S2:E7: When Your Child Is Struggling: Advice from School Counselor Jen Ketler

What do you do when your child is struggling—and you don't know how to help? In this episode of **Good Kids Don't Happen By Accident**, I sit down with my longtime friend and retired school counselor, Jen Ketler, for a thoughtful conversation about understanding kids, supporting parents, and helping children develop the skills they need to navigate life's challenges. After years of working with children and families, Jen shares practical advice that parents, teachers, and coaches can use right away. In this conversation, we discuss: *Understanding behavior*: What might a child be trying to tell us through their actions? *Staying calm when kids are overwhelmed*: Why adults need to be the steady presence when emotions run high. *Helping kids manage anxiety*: Why removing every challenge isn't always the answer. Building resilience and accountability: How children develop confidence by learning they can handle hard things. Connecting with your child: How curiosity, listening, and asking better questions can strengthen relationships. Finding help when you need it: Resources for families who need grief support, counseling, or health insurance for their children. One of Jen's most important reminders is that you can be doing the very best job you can as a parent, and your child may still need additional support. That doesn't mean you've failed. Helpful resources for families: If you're in the Pittsburgh area, you can contact Jen at 𝐣𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐫.𝐥𝐩𝐜@𝐠𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐥.𝐜𝐨𝐦 *The Highmark Caring Place — Free Grief Support* The Caring Place offers support for grieving children, adolescents, and their families following the death of a loved one. Services are provided at no cost to families. Visit: https://www.highmarkcaringplace.com/ *Pennsylvania CHIP — Children's Health Insurance Program* If your child doesn't have health insurance, Pennsylvania's CHIP program may be able to help. Coverage is available to eligible children and teens under 19, with costs depending on household circumstances. Learn more or apply: https://www.pa.gov/services/dhs/apply... Please share these resources with a family who might need them. About Good Kids Don't Happen By Accident I'm Coach Steve, a retired public school teacher who spent 27 years working with kids. This podcast is about helping parents, teachers, and coaches raise responsible, resilient, and caring young people through expectations, encouragement, accountability, and leadership. Because good kids don't happen by accident. They're built through expectations, encouragement, accountability, and adults who never stop believing in who they can become. Subscribe for more conversations, stories, and practical advice to help the next generation thrive. #Parenting #ChildDevelopment #MentalHealth #Resilience #GoodKidsDontHappenByAccident