THE ROAD MAP

In this newsletter, you’ll find:

🚦 First stop (smellmaxxing: a new trend for boys)

🛤️ Site-seeing at mylemarks.com (My Social Skills Work-through-Book and new attractions)

📡 On the Radar (Generational adoption trauma, School for pregnant students, and more)

📊 Results are in (Poll results from the last edition)

✍🏽 U(r)-Turn (Let’s hear from you)

🤗 Sharing is Caring (spread the mylemarker love)

Let’s go!

FIRST STOP

🌸 Smellmaxxing: A Trend Among Tween and Teen Boys

Tween and teen boys are increasingly indulging in luxury fragrances, a trend known as "smellmaxxing." Unlike the inexpensive body sprays of the past, they now splurge on high-end colognes leading to a 26% increase in fragrance spending among teens. While it boosts confidence and social bonding, it also creates financial pressure and social comparison issues, potentially impacting self-esteem and mental health.

The social-emotional impacts of smellmaxxing are multifaceted. On one hand, wearing a designer fragrance can boost a teen’s confidence and help them feel more socially accepted. Positive comments from peers about their scent can enhance their self-esteem and encourage social interactions. However, the pressure to keep up with expensive trends can lead to feelings of inadequacy and stress for those who cannot afford such luxuries. This financial strain can cause friction within families, as teens may feel resentful if they are unable to participate in the trend or if they are pressured to contribute to household finances. Teens might also begin to equate their value with the brands they wear, leading to a superficial sense of self-esteem that is heavily reliant on external validation.

This trend (and others) can be used as an opportunity to discuss financial literacy, self-esteem, and the importance of inner values with kids and teens. Encouraging them to appreciate their intrinsic qualities and develop a balanced sense of self-worth can help mitigate the negative impacts of smellmaxxing.

For more, check out the full article here.

✨Check out our Self-Esteem Resources including our Self-Esteem Journal for Teens!

SITE-SEEING at mylemarks.com

My Social Skills Work-through-Book

Now available! The Social Skills Work-through-Book is a 20-page interactive resource designed to help clients learn the importance of social skills. Clients will learn how to make friends, communicate effectively, and handle conflicts.

Each page is filled with activities, tips, and exercises that guide children in practicing good social skills, recognizing personal space, staying calm, and being socially appropriate around others. This workbook is a comprehensive resource that encourages positive behavior and helps build strong, happy relationships!

Click the button below to visit the product page where you can preview the work-through-book in its entirety.

Using My Social Skills WTB with Clients

This Social Skills Work-Through Book is an excellent tool for therapists, counselors, and educators working with children aged 6-10. Best used in individual or small group sessions, the workbook provides structured activities and practical exercises to help children develop and strengthen their social skills.

Clients who struggle with making friends, managing emotions, or resolving conflicts will benefit greatly from step-by-step guidance and interactive activities. By working through the pages together, you can facilitate discussions, role-play scenarios, and reinforce positive behaviors, making it an ideal resource for children with social anxiety, ADHD, or other social challenges. This workbook helps create a supportive environment where children can practice and grow their social skills with confidence.

New Attractions

Check out these new resources added to the Mylemarks website.

You can also explore and purchase individual pages from the Social Skills Work-through-Book to target specific social skills and customize your sessions to meet each child’s unique needs.

Good and Poor Social Skills | Conversation (Two Parts) | Conversation Bingo | The Friend Keeper | Social Skills Tracker

ON THE RADAR

🌟 Intergenerational Impact of Trauma on Child Behavior

A groundbreaking study from the University of Oregon highlights that children's behavior problems can be linked to their birth mothers' childhood trauma, even if the children are raised by adoptive parents. This connection underscores the enduring effects of maternal stress on subsequent generations. Additionally, when adoptive mothers also experienced childhood trauma, the children's behavioral issues intensified.

This research emphasizes the importance of early interventions and comprehensive support for trauma-affected families to break the cycle of intergenerational trauma. It also calls for increased awareness and resources to address the mental health needs of both birth and adoptive parents. For more details, read the full article here.

📵 All Distractions Harm Parent-Child Bonds

Recent discussions have highlighted the negative impact of digital distractions on parent-child relationships, but new research reveals that any form of distraction can be harmful. Researchers in Switzerland found that parents distracted by both digital devices and non-digital activities were less responsive to their children. This lack of responsiveness leads to reduced social engagement from children, and they may struggle to form secure attachments and develop communication skills. The study emphasizes the need for parents to prioritize undistracted, quality time with their children to foster strong bonds. Engaging in mindful interactions such as making eye contact, actively listening, and responding thoughtfully can significantly enhance the parent-child relationship. For more details, read the full article here.

🤰🏼 High School for Pregnant and Parenting Teens

Lumen High School, located on the Washington-Idaho border, is dedicated to supporting pregnant and parenting teens. The school offers comprehensive resources, including child care, mental health counseling, and customized education plans, addressing the unique needs of these students. The school’s supportive environment helps students overcome challenges such as housing insecurity and high dropout rates. The school’s emphasis on real-world skills and internships prepares students for future careers, with many graduates continuing to higher education or stable employment. For more details, read the full article here.

🎓 Valedictorian Overcomes Homelessness to Graduate

Elijah Hogan, a 19-year-old from Louisiana, has defied the odds by graduating as valedictorian from Walter L. Cohen High School while living in a homeless shelter. Starting his high school journey during the pandemic, Hogan faced numerous challenges but found support from his school and Covenant House, a shelter for youth. With a GPA of 3.93, Hogan delivered a heartfelt valedictorian speech, crediting his community for his success. He plans to attend Xavier University of Louisiana to study graphic design. Hogan's journey from a nervous freshman to a confident graduate showcases resilience and the importance of community support. For more details, read the inspiring article here.

😨 Parental Presence in Reduces Fear in Children

A new study highlights how a parent's presence can significantly alter a child's fear response. Researchers found that children, aged 6 to 17, exhibited reduced fear reactions when a parent was present during a fear-inducing situation. The study used brain scans to show decreased activation in the amygdala, the brain's fear center, when parents were nearby. This suggests that parental presence acts as a buffer, helping children feel safer and less fearful.

The research underscores the importance of parents being physically present and supportive during their child's moments of fear or anxiety. This could mean holding a child's hand during a stressful event or simply being a calm presence during new or scary experiences. Further, this parental influence might also reduce the development of new fears. Although more research is needed, these findings empower parents to know that their presence alone can make a significant difference in their child's emotional well-being. For more details, read the full article here.

RESULTS ARE IN

In the last edition of the mylemarker, we asked, Which of the following do you think has the greatest potential to reduce the spread of mental disorders among teenagers? from our feature article from Newsweek. See the results and a few responses below!

U(R)-TURN

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