First Monday Memo

June 1, 2026

Greetings from EyesOpenIowa!

This month’s newsletter is packed with summer updates, including a blog post hot off the press, new updates on our Growing Sideways game, information about upcoming summer trainings, family connection program opportunities, headlines worth perusing, and more.

As always, we love connecting with the amazing educators, caregivers, professionals, and trusted adults in our community. If anything in this newsletter sparks a question, idea, or conversation, we would love to hear from you. Reach out anytime at info@eyesopeniowa.org.

We hope you have a safe, restful, and joy-filled summer!

— The EyesOpenIowa Team

June Blog Feature:

Staying Connected Through Summer as a Trusted Adult

Every year when spring suddenly turns into summer, I find myself thinking about how much changes for young people once the structure of the school year disappears. Routines shift, sleep schedules get weird, activities change, and mealtimes somehow become even more chaotic (at some point, sandwiches by the pool with potato chips stuffed inside officially become a food group). Friend groups evolve, independence increases, and for many young people, there are suddenly far fewer consistent touchpoints with supportive adults.

At EyesOpenIowa, we know that many of our monthly newsletter readers are trusted adults to at least one young person. Maybe you’re a parent, teacher, educator, school counselor, coach, healthcare provider, mentor, aunt, uncle, youth worker, or simply an adult who shows up consistently in a young person’s life. No matter the title, those relationships matter deeply.

Research consistently shows that trusted adult relationships act as a protective factor for young people. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), connectedness to supportive adults and communities is linked to better mental health outcomes and reduced risk behaviors among adolescents. Even one supportive adult relationship can make a measurable difference.

I think sometimes adults put a lot of pressure on themselves to have the “perfect” conversations with young people, especially around big topics like mental health, relationships, sex, identity, peer pressure, or online experiences. The perfect content, the perfect timing, the perfect tone, etc. Thankfully, most young people are not expecting perfection. More often than not, they are looking for adults who are approachable, consistent, and emotionally safe enough to talk to.

Summer can actually be an important opportunity for connection because the interactions tend to become a little more natural and less rushed. Without homework deadlines, classroom schedules, and packed evenings, there can be more room for relationship-building in everyday moments. That said, staying connected during the summer often requires a little more intentionality. Young people may not see the trusted adults in their lives as frequently, and some youth experience increased isolation during summer months even while spending more time online. Research published through the National Institutes of Health has also highlighted the importance of social connectedness as a protective factor for adolescent well-being and resilience. (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

So what does staying connected actually look like in practice?

Here are five simple, actionable ways trusted adults can maintain and strengthen relationships with young people this summer:

1. Reach out first

Young people are not always going to initiate conversations, even when they want connection. A quick text, DM, or check-in can go a long way. Something as simple as, “Hey, thought about you today when I saw the pool closed for rain. I hope that doesn’t cut into too many of your lifeguarding shifts at the city pool!” or “What are you most looking forward to this summer?” helps communicate that they matter to you.

Of course, it is important that these interactions remain appropriate, professional, and transparent. Whenever possible, communication with young people should happen through platforms or methods their parent(s)/guardian(s) are aware of and have access to. Transparency is a key part of building safe, trusted adult relationships.

2. Prioritize low-pressure conversations

Some of the best conversations happen when there is not intense eye contact or pressure involved. Car rides, walks, grabbing ice cream, helping with errands, waiting in line for an amusement park ride, or sitting between games at the ball diamond often create natural opportunities for young people to open up.

Summer is full of little pockets of downtime that can become meaningful connection points if we let them. Sometimes young people will start talking while you are just sitting side-by-side watching a game, waiting for food, floating in a pool, or driving home after a long day.

It is also important to give young people space to communicate in their own way. Some young people are naturally quieter and may only offer a few words at a time. Others may suddenly launch into a twenty-minute story with seventeen side plots and no obvious ending. Both are opportunities for connection. Being willing to slow down, listen, and stay engaged helps communicate that what they have to say matters.

