Raider Resilience Forum

Raider Resilience Forum Aiming to foster understanding & support for mental health in rural areas.

Middle school isn't just another grade level. Developmentally, it's one of the biggest transitions children experience.A...
08/30/2026

Middle school isn't just another grade level.

Developmentally, it's one of the biggest transitions children experience.

And behind a lot of the eye rolls, one-word answers, and "I'm fine" responses is a kid who's trying to make sense of a world that suddenly feels a whole lot more complicated.

Every behavior has a reason.That doesn't mean every behavior is acceptable. And it doesn't mean there shouldn't be conse...
08/23/2026

Every behavior has a reason.

That doesn't mean every behavior is acceptable. And it doesn't mean there shouldn't be consequences.

It simply means that behavior gives us information.

A child who's avoiding homework may be overwhelmed. A child who's arguing may be frustrated. A child who's clowning around may be trying to fit in. Or... they might just be making a poor choice.

Our job isn't to become mind readers.

It's to pause long enough to ask, "What might this behavior be telling me?"

Some kids ask for help with their behavior.Others work really hard to make sure no one notices they're struggling.Let's ...
08/16/2026

Some kids ask for help with their behavior.

Others work really hard to make sure no one notices they're struggling.

Let's make sure we’re making room for both.

If you've done this whole parenting thing before, you already know the first question usually gets the same answer: “Fin...
08/09/2026

If you've done this whole parenting thing before, you already know the first question usually gets the same answer: “Fine.”

The problem usually isn't the question. It's the timing.

School asks a lot of kids. By the time they get to the car, many are mentally tapped out.

That doesn't mean they don't want to talk.

Sometimes they'll tell you everything before you leave the parking lot. Sometimes they'll tell you at dinner. Sometimes they'll wait until you're turning the lights off for the night. Because obviously that's when all the important conversations happen.

The "10-minute rule" isn't a hard-and-fast parenting rule. It's simply a reminder that connection often happens on a child's timeline, not ours.

The goal is to help them know you'll be there when they're ready to share.

We’ve focused on men & women. Now with school peeking around the corner, August is for those kiddos.But can we stop pret...
08/02/2026

We’ve focused on men & women. Now with school peeking around the corner, August is for those kiddos.

But can we stop pretending the hardest part of back-to-school is finding matching socks? 😅

The biggest adjustment isn't always academic. It’s emotional.

Here's what every child needs before the school year begins.

If we really want to support women's mental health, we have to move beyond telling women to "take care of themselves."We...
07/26/2026

If we really want to support women's mental health, we have to move beyond telling women to "take care of themselves."

We also have to ask:
•Who is taking care of them?
•Who shares the emotional load?
•Who notices before they're overwhelmed?
•Who makes space for them to simply be human?

Mental health isn't built in isolation. It's built in relationships, communities, and systems that make support possible.

Most mothers parent with the tools they were given.Most daughters grow up carrying some of those same tools.Looking at e...
07/19/2026

Most mothers parent with the tools they were given.

Most daughters grow up carrying some of those same tools.

Looking at emotional inheritance isn't about deciding who was right or wrong.

It's about creating compassion for where the patterns came from and hope for where they can go next.

Instead of asking, “Why is she so angry?"Try asking, “What has she had to tolerate?"Anger often tells the story that pol...
07/12/2026

Instead of asking, “Why is she so angry?"

Try asking, “What has she had to tolerate?"

Anger often tells the story that politeness hasn’t been able to.

We talked about men’s mental health in June so for July we’re going to focus on women’s mental health. So first up:You c...
07/05/2026

We talked about men’s mental health in June so for July we’re going to focus on women’s mental health. So first up:

You can be needed by everyone and still feel like you don’t exist.

This is identity erosion.

It’s not some dramatic production. It’s not even visible. It’s a quiet disappearance inside a very full life.

Men don’t need perfect conversations. They need a place to start.Let’s end men’s health month by breaking down some simp...
06/28/2026

Men don’t need perfect conversations. They need a place to start.

Let’s end men’s health month by breaking down some simple ways to open up conversations about men’s mental health, without it feeling forced, clinical, or overwhelming.

Because starting the conversation is often the hardest part.

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