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Our Shared Stories
Parenting a child who is struggling with their mental health can feel overwhelming. You are not alone.
Explore real stories, practical advice, and support from parents who have been where you are, along with guidance you can use in your own family.


For the Dads Trying to Figure It Out
Supporting a child through mental health challenges can leave dads wondering if they are saying or doing the right thing. Here’s why staying present matters more than getting every moment perfect.

PA Parent and Family Alliance
3 min read


Your LGBTQ+ Child Should Get to Lead Their Own Story
When a child comes out, many parents want to help but are unsure what to say or do next. This Pride Month, we explore what supporting your LGBTQ+ child after coming out can look like, and why letting them lead their own story matters more than having the perfect response.

PA Parent and Family Alliance
3 min read


Your LGBTQ+ Child Notices More Than You Think
Supporting your LGBTQ+ child starts in the small everyday moments. Learn how parents can create a safer, more supportive home for LGBTQ+ youth this Pride Month.

PA Parent and Family Alliance
2 min read


Why Am I Always Waiting for the Other Shoe to Drop?
Things are finally going well, so why does it feel like you are just waiting for something to go wrong?

PA Parent and Family Alliance
2 min read


How Do I Know If I Am Doing The Right Thing?
When your child is struggling, it is normal to feel unsure about what to do next.

PA Parent and Family Alliance
2 min read


Parenting in Survival Mode
When parenting feels like survival mode, here’s a simple way to take the pressure off.

PA Parent and Family Alliance
2 min read


Why Does My Child Not Want to Go to Social Events?
Why does your child seem fine… until it’s time to leave?
If plans often turn into pushback, this small shift can make a big difference.

PA Parent and Family Alliance
3 min read


What Do I Do If My Child Refuses Therapy?
What to do when your child refuses therapy, with practical guidance to move forward without turning it into a battle.

PA Parent and Family Alliance
3 min read


What to Do When Your Child Refuses Medication?
What to Do When Your Child Refuses Medication: If it’s starting to feel like a fight, learn how to support your child through collaboration instead of control.

PA Parent and Family Alliance
3 min read


What If My Child Has No Plan After High School?
If your child has no plan after high school, it can feel overwhelming. Learn how to shift the pressure, support your child, and move forward without panic.

PA Parent and Family Alliance
3 min read


Why Is This Always an Argument?
Are you tired of having the same argument over and over?

PA Parent and Family Alliance
3 min read


My Child Was Admitted to a Psychiatric Hospital. Now What?
My Child Was Admitted to a Psychiatric Hospital. Now What? Read steady, parent-tested guidance on how to care for yourself during this overwhelming time.

PA Parent and Family Alliance
2 min read


Why Is My Teen Sleeping All Day?
Why is my teen sleeping all day? Learn what might be underneath excessive sleep and one practical shift you can try to better understand and support your teen.

PA Parent and Family Alliance
3 min read


Why Is My Child So Angry Lately?
Why is my child so angry lately? Learn what might be underneath the big reactions and how to respond without escalating the moment.

PA Parent and Family Alliance
2 min read


Why is Homework a Battle Every Night?
Why is homework a battle every night? Learn what may be happening beneath the surface and one small shift that can make evenings feel calmer.

PA Parent and Family Alliance
3 min read


3 Ways to Support a Parent Whose Child Is Struggling
Supporting a child can be isolating for parents. Learn how to support a parent whose child is struggling with care, understanding, and encouragement.

PA Parent and Family Alliance
3 min read


Why Respecting Pronouns Can Be Life Saving
A parent reflects on supporting their non binary child within a faith community and how affirmation, including respecting pronouns can be life saving, supports youth mental health.

PA Parent and Family Alliance
4 min read


What Should I Do for Valentine’s Day?
What should I do for Valentine’s Day? Join our virtual paint night fundraiser on February 12. Supplies shipped. Fun, relaxing, and supports a great cause.

PA Parent and Family Alliance
2 min read


5 Coping Strategies for Overwhelmed Parents
These five coping strategies for overwhelmed parents offer simple, grounding ways to slow down, reset, and care for yourself when everything feels like too much.

PA Parent and Family Alliance
5 min read


What Are FID Days?
Wondering what are FID days and how they impact parents and children? Hear from real parents about the challenges...

PA Parent and Family Alliance
4 min read


Blended Family Holiday Survival Guide
Let's be honest. The holidays are chaotic, especially for parents. Yes, the holiday spirit is lovely but it's also an expensive, stressful, and busy time. The mix of time off of school, cold weather making it more difficult to spend time outside, and an increase in sugar mean it is also a time where children can struggle with their behavior. We at the Parent Alliance celebrate all different family structures and this week we wanted to take a look at one in particular; blended

PA Parent and Family Alliance
7 min read


How Do I Prevent Holiday Burnout?
The top 5 tips to help you prevent holiday season burnout while making sure that you too are enjoying the season!

PA Parent and Family Alliance
6 min read


Thanks to Staunton Farm Foundation, More PA Families Will Get the Support They Deserve
Staunton Farm Foundation funds parent peer mental health support in 8 PA counties. Discover how this grant helps families navigate systems and access life-changing help.

Christina Paternoster
2 min read


How Do I Set Healthy Boundaries with Extended Families?
The top 5 tips that parents have used to help them get through the holiday season...

PA Parent and Family Alliance
8 min read
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