3. Stay curious instead of jumping straight into fixing

When a young person shares something difficult, many trusted adults naturally jump into “fix-it mode” because we care and want to help. Honestly, many of you reading this probably already do a great job of creating space for young people to talk and feel heard. Still, it can be helpful to stay mindful of the balance between listening and problem-solving.

Sometimes the most supportive thing we can do is slow down and hear them out before immediately offering solutions or consequences. Questions like, “What’s that been like for you?” or even “Do you want advice right now, or do you mostly just want me to listen?” can help young people feel respected, emotionally safe, and more willing to keep coming to trusted adults in the future.

4. Keep showing up consistently

Consistency builds trust, and trust is something that takes time to build. Young people notice the adults who continue checking in, showing interest, attending events, or remembering important details about their lives. Small, repeated moments of care are often what create long-term connection rooted in trustworthiness and reliability.

One of the most powerful messages we can send a young person is simply: “You can count on me.”

That can show up in really everyday ways. If you say you are going to pick them up at 3:15, be there at 3:15, or even a few minutes early. If you say you are going to come watch their game, show up. If you promise to call, send the text, or follow up later, do your best to follow through.

Of course, we are all human. Life happens. Traffic happens. Emergencies happen. Sometimes plans change. But just like adults, young people quickly recognize patterns. Over time, consistent follow-through helps their nervous system relax because they begin to trust that your words and actions match. Then, when life inevitably does happen and you are running late or need to reschedule, they are much more likely to see it as a one-time blip rather than wondering if they can rely on you at all.

5. Make room for conversations about hard topics

Summer often means more independence, new social situations, dating, parties, online interactions, and increased decision-making for young people. That makes it a great time to create open, judgment-free space for conversations about relationships, boundaries, mental health, consent, online safety, and values. You do not need to have every answer to be a trusted adult.

In fact, part of being a healthy trusted adult is recognizing your own scope and limitations. Supporting a young person does not mean you suddenly have to become their therapist, caseworker, financial planner, or crisis expert. If you are an aunt, sometimes your role is simply to be a safe, supportive aunt. If you are a coach, teacher, neighbor, or mentor, your role is not to single-handedly solve every challenge a young person faces.

What is incredibly powerful is helping connect young people to appropriate resources and additional support when needed. Sometimes the best thing we can say is, “I care about you, and I want to help you find someone who can support you with this.” Helping a young person access counseling, healthcare, school supports, crisis resources, or another trusted professional can be one of the most caring and responsible things an adult does.

At the end of the day, most young people will not remember every lecture or perfectly worded piece of advice we gave them. But they will remember which adults made them feel seen, welcomed, supported, and safe enough to come back to when they needed help.

And sometimes, those small moments of connection end up mattering more than we ever realize.

— Val Cumming, Training Coordinator, EyesOpenIowa

From the Stage to Your Table:

Growing Sideways Is Almost Here!

Last month, EyesOpenIowa had the privilege of pitching Growing Sideways at Ignite: Launch Pitch Day, the culminating event of our yearlong journey through the Launch accelerator program, led by RTI International. Being part of Launch has been genuinely transformative for this project.

The program challenged us to think more rigorously about our model, sharpen our approach to the communities we serve, and build the kind of structured, evidence-informed foundation that took Growing Sideways from an early concept to the expanded, 300-card version with new categories, custom dice, and deeper gameplay it is today. We are so grateful to the entire Launch and RTI team for their mentorship, expertise, and continued belief in what we are building.

Pitching in front of more than 50 attendees, including funders, adolescent and sexual health experts, and fellow innovators, and sharing the story of this game was a milestone we will not soon forget. EyesOpenIowa's Madalyn Fairholm and Val Cumming took the stage to bring Growing Sideways to life, and the energy in the room was incredible. Experts engaged with real enthusiasm, families and attendees asked thoughtful questions, and we walked away with meaningful feedback, exciting new connections, and even a few sales on the spot.

It was a powerful reminder that people are genuinely looking for something like Growing Sideways, and that the need for tools that make these conversations easier, more approachable, and more natural is very real.

