While working closely with high school and college students, I have learned that there are decades of cognitive science give us clear guidance on what truly helps students learn, retain information, and perform better on exams. This month I will be diving deep into this topic via a Learning Science and Academic Coaching program through The Youth Coaching Institute to support my coaching practice. Meanwhile, below I share some of the most effective, research-backed study strat

Last week I was reminiscing with a friend from high school about a crush I had as a freshman on an upperclassman on the swim team. Maybe we talked a few times, but when he let me down gently, I sobbed, then immediately went to Tower Records, and bought him a 45 record of All Cried Out by Lisa Lisa and the Cult Jam (this is totally worth watching btw-it's SO GOOD!). I can remember every detail about 14-year-old me handing him the record and running away in the pool parking lo

While this blog is about the topic of failure, the word failure is so loaded and so negative that I almost never use it. Instead I like to think of any setback in life as a learning opportunity (once I process my emotions around it). This is how I approach "failures" that my coaching clients experience and how I aspire to approach "failures" that my child encounters in life. Please keep reading to learn more about how our reponse to our kids' failures can make a big differenc

Therapy for teens and young adults has become much more common and less stigmatized in the past five years. As a teen and young adult life coach, a frequent question I get from friends, potential clients, and community is what exactly is the difference between therapy and coaching? If you’re exploring support for your teen or young adult, and wondering if they should they see a therapist, a coach or both, you are not alone. The answer often depends on what your child is navig

We've entered one of the most demanding stretches of the year. Many young people are heading into finals or exams, projects are piling up, and even the most organized students are feeling the pressure. Meanwhile, parents are closing out the calendar year at work, preparing for the holidays, and managing family logistics. And while the holidays can bring joy, connection, and tradition... they often bring stress, expectations, and overload, too, for everyone. This month, we'

This is about the time of the school year when many young folks struggle with motivation, especially when it comes to the things they know they should do, but don't really want to do. In my household, I don't know that it's time of year specific, it is mostly all of the time. Sigh. is about the time of the school year when many young folks struggle with motivation, especially when it comes to the things they know they should do, but don't really want to do. In my household, I

With the school year underway, classes figured out, and hopefully some good organziational systems in place, I'd like to spend some time on another very important topic: friends. Whether your young person is super social, has a a few friends, or struggles with making and keeping friends, the relationships with peers are a part of their everyday life. Why Friendships Matter Friendships shape so much of how teens and young adults see themselves and the world around them. A st

As summer winds down this month, and fall routines start to take shape, this time of year can feel like both a fresh start and stressful, especially for families with teens or young adults. At Bolster Coaching , August is all about starting the school year strong in ways that build confidence, reduce stress, and leave room for growth (and yes, fun too). Here’s what to keep in mind this month: Fun isn’t a luxury: it’s fuel. Before diving into planners and to-do lists, it’s

As we slow down a bit and settle into the season, I wanted to share an update from Bolster Coaching. I had a deeply meaningful school year working with teens and young adults ages 14 to 24 who came to coaching for a wide variety of reasons: social anxiety, academic overwhelm, executive functioning support, goal-setting, future planning, and more. Some of my clients wanted to feel more comfortable socially. Others needed systems to stay on top of grades or to sustain their suc

Summer is more than a break from school, it's a powerful opportunity for your teen or young adult to reconnect with who they are and who they’re becoming. With fewer routines and more open time, this season can be a launchpad for self-discovery, independence, and growth, if we make space for it. As a parent, you don’t have to plan every moment. You don’t need all the answers. But your presence, questions, and small daily choices can shape a strong foundation for your teen or

As humans in this world (maybe now more than ever) we are wired to feel anxiety. Anxiety is a natural response to stress or perceived danger, triggering the body’s “fight, flight, or freeze” reaction. While it doesn’t feel good, it can help keep us alert, motivated, and prepared for challenges. However, when anxiety becomes overwhelming or persistent, it can interfere with daily life and well-being. Understanding that anxiety has a purpose—but shouldn’t be allowed take contro

Have you ever noticed a young person in your life—maybe a teen in your family or in someone else's—getting stuck in negativity? It’s something I see often in my coaching work and if I’m being honest, I catch myself falling into negative thinking too sometimes. It’s completely natural, but if left unchecked, it can hold us back from joy, growth, and achieving our goals. The good news? We don’t have to stay stuck in those thoughts. With awareness and practice, we can challenge

Helping Young People Set and Reach Goals Thank you for being here and supporting Bolster Coaching . I am more committed than ever to supporting our young people through this challenging time in our country, world, and in their lives. Investing in youth to build their confidence, self-esteem, relationships, and growth mindset benefits all of us now and in the future. One of the core tenets of my coaching is to help young people identify who they are and who they want to be a

Understanding and supporting your teen's executive functioning skills is crucial for their success in school, college, and beyond.

Screen time and kids is a frequent topic of conversation amongst parents. No matter the age of your kids, but particularly when they are teens it can be challenging for them and for you to control how much time they spend on screens, especially when social media, video games, and other apps are designed to keep them hooked. While teens may find it hard to pull away, there are ways to help them develop a healthier relationship with technology . 1. Start by Being Curious About