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To Be Loved, Appreciated, and Supported

By Nicki Sanders | Feb 13, 2013 | Comments Off on To Be Loved, Appreciated, and Supported

Survive = to continue to exist or live after Profanity, nonchalant attitudes, defiant behavior, substance abuse, unprotected sex, sexting, lack of motivation, seclusion, running away, and a dozen other actions by teenagers can be symptoms of serious health and mental health conditions.   These behaviors should not be ignored but they may also be coping mechanisms […]

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I Told My Daughter She Can Change the World

By Nicki Sanders | Feb 11, 2013 | Comments Off on I Told My Daughter She Can Change the World

I became a mother in my sophomore year in college.  How could I protect and nurture this little life? I think it’s safe to say that we have grown up together.  The more I learned about myself the more I was able to help my daughter embrace her individuality.  As my passion and purpose became […]

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Foster Care, Family, and Football

By Nicki Sanders | Feb 8, 2013 | Comments Off on Foster Care, Family, and Football

I didn’t watch any of the Super Bowl this past Sunday! No, I didn’t even tune in for the high priced commercials or to see Beyoncé, Alicia Keys, or Jennifer Hudson.  I don’t live under a rock; I’m just not a football fan.  I am a fan (advocate) of youth in foster care, however.  I […]

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Help Youth Reach Their Goals

By Nicki Sanders | Feb 6, 2013 | Comments Off on Help Youth Reach Their Goals

A goal is the purpose toward which an endeavor is directed.  Setting goals helps you clarify what you want and what you need to do to achieve it.    Today I want to provide you with a template for SMART goal setting with youth.   Related Blog: A Life List Is Better Than A Bucket […]

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What Would You Like to Read?

By Nicki Sanders | Feb 4, 2013 | Comments Off on What Would You Like to Read?

Happy first Monday in February! We ushered in 2013 with excitement about living on purpose and the enthusiasm continues.    As you know, The Teen Toolbox blog and services have been dedicated to supporting youth in foster care and raising awareness about the needs and potential of teens at rick of aging out of the foster […]

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I Will Do Better

By Nicki Sanders | Feb 1, 2013 | Comments Off on I Will Do Better

January is always a month of change and transition for me. I set big goals and work hard to eliminate old, unproductive habits. In January I’m ready to conquer the world. I ushered in 2013 with the same level of enthusiasm and intention but before I knew it the whole month had gone by.   […]

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Help Them Do Their Best In School

By Nicki Sanders | Jan 30, 2013 | Comments Off on Help Them Do Their Best In School

We are all aware of the sad statistics and educational obstacles that youth in foster care encounter.  A student must adjust to different curricula, different school culture, different teachers, and different peers each time they enter a new school.  Regularly changing schools often has negative social, emotional, and academic effects on youth already burdened by […]

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What Classes Should I Take?

By Nicki Sanders | Jan 28, 2013 | Comments Off on What Classes Should I Take?

Years ago I worked in a school-based program and at the start of each new school year I organized a parent workshop related to helping your child have a successful school year.  Topics included things like the importance of school and home partnership, parent-teacher conferences, homework and study tips, understanding your child’s report card, and the […]

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Independent Living In The 21st Century

By Nicki Sanders | Jan 25, 2013 | Comments Off on Independent Living In The 21st Century

Mastering certain life skills is essential to successful independent living.  Life skills includes more than learning how to prepare a meal, drive a car, schedule a doctor’s appointment, or dress for a job interview.  Our last blog post explored Common Core Standards And Youth In Foster Care. The Common Core Standards are skills acquired for use […]

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