Stronger conversations.

Less awkwardness.

Earn $100 or more per family.

Join our Linking Families and Teens (LiFT) experience: a retreat-style program designed for teens and their trusted adults to connect, communicate better, and feel more confident talking about real-life topics.

What is LiFT?

LiFT is a fun, interactive experience where teens and their trusted adults:

• Build stronger connections
• Boost confidence
• Learn how to navigate important conversations (including relationships, values, and sexual health)

Through games, guided conversations, and hands-on activities, families leave with practical tools they can actually use. All in a judgment-free space that is safe and welcoming for all.

Is your family eligible?

For this program, a “family” has at least one teen (ages 13–19) and at least one parent/caregiver or trusted adult in attendance. Participants are welcome to have more than one teen and/or more than one adult sign up, but each family must include at least one of each.

In-Person LiFT – Indianola

📅 Date: June 20, 2026

⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM CT

📍 Location: Lighthouse Community Center - 109 W Boston Ave. Indianola, 50125

💲 Cost: FREE

🎁 Each participant receives a $50 VISA gift card + lunch and snacks are provided!

Register for Indianola LiFT now!

🎉 Want to host your own LiFT workshop?

Bring this experience directly to your community!

Groups or organizations that host LiFT receive financial incentives, and participating families receive gift cards, meals, and a high-quality experience at no cost to them.

✔ We can travel anywhere in Iowa or host your event virtually

✔ Your participants receive Visa gift cards per person for attending.

✔ Meals and snacks are provided for in-person events

✔ We handle facilitation and logistics, you bring the families

It’s a win-win for your organization and your community!

👉 Interested in hosting? Contact us at info@eyesopeniowa.org to learn more and reserve a date while availability lasts!

What We’re Reading This Month

We’re always keeping an eye on research, resources, and national conversations related to young people, sexual health education, mental health, and connectedness. Here are a few recent reads and resources our team found especially valuable this month:

🧠 Trusted Adult Relationships Matter: Advocates for Youth

This month’s blog focuses heavily on the importance of trusted adult relationships and staying connected with young people throughout the summer. Advocates for Youth recently highlighted many of these same themes, emphasizing how supportive adult relationships help young people feel safer, healthier, and more empowered to navigate challenges.

Read the piece here.

📚 SIECUS State Profiles & Sex Ed Policy Tracker

Many of our readers may already be familiar with SIECUS, but their State Profiles and policy tracking tools remain one of the most interesting, easy-to-navigate resources available for understanding what sex education looks like across the country. Whether you are curious about your own state, comparing policies nationwide, or simply passionate about improving sex education access, this is an incredibly valuable resource to explore.

Explore the SIECUS State Profiles here.

💬 Supporting Youth Mental Health Through Connectedness: CDC

A strong reminder that supportive adult relationships and connected communities remain some of the most powerful protective factors for young people’s mental health and wellbeing.

Read the CDC resource here.

🤝 How Restorative Practices Build Safer, More Connected School Communities

This resource highlights how restorative approaches can strengthen trust, communication, belonging, and emotional safety for young people in schools and youth-serving spaces.

Learn more about restorative practices:

Learn more about Restorative Practices.

Growing Sideways is coming to our shop,

and the wait is almost over

We have been so energized by the response to the game that we want to make sure when we open the shop, the experience feels as polished and welcoming as the game itself. We are putting the final touches on the website and expect it to be live within the next week. If you have already signed up for early access, thank you. You are first in line and will hear from us as soon as it is live. If you have not yet signed up, now is a great time to get on the list so you do not miss the announcement. You can also follow us on social media for updates as they happen.

When Growing Sideways does land on your doorstep, you will not just be getting a game. You will be joining the community that is helping shape it. This version includes a QR code linking to a short feedback survey, and your responses will directly inform how the game continues to evolve. Every card played, every conversation sparked, and every reaction you share helps us make Growing Sideways better for the families who come after you. We cannot think of a better way to put a game out into the world.

Let’s Stay Connected!

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