Student Support

BT Counselor Tips for Having Difficult Discussions as a Family

Emotions may arise as you and your family experience difficult news. Sharing your feelings with others helps to process thoughts and aids in identifying additional support that may be needed. Consider reflecting and discussing the following questions as a family.

• What questions or thoughts do you have? What is provoking these thoughts, and how can I help you find the answers?
• What feelings are present as you process this information?
• What additional support do you need based on these feelings?
• What coping strategies are helpful to you in situations that may evoke strong emotions?These coping strategies may include talking to a trusted adult, journaling, taking a walk, or other forms of physical activity, deep breaths, and participating in an activity that creates pleasant emotions.

American Psychological Association: How to talk to Children About Difficult News

Boys Town  

Boys Town offers a vast library of parenting information and articles developed over many decades by their child behavior experts.

Nebraska Family Helpline, 888.866.8660

Nebraska Family Helpline is a free resource for parents with kids of all ages, who have any type of question regarding their child's behavior.

Parent Awareness Series: Talking to Your Kids About Suicide

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services: Community Based Services List

The Framework: 5 Steps to Protecting Children

Article from Darkness to Light: Two Decades of Preventing Child Sexual Abuse

Project Harmony: 9 Rules for Adults

In order to remind adults of the power and responsibility they have to keep children safe and protected each and every day, the following nine rules were created.

Project Harmony: How to Report Abuse

If you suspect a child has been abused or neglected, Project Harmony provides steps you should follow to report abuse.

Project Harmony: Signs of Abuse

Don't expect obvious signs when a child is being abused. Signs are often there, but you have to know what you're looking for. 

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

A mental illness is a condition that affects a person's thinking, feeling, or mood. NAMI’s website provides information regarding numerous mental health conditions, including information on ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar, Depression, Eating Disorders, and Posttraumatic Stress.

The Kim Foundation

The Kim Foundation provides a supportive local resource and compassionate voice for those touched by mental illness and suicide.

13 Minutes

13 Minutes provides education for students and parents about the warning signs of suicide, what to do, and where to find help.

Your Life Your Voice: Boys Town Hotline, 800.448.3000

Call, text, chat, or email 24-hours a day, monitored by the Boys Town Hotline counselors.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 800.273.TALK (8255)

"13 Reasons Why" Talking Points

Boys Town Guide to Harmful Behaviors

Boys Town Understanding Teen Cutting and Self-Harm

National Alliance on Mental Illness

Provides an overview, treatment recommendations, and support resources for depression.

U.S. National Library of Medicine

Anxiety and Depression Association of America

Tips for parents to talk to your children about anxiety

Parents.com Article: “How to Help Your Anxious Child”

National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Article: For Parents, What to Look For Regarding Physical and Health Signs of Drug Abuse

Boys Town Chemical Use Program: 402.498.7979

Boys Town Article: Battling Teen Prescription Drug Abuse

StartYourRecovery.org

Guide to accredited substance misuse treatment resources in Omaha.

The Recover Village - LGBTQ+ Drug and Alcohol Treatment Resources

PFLAG, Omaha Hotline: 402.291.6781

PFLAG provides support for families, allies, and people who are LGBTQ+.

National LGBT Youth Talkline: 800.246.7743

The Recover Village - LGBTQ+ Drug and Alcohol Treatment Resources

AddictionResource.net - LGBTQ+-Friendly Drug Rehabs

Respect

Parent strategies to help kids understand and respond to bullying.

Common Sense Media

Common Sense Media provides educators, families, and policymakers unbiased information and trusted advice to help harness the positive power of media and technology for all kids.

Common Sense Media: 5 Myths and Truths About Kids' Internet Safety

Project Harmony: Technology Safety

National Domestic Violence Hotline

Women’s Center for Advancement (WCA), 402.345.7273

WCA offers a 24-hour hotline that provides information and immediate emotional support for victims and their families of sexual assault and/or domestic violence.

Essential Pregnancy Services, Call 402.554.1000 // Text 402.669.5563

Essential Pregnancy Services provides pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, STI testing & treatment, confidential counseling services & education.

Assure Women’s Center, 402.671.0506

Assure Women's Center is a free pregnancy help center to assist women in Omaha.

American Psychological Association Article: 10 Ways Schools and Parents can Help Students with ADHD

CHADD, The National Resource on ADHD: Parent Training and Education

Children’s Hospital and Medical Center

Children’s Hospital and Medical Center provides resource for having a conversation about eating disorders.

National Eating Disorders Association

Eating disorders, such as bulimia, binge eating disorder, and anorexia, are serious illnesses that involve extreme emotions, attitudes, and behaviors surrounding food, exercise, and body. Learn more by visiting the website.

National Eating Disorders Association Confidential Helpline: 800.931.2237 (confidential chat) or text “NEDA” to 741741

Set to Go: A JED Program

Preparing for college is more than just academics and testing. Being emotionally ready creates the greatest opportunity for success.