News

If you’re a parent, caregiver, educator, or coach, you’ve probably felt it.

The constant headlines about a “youth mental health crisis.”
The pressure to worry.
The quiet question of whether you’re doing enough.

It can be exhausting. Many parents tell us they feel unsure how worried they should be, or what actually helps.

This February, the Mental Health Coalition, Teton Science Schools, and Teton County School District 401 are inviting our community into a calmer, more grounded conversation about children’s mental health.

We’re hosting Michael Thompson, PhD, co-author of Raising Cain, for a community presentation titled:

Are the Kids Alright? Seeing & Supporting Resilience in Children

A Calmer, More Honest Perspective

This talk was originally developed at the end of the pandemic, when many parents were carrying deep fears about isolation, learning disruptions, and long-term impacts on kids.

While it is true that anxiety and depression have increased, Dr. Thompson brings an important reminder to the conversation. Most children are resilient.

This presentation does not dismiss struggle. Instead, it invites us to widen the lens and notice what kids are already showing us through their adaptability, relationships, creativity, and ability to recover when they are supported well.

What This Conversation Offers

This event is for adults who care about kids and want to respond thoughtfully, not reactively. Together, we will explore:

• How constant crisis messaging affects both adults and kids

• What resilience actually looks like in children and teens

• How to support mental health without overcorrecting or overreacting

• Practical ways to respond with steadiness, trust, and connection

You do not need to be an expert. You do not need to have a child in crisis. If you spend time with kids and want to support them well, this conversation is for you.

Why We’re Hosting This

At the Coalition, we believe prevention begins with understanding. Supporting kids means noticing both what is hard and what is working, and learning how to respond in ways that build confidence rather than fear.

We are grateful to be hosting this event in partnership with Teton Science Schools and Teton County School District #401, with generous sponsorship support from Teton Valley Health Care.

Event Details

Are the Kids Alright? Seeing & Supporting Resilience in Children
With Michael Thompson, PhD

Wednesday, February 25
5:30–7:00 pm
Teton High School Auditorium

Free and open to the community

This event is part of our Teton Valley Let’s Talk… education series.

Plan to Join Us

If this conversation feels helpful, we hope you will mark your calendar and join us on February 25th. Bring a friend. Bring your questions. See you there!

Also Happening in Jackson the Night Before

For those who want a deeper dive, Dr. Thompson will also be in Jackson the evening before.

Tuesday, February 24 | 6:30–8:00 pm | Jackson, WY
Community Presentation at Teton Science Schools
700 Coyote Canyon Road, Jackson, WY 83001

Topic: The Pressured Child

This companion talk explores how pressure and expectations affect children’s well-being and offers insight into how adults can help kids thrive in a high-demand world.

Together, these talks offer parents, caregivers, and educators more than one opportunity to engage with Dr. Thompson’s work during his visit to our region.