Child Shouldn’t Hurt

The realities of physical child abuse are unspeakably common and...

Child Abuse in Idaho

Everyone knows one kid—that one kid who “fell through the cracks” or “just...

Courageous Transformation in North Idaho

From Homelessness to a High School Formal

It’s the little things that can mean so much to a teenager whose only idea...

Look Who’s Going to College, Thanks to IYR Scholarships

Look Who’s Going to College, Thanks to IYR Scholarships

Every year the...

Middleton Kids Week Helps Kids Help Other Kids

Middleton Kids Week Helps Kids Help Other Kids

When we opened our new IYR...

Nathan’s Story: A Father Looks Back on His Time at IYR

Nathan’s Story: A Father Looks Back on His Time at IYR

If you've seen the...

IYR Earns 4-Star Rating from Charity Navigator—Again!

Once again, the Idaho Youth Ranch has received four stars, the highest...

Making a Difference: Service Learning at IYR

One of the key ingredients to a promising future is a sense of belonging...

Nicole Learns a Thing or Two About Love

To say that Nicole had a rough start in life is an understatement. As an...

Partners for Promising Futures

There’s a new vehicle parked in the lot at our Boise distribution center,...

Rayanne Starts a Whole New Family Tradition

Rayanne was barely 16 when her mom’s alcoholism finally got so out of...

From Foundling to Part of the Family

Jennie, a single mom, worked hard in low-paying jobs all of her life to...

Fred Meyer Helps Make “Call to the Heart” a Win for Idaho Kids

Fred Meyer Helps Make “Call to the Heart” a Win for Idaho Kids

In May,...

Congratulations to Our Newest YOUTHWORKS! Graduates!

On Friday, June 26, our third class of proud YOUTHWORKS! trainees and...

Katie's Ranch Campus Success Story

When Katie first came to the Ranch Campus, she had no intention of ever...

Amanda Learns She’s not Alone

Betrayed by her family, Amanda once believed she had only herself to...

Reaching for the Sky with the National Guard and Reserve

Healing doesn’t happen in a vacuum; it takes the support and collaboration...

A Young Cowboy Finds His Calling at the Ranch Campus

At-risk girls taste the thrill of success at the county fair

Ribbons & royalty: at-risk girls taste the thrill of success at the county...

Breaking the Cycle

Breaking the Cycle

One of our program graduates recently applied for --...

Be Part of the Promise on May 7- Idaho Gives!

Do you remember the person in your life who gave you a chance at success?

A Struggling Family Gets a Fresh Start

After nine months of living in a shelter, with her husband incarcerated...

Award-Winning Dedication Recognized at Anchor House

Each year the Idaho Youth Ranch honors three of its employees, out of more...

The Princess and the Unicorn

The Princess and the Unicorn

Generosity knows no age limit—no one is ever...

Shawna Learns What Safety Feels Like

Shawna Learns What Safety Feels Like

When Shawna and her family lived in...

Bear Gets Eye Surgery- Thanks to Idaho Humane Society

Bear Gets Eye Surgery- Thanks to Idaho Humane Society

During a visit to...

Desert Blooms: IYR Alum Creates Wildflower App

Healing Begins Here: Meet IYR’s Intake & Referral Coordinator

What happens when a hurting teen or a struggling parent calls the Idaho...

It’s Never too Late to Say Thank You

It’s Never too Late to Say Thank You

Last month we received this heartfelt...

Daisy the Dog Blossoms at Anchor House

Daisy the Dog Blossoms at Anchor House

Braving the Waters

Braving the Waters

Neglected, abondoned or abused kids often don't get to...

Opening Hearts and Minds With Metaphors

Opening Hearts and Minds With Metaphors

The well-practiced professionals...

The Trees That Keep on Giving

Christmas was made a lot brighter this year for Idaho kids and families,...

Sharing the Birthday Love with Idaho Kids

Sharing the Birthday Love with Idaho Kids

One of our generous supporters...

Christmas at the Ranch- the Tradition Lives On

YOUTHWORKS! and the Power of People Skills

YOUTHWORKS! and the Power of People Skills

Our newest Idaho Youth Ranch...

From Despair to Hope: Justin’s Journey

From Despair to Hope: Justin’s Journey

Turning one child's dangerous path...

A Visit to Yellowstone

One of the priorities at every Idaho Youth Ranch residential program is...

Is Your Child on Drugs?

How well do you know your teenager? When was the last time you had a...

Changing Lives; Saving Lives

Changing Lives - Saving Lives

Parts of Del’s childhood were so traumatic...

Learning Through Service at Hays House

July 2014: In addition to receiving counseling, kids in our residential...

Thanks, Pocatello!