BEAUTY WITHIN ~ TEEN ESTEEM ™

Photo courtesy of the net.  The article, written by Paige Shoemaker DeMio and published on June 16, 2025, discusses the dangers of extreme heat for students and schools, especially in light of the last school year being the hottest on record. Children are particularly susceptible to heat-related illnesses and long-term health issues like asthma, heart disease, and diabetes, which can also disrupt their learning and development. Many school buildings, particularly in low-income and rural areas, are old and lack adequate heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. This leaves students vulnerable to extreme heat and poor air quality. The funding cuts from the Trump administration have impacted schools' ability to address these issues, including the abrupt rescinding of over $2.5 billion in COVID-19 relief funds that were used for HVAC upgrades. Proposed budget cuts also threaten programs for air quality monitoring and energy-efficient systems. There is a drastic need fo...

The teenage years are a whirlwind of change – physical, emotional, and social. It's a time of incredible growth, but also a time when self-esteem can take a hit. Social media, academic pressures, and the constant search for identity can all contribute to feelings of inadequacy and insecurity. So, what can teens do to boost their self-esteem? Focus on Strengths: Encourage teens to identify and celebrate their talents and accomplishments, big or small. Cultivate Healthy Habits: Exercise, proper nutrition, and enough sleep all play a crucial role in mental and emotional well-being. Practice Self-Compassion: Teach teens to be kind to themselves, to acknowledge their mistakes without self-criticism, and to learn from setbacks. Build Strong Relationships: Positive relationships with family, friends, and mentors provide a strong support system. Limit Social Media Comparison: Encourage mindful social media use and help teens understand that curated online lives rarely reflect reality. F...