CHALLENGE SUCCESS FOR

Parents & Families

Learn how we partner with families to transform the student experience by improving well-being, engagement, and belonging.

THE PROBLEM

Our kids stressed and overloaded by too many external pressures

Many students are overwhelmed by constant pressure in and out of school. Instead of figuring out who they are and what they care about, students (and their families) are often consumed by grades, test scores, extracurriculars, family obligations, college admissions, and future careers, putting their well-being at risk. According to the US Surgeon General, the mental health crisis amongst teens is complex and layered:

“We know that mental health is shaped by many factors, from our genes and brain chemistry to our relationships with family and friends, neighborhood conditions, and larger social forces and policies. We also know that, too often, young people are bombarded with messages through the media and popular culture that erode their sense of self-worth—telling them they are not good looking enough, popular enough, smart enough, or rich enough.”
PROTECTING YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH: THE U.S. SURGEON GENERAL’S ADVISORY, 2021

Are you worried about your child’s well-being?

Raising kids is hard work, and the pandemic showed us how vulnerable adolescent mental health can be.

How do we help our teens focus on well-being while also existing in a world that prioritizes extrinsic measures of success?

THERE IS A BETTER WAY

Practical Strategies for Families Who Want to Raise Well-Balanced Kids

It’s time to prioritize our kids’ well-being so that they thrive in school and beyond. We provide tools and strategies to help families raise kids who will be balanced, emotionally intelligent, and motivated contributors to the world around them. Learn how we can partner with you to address:

Your family’s definition of “success”

Making time for “PDF”: Playtime, Downtime, and Family Time

Sleep and technology use

Balancing homework and extracurriculars

Stress, expectations, and anxiety (for kids AND adults!)

Pressure around college admissions and standardized tests

Get tips and strategies

Host a workshop

Attend an event

Bring us to your school

“Challenge Success has helped our community come to understand that student well-being must take priority over test scores and performance. If you are not mentally healthy, then nothing else really matters.”
PARENT

RESOURCES

Explore our most popular strategies, tools, research, and more.

Playtime, Downtime, Family time

Learn why daily “PDF” is essential for healthy development in kids of all ages.

A Different Kind of College Prep

Explore 4 skill areas that parents can help kids develop to be successful in college and beyond.

Time Wheel Activity

Reflect on how your children are spending their time and if they’re getting enough “PDF” and sleep.

SEE MORE RESOURCES

Frequently Asked Questions

For many parents, Challenge Success is a new concept and we welcome your questions. Don’t see an answer to your question? Reach out to us directly: info@challengesuccess.org

Why are you called Challenge Success?

The name Challenge Success reflects the belief that when society becomes too focused on narrow definitions of success (like grades, test scores, prestige, and performance), kids have less space to develop the skills they need to become resilient and engaged learners and to grow into healthy young adults. We are challenging the idea that there is one, linear path to success and instead encourage students to define success on their own terms. Research affirms that a broader approach to success that promotes well-being can deepen academic engagement.

Can I volunteer with your organization?

We do have volunteer needs from time to time. You can send us your information, with specific areas of interest, and we will let you know when we need help.

How can I find out about events in my area?

Sign-up to receive our newsletters and other education and parenting information to stay up to date on our events, conferences, and workshops.

Our school is partnering with Challenge Success. What does that mean?

We work with schools in several ways. The most comprehensive is our year-long Challenge Success program. Learn more here.

Is Challenge Success anti-achievement?

Absolutely not. The goal of Challenge Success is to encourage schools and families to embrace a broad definition of success. Currently, many students work under conditions that actually impede academic achievement as well as emotional and physical health. We provide families and schools with the practical, research-based tools they need to raise healthy, motivated kids who will be resilient, successful, and meaningful contributors.

You want to reduce stress, but isn’t some stress good for our kids?

Absolutely. Stress operates on a continuum and can take both positive and negative forms. Some kinds of stress (called eustress) can be motivating and support healthy development of confidence and competence. Many kids, however, are burdened by distress: ongoing stress that can be harmful to their health and interfere with positive development. Chronic distress can lead to mental and physical health issues like anxiety and depression, disengagement from learning, risk-taking behaviors, and disconnection from family and friends. Challenge Success works to decrease these unhealthy forms of stress, so that students can thrive as learners and contribute to their schools and communities.

Interested in bringing Challenge Success to your school?
We’d love to hear from you! Tell us more about your school, the challenges you’re facing, and the goals you’re trying to achieve.

CHALLENGE SUCCESS FOR

Parents & Families

Learn how we partner with families to transform the student experience by improving well-being, engagement, and belonging.

THE PROBLEM

Our kids stressed and overloaded by too many external pressures

Are you worried about your child’s well-being?

THERE IS A BETTER WAY

Practical Strategies for Families Who Want to Raise Well-Balanced Kids

Get tips and strategies

Host a workshop

Attend an event

Bring us to your school

RESOURCES

Explore our most popular strategies, tools, research, and more.

Playtime, Downtime, Family time

A Different Kind of College Prep

Time Wheel Activity

Frequently Asked Questions

Interested in bringing Challenge Success to your school?We’d love to hear from you! Tell us more about your school, the challenges you’re facing, and the goals you’re trying to achieve.

Interested in bringing Challenge Success to your school?
We’d love to hear from you! Tell us more about your school, the challenges you’re facing, and the goals you’re trying to achieve.