LEAF Blog

Children and teens face tough stuff everyday—from going to school to keeping up with friends to managing stress in our fast-paced world, all within the limits of a developing brain and body.

A traumatic event only adds to a child’s cognitive and emotional load.

November is a month dedicated to childhood grief awareness. While it’s not something we like to picture, approximately six million children will experience the death of a parent or sibling by the time the child turns eighteen (source: Judi’s House).

Children and teens are especially in need of support during these difficult times. A child’s grief can sometimes be overlooked during a crisis—or well-meaning adults may shield the child from the reality of death.

According to Harvard, children need just one stable relationship with a trusted adult to develop resilience.

The death of a loved one is tough for anyone at any age—but children are especially affected.

When a child experiences a death for the first time, they’ll be looking to the big people around them to figure out how to process grief.

Children who don’t receive reassurance and care during bereavement can be at risk for future complications, such as depression, anxiety, substance use, and suicide.

Supporting a child during this time can help support a healthy future.

How many young people vape?

A national government survey of 20,000 young people found that about 10% report vaping, making e-cigarettes four times more popular than regular cigarettes or cigars amongst that age group. On the bright side, tobacco use overall continues to decline among young people, and the number of high schoolers vaping dropped from 2022 to 2023.

In New York State, you must be 21 to purchase vape products. However, just as young people have managed for years to get hold of cigarettes, they find ways to access vapes.

It’s never too early to start the conversation about substance use. As soon as children are able to converse, parents can start teaching them how to make healthy choices—a skill that will serve them well in adulthood. Here are ten tips for talking with little ones about substance use.

“In the United States, youth use e-cigarettes, or vapes, more than any other tobacco product,” according to Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Over two million middle- and high-school students reported using e-cigarettes in 2023 (CDC 2024).

Nicotine in any form, however, can damage a young person’s developing brain. Read on to learn how—and what parents, adults, and caregivers can do to help prevent underage vape use.

Opinions about cannabis are mixed, with some claiming it’s a natural or medicinal substance and others calling it problematic.

One of the main concerns about cannabis is its effects on developing brains—specifically adolescents, who are likely to experiment. Is cannabis safe for teens and young adults?

As a parent, finding out your child has experimented with substances can be a bit shocking. What should you do?

Read on for an overview of why teens may seek out substances—and how adults can help them.

With children of any age, it’s important to communicate clearly, firmly, and lovingly about the effects of substance use. Teens in particular may need guidance to make healthy choices around drugs, alcohol, or nicotine.

Read on for our guidelines on how to talk with your teen about substances.

As your child approaches their teen years, parents face many new challenges. Parents may be surprised to discover their teen’s experience with drugs, alcohol, or tobacco.

According to HealthyChildren.org, many parents may be unaware of—or even unwilling to face—the reality of their child’s substance use (“Intervention Strategies for Concerned Parents” 2014).

Get educated on the reality of teen substance use, the reasons teens may seek out substances, and what you can do to help.