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A Matrix for Measuring Success

A Matrix for Measuring Success

The Success Nebulous  I am always fascinated by the different ways families define and measure success. Just like the words bat and well, success can carry multiple meanings. For some, it might mean achieving Honor Roll status after months of evening homework and study sessions. For others, it could mean earning a spot on the All-Star team. Some may deem the preservation of Family Game Nights as a major success, while others may simply feel that remembering to grab breakfast before rus …
Mar 4th 2025 Kat McGrady, ED.D., LCPC, NCC. and Boys Town Press Author

Calling All Members of The Tortured Poets Department: The Rise of Mental Health Concerns in Young People (Part 3)

Our previous posts identified factors related to the current mental health crisis and hinderances to receiving proper treatment. In this final segment of our series, we will discuss potential steps to support the young people in our own circles.“’Cause you lured me, and you hurt me, and you taught me. You caged me, and then you called me crazy. I am what I am ‘cause you trained me.”-Taylor Swift, Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?Untrain self-defeating thoughts and behaviors, while simultane …
Nov 19th 2024 Kat McGrady, ED.D., LCPC, NCC. and Boys Town Press Author

Calling All Members of The Tortured Poets Department: The Rise of Mental Health Concerns in Young People (Part 2)

In the first segment of our series, we identified factors that have impacted the mental health of young people. Next, we will discuss hinderances to mental health support for our youth. As previously mentioned, Taylor Swift’s lyrics are captivating and relatable. Her words seem to clarify complicated emotions and illuminate otherwise obscure innerworkings for many of her fans. In addition to this unique ability to connect listeners with their inner selves, the community that has …
Oct 25th 2024 Kat McGrady, ED.D., LCPC, NCC. and Boys Town Press Author

Calling All Members of The Tortured Poets Department: The Rise of Mental Health Concerns in Young People (Part 1)

The topic of Taylor Swift’s artistic merit seems to be as divisive as the great cilantro debate (a flavor to be savored, or a soapy abomination to the herb world?), yet critics and fans alike have praised the inspired verses of her latest album “The Tortured Poets Department” (TTPD).Celebrated for their vulnerability and relatability, her latest lyrics, capture many of the current mental health struggles felt by today’s youth. Her words speak to numerous and seemingly unrelated struggles …
Oct 25th 2024 Kat McGrady, ED.D., LCPC, NCC. and Boys Town Press Author

Establishing a Love of Reading

When it comes to children and their entertainment preferences, books are like cilantro. Some children fully take to reading and embrace every opportunity to sprinkle it into their day. Some children balk at the notion of reading for fun. While reading for pleasure may feel like a polarizing concept, the fact that reading is fundamental for whole-child success, is not. Establishing a love of reading in children will set them up for multi-level success. Amongst other invaluable essentials, …
Mar 10th 2022 Kat McGrady, ED.D., LCPC, NCC. and Boys Town Press Author

The Magic of Stories

MinecraftAnimal CrossingAmong UsAside from being amusing adventures in gaming, can you guess what all of these have in common?Actually, let me make that question a little harder! Can you guess what all of these have in common with…The last show you watched.The last interesting thing you’ve heard.The earliest experience that you can remember in your life.All of these things involve stories! Think about it…Stories are all around us. In games, you follow characters and build stories as you go …
Aug 10th 2021 Kat McGrady, ED.D., LCPC, NCC. and Boys Town Press Author