Dawn SpraggJan 43 minNew Year-New Parenting Goals: Resisting Reality ChecksWhen I was in the 6th grade my English teacher, Ms. Cole, told me I was going to be an author. I don't remember what prompted this but...
Dawn SpraggSep 22, 20212 minHow many micros equal a macro?Perceived Micro Rejections A few weeks ago while listening to Brene’ Brown’s Dare to Lead podcast, her guest, Priya Parker, the author of...
Dawn SpraggSep 22, 20212 minTeen AnxietyThe words were hard for the 13 year old client sitting across from me in the counseling room. “I want to go but I can’t” she said in...
Dawn SpraggJun 4, 20202 minFlattening a New Curve: The Emotional Battle Raging Behind COVID-19Twice last week I had a teenager sit down in the counseling room and burst into tears in the first sixty seconds of their session. One of...
Dawn SpraggJan 6, 20202 minInto the WildernessTeens are often lumped together with children when we talk about their health care needs, but in reality they are -and should be- a whole di
Dawn SpraggDec 8, 20193 minDown and Out in NWAWhen I meet with new clients, I always take a few minutes to have them fill out a registration form. It doesn't require anything fancy,...
Dawn SpraggNov 10, 20194 minGuess Who's Coming to Dinner?Whether teens are dating or not, it's a good idea to talk to them about what a healthy relationship looks like.
Dawn SpraggOct 6, 20192 minStanding Up to BulliesRecently a friend shared that her son had witnessed a classmate being mercilessly teased by another student. Although she said he...
Dawn SpraggSep 8, 20191 minSuicide Risk FactorsSuicide among teens within the United States were at a record high level in 2017, according to the Centers for Disease Control. There are...
Dawn SpraggJul 22, 20192 minTeen AnxietyThe words were hard for the 13 year old client sitting across from me in the counseling room. “I want to go but I can’t” she said in...
Dawn SpraggMay 28, 20193 minAdolescents and Risk TakingRecently I've been exploring wide-spread and enduring beliefs about teenagers. This month I was thinking about how we as a society often...
Dawn SpraggApr 10, 20193 minThe Mythical Lazy TeenRecently I've been exploring the myths we tell ourselves about teenagers. Last month, I discussed why we perceive teens as selfish; this...
Dawn SpraggMar 6, 20193 minTeens Are Selfish. True or False?I love working with teens. I love their optimism, and their energy and their resiliency. I love their way of looking at the world and...
Dawn SpraggDec 19, 20181 minSleeping in SeattleThis summer I wrote a post about how the delayed released of melatonin effects the sleep patterns of teenagers, and why this means all...
Dawn SpraggNov 18, 20182 minSo You Want Your Teen to Be HappyWith Thanksgiving this week, I've been thinking a lot about gratitude. Gratitude can act as a bond between people. If someone has been...
Dawn SpraggOct 21, 20182 minThe Best Way to Right A WrongBullying is one of the most common discipline problems in our public schools. In the past year, 1 in 5 high school students reported...
Dawn SpraggOct 7, 20181 minTake A Stand Against BullyingThe CDC's latest Youth Risk Surveillance found that Arkansas was number one in the percentage of teenagers who were bullied on school...
Dawn SpraggSep 23, 20182 minWhat Wasn't SaidAs National Suicide Prevention Month comes to a close, I wanted to share this beautiful poem with you. It was written by a teenager who...
Dawn SpraggSep 16, 20181 minBuilding ConnectionThis month is National Suicide Prevention Month. Suicide is a growing problem in the United States, no less so among teens than among...
Dawn SpraggSep 9, 20181 minPreventing SuicideIn recognition of National Suicide Prevention Month, I wanted to share with you the National Alliance of Mental Health’s tips on...