Youth and Family Ministries
What's Buzzin' In YFM?
October 2025- November 2025
Our third Unity Principle, in kid-friendly terms, says, "I create my experiences by what I choose to think and what I feel and believe". As parents and teachers, we often relate to this third principle in a very literal way - When I have a thought, or a feeling, it impacts my experience in the world. But what about the things around us that impact our thoughts and feelings and beliefs? The ones we have control of, like what we watch on TV, social media-in all of its forms, and videos we watch? Have you ever noticed that your mood, feelings, and attitudes change by what you watch or read?
In our house recently, we noticed that my husband was getting depressed and grumpy every time he was listening to a particular audiobook that is about a character battling odds that feel hopeless. He chose to stop reading the book and his mood immediately improved. I invite you to start paying attention to how you feel after you watch or read something. It matters. "I create my experience by what I choose to think and what I feel and believe."
If our thoughts and feelings (and our kids') are impacted by what we are exposed to, then perhaps it would serve us to be thoughtful about what we allow into our brains. As a society, and as parents, I think we often overlook the powerful impact these forms of communication have over our thoughts, feelings and beliefs. More importantly, we overlook the impact it has on our kids.
According to current scientific understanding, the connections that are created in the child's brain are dramatically impacted by what they are exposed to on TV, videos, and social media. Another way to say that, is that the way our kids think now, and in the future, will be partially impacted by what they watch and read in all of these areas.
I started noticing this with my daughter, who is now 26 years old. I noticed a huge difference in her attitude and mood, even as young as seven, depending on what she was watching on TV. I started paying attention to how she acted after watching different types of shows. There was definitely a direct correlation. It was the first time I started to wake up to the power that TV/videos have over my kids. Now, many studies have been done that show the impact of these modalities on our kids. We, as parents, have an opportunity to really make a difference in how our child sees the world, and thinks and feels about it, (and so what they are creating in their world) by what we allow them to take into their brain through social media, videos, tv, and the internet. Unity's third principle is there to remind us, and support us - "I create my experience by what I choose to think and what I feel and believe".
Do you ever feel lost or unsure about parenting in our high-tech world? If setting new boundaries with your kids feels challenging, I’m here to help. It’s never too late to begin!
We believe, as our founder, Myrtle Fillmore did, that our mission as educators is not to entertain kids, but, instead, to draw them out. Moving past the idea that teachers have all the answers, we instead realize that all of us are uniquely unfolding on our spiritual paths, having equal access to the Spirit within.
Meet Our YFM Director
Tammy Carillo - Director of Youth & Family Minisitries
Tammy Conner has been studying Unity Principles since 1995, and has been part of UCSA since 2007. She spent 7 joyful years teaching Youth Minister at UCSA from 2007-2014.
Tammy has a degree in Education, and a love and passion for sharing spirituality with kids. She also completed the Introduction Leaders Program with Landmark Worldwide, where she mastered the art of listening to others and making things happen that weren't going to happen anyway. She loves coaching, mentoring, and empowering others to be their best selves.
Tammy is the mother of two and helped raise a third for 10 years.
Tammy is the possibility of Love, Joy, and Adventure!
If you have any questions our YFM Director is available to contact via email at
What To Expect
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Arrive
Parking is avaiableto the left of the sanctuary.
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Sign-In
Our YFM Team will be ready to great you and check your kiddos in.
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Unity Blessing
Every Sunday we acknowledge this next generation by having the YFM Kids and congregation give a blessing before they head to class.
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Check-Out
After Service, head over to the CommUnity building nextdoor for pickup and join us for refreshments across the hall!
Youth of Unity
Ages 14-18 and/ or Grades 9th-12th
Our Teens connect through UniTeens (Middle School) and YOU (High School) on a regional and national level as well. Here are a few ways for your teen to connect with others.