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Supporting parents of children with mental health challenges to be their child's best advocate
Our Shared Stories
Parenting a child who struggles with their mental health can be tough, but together, we find strength. Explore stories of hope and practical advice from parents who've been where you are now.
Love Letters from Mom; A Path to Sobriety and Happiness
"Before my first time going to an RTF my mom and I couldn't even be in the same room as each other, it was terrible," said Sophie.
Payton Johnson
6 min read
Selecting the Right Residential Treatment Facility for Your Child
By talking to parents across the state we have gathered tips on where to start, what to look for, and who you can lean on for support.
Payton Johnson
5 min read
Bipolar Disorder; What it is and How to be a Part of Ending the Stigma
It's World Bipolar Day. Learn more about the diagnosis 10 million Americans live with.
Payton Johnson
5 min read
The Longstanding Impact of Bullying
"Now when children go home there is no off switch to interacting with their classmates." Advice on what to do if your child is being bullied
Payton Johnson
5 min read
Parent Leadership Series: Faith and Mental Health
"Get honest. If needed encourage people to talk to someone they trust," says local parent leader and pastor.
Payton Johnson
5 min read
Parent Leadership Series: Substance Abuse Disorders
"The last time I saw my son was on Mother's Day in 2018. He died a month later," said mother of three Kristen Grebey.
Payton Johnson
5 min read
Parent Leadership Series: Supporting My Non-binary Child and the LGBTQ+ Community as a Whole
Brown never once said that she was a leader but to us at PA Parent and Family Alliance, it was clear that she clearly fits the bill.
Payton Johnson
5 min read
Dealing with the Loss of a Parent
The death of a parent offers a unique kind of sadness that nobody can relate to unless they have experienced it themselves.
Payton Johnson
6 min read
Sibling Resentment; How to Deal with it and How to Prevent it in the First Place
What makes parenting even harder? Your children not getting along with one another. Here's one sisters experience and suggestions.
Payton Johnson
5 min read
My Family is Not "Broken", and Neither is Yours
"To me, the saddest thought was having two separate Christmases, and birthdays but actually that turned out to be not so bad,"
Payton Johnson
5 min read
Early Classroom Challenges, and How to be "On the Same Team" as Your Child's Teacher
#papfa #preschool #parentteacher Every parent of a school-aged child knows just how exciting, sad, and surreal it is when your kiddos go...
Payton Johnson
5 min read
Single Parenthood; You've Got This, and You're not Alone
The word "family" in PA Parent and Family Alliance acknowledges that families come in many shapes and sizes
Payton Johnson
5 min read
ADHD, What You Need to Know
October is ADHD or, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Awareness Month.
Payton Johnson
4 min read
Being a "Dad" For Your Child, Not Just a "Father"
When asked about a father's anxiety about their child's behavioral health challenges, Fleming wanted to reinforce one thing; "it's normal".
Payton Johnson
4 min read
Youth Sports Benefits: How to Ensure Your Child Wins the Important Stuff
This week we sat down with a mom who has seen how beneficial youth sports can be for her children & have some advice for your family.
Payton Johnson
5 min read
First Day of School Jitters: How Parents and Teachers can Ease Transitions for Children
Preparing your child with a social, emotional, behavioral or mental health difficulty for school takes patience and some planning.
Payton Johnson
3 min read
Grassroots Movements: How to Not Only Get Started, but Keep it Going
Decoding Dyslexia is a parent-run grassroots movement. We sat down with 2 of the leaders to get their insight into how parents can organize.
Payton Johnson
7 min read
Signs that your Child Might Struggle with an Eating Disorder
#papfa #neda The never-ending pressure of fitting into society's idea of "beauty" has put massive pressure on young people. At every turn...
Payton Johnson
4 min read
Social Media- Supportive Community or Your Child's Kryptonite?
Remind your child that nothing and nobody is perfect, and even the highest paid model in the biggest campaign in the world is photoshopped..
Payton Johnson
5 min read
Happy Father's Day from PA Parent and Family Alliance
PA Family Alliance recognizes the importance of a dad or father figure in a child's life and we want to celebrate those men.
Payton Johnson
5 min read
Diaper Duty in Your "Golden Years"
"I've been to this rodeo before, and I'm a lot wiser this time around.", said Pennsylvania grandmother Kellie W. who is one of the...
Payton Johnson
6 min read
Dear Mom and Dad, Thank You.
A message from one young adult to her parents, thank you!
Payton Johnson
4 min read
Meal Plans, Dorm Rooms, and Anxiety; Pursuing your Undergrad While Making Mental Health a Priority
Transitioning into college can be one of the most exciting times of a person’s life, but also arguably one of the most overwhelming. The...
Payton Johnson
6 min read
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