Catalyst

Informed Families Catalyst

Lighting Up America in Red: How You Can Show Support This Red Ribbon Week

Posted by Informed Families on October 22, 2025 at 9:53 AM

Every October, communities across the country come together for Red Ribbon Week, the nation’s largest and longest-running drug prevention campaign. This year, we’re turning up the brightness — literally — with Light Up America Red, a powerful visual movement that shines a light on the importance of living drug free.

 

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Topics: positive parenting, family bonding, parent peer group, family dinner, back to school, Family Table Time

Gratitude as the New Superpower for Families

Posted by Informed Families on October 7, 2025 at 10:00 AM

In a world filled with constant motion, deadlines, and digital distractions, gratitude is more than just a feel-good practice — it’s a powerful wellness tool. For families, gratitude helps calm the chaos, strengthen relationships, and build resilience through life’s ups and downs.

 

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Topics: positive parenting, family bonding, parent peer group, family dinner, back to school, Family Table Time

The Power of the Family Bulletin Board: More Than Just Notes & Chores

Posted by Informed Families on September 22, 2025 at 10:09 AM

When you think of a family bulletin board or chore chart, you might picture something a little “old-school”—a corkboard with thumbtacks or a messy calendar on the fridge. But in reality, this simple tool is one of the most effective modern hacks for keeping families connected, reducing stress, and giving kids a sense of belonging.

 

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Topics: positive parenting, family bonding, parent peer group, family dinner, back to school, Family Table Time

Phones Down, Eyes Up: Why Undistracted Time Matters More Than Ever

Posted by Informed Families on September 7, 2025 at 9:59 AM

Let’s be real—putting our phones down is hard. Notifications buzz, emails pile up, and the scroll is endless. But while we’re glued to screens, our kids are watching. They notice when our attention is split between them and a device. They also notice when we choose them over the phone.

 

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Topics: positive parenting, peer pressure, red ribbon certified schools, parent peer group, family dinner, back to school

Back-to-School Anxiety: How Parents Can Help Kids Feel Calm, Confident, and Ready to Learn

Posted by Informed Families on August 28, 2025 at 1:21 PM

The start of a new school year brings excitement for some children—but for others, it sparks worry and fear. Back-to-school anxiety is more common than many parents realize, especially after long breaks filled with flexible routines and comfort at home. Recognizing the signs and providing calm, consistent support can make all the difference in helping kids feel confident and ready to learn.

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Topics: positive parenting, peer pressure, red ribbon certified schools, parent peer group, family dinner, back to school

From Summer to School: Helping Kids Navigate the Emotional Shift With Confidence

Posted by Informed Families on August 27, 2025 at 9:05 AM

The back-to-school season brings more than just new schedules, supplies, and routines—it also carries a big emotional shift for children. Transitioning from the carefree days of summer to the structured demands of school can spark excitement, stress, and even anxiety. As parents and caregivers, your support during this time is key to helping children feel confident and prepared for the year ahead.

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Topics: positive parenting, peer pressure, red ribbon certified schools, parent peer group, family dinner, back to school

Creating a Drug-Free Culture in Schools: Strategies for Administrators

Posted by Informed Families on August 21, 2023 at 10:01 AM

In an era where distractions and societal pressures constantly beckon young minds, one challenge stands out starkly: substance abuse in schools. For many educators, confronting this challenge is more than just fulfilling a mandate. It's about preserving the sanctity of educational spaces and ensuring a bright future for every child.

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Topics: high school, elementary school, middle school, back to school, public school, private school

Prevention Education: The Role of Elementary Schools

Posted by Informed Families on August 11, 2023 at 7:26 AM

As society continues to evolve, so do the complexities and challenges facing our younger generations. More than ever, there's an urgent need to equip our children with the right knowledge, skills, and attitudes to help them navigate the world safely and responsibly. This need underscores the critical importance of starting prevention education at a young age - particularly, at the elementary school level.

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Topics: high school, elementary school, middle school, back to school, public school, private school

Back to School is Here

Posted by Peggy B. Sapp, President & CEO on August 9, 2023 at 10:01 AM

President's Message - August 2023

The phrase "Back to School" tends to stir a whirlwind of emotions in all of us. What are the first
words that spring to mind for you? And what about your child?
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Topics: President's Message, high school, elementary school, middle school, Informed Families, red ribbon certified schools, preschool, back to school

Teaching Your Kids Organizational Skills

Posted by Informed Families on August 28, 2022 at 11:00 AM

As kids transition back to school, they’ll need to brush up on their organizational skills. This is one of the topics in this month’s Family Table Time activity kit, which provides materials, tips, and conversation starters designed to foster family togetherness and participation.

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Topics: parenting, teenagers, children, teens, back to school, organization

About Us

We teach people how to say no to drugs and how to make healthy choices. To reduce the demand for drugs, Informed Families has focused its efforts on educating and mobilizing the community, parents and young people in order to change attitudes. In this way we counteract the pressures in society that condone and promote drug and alcohol use and abuse. The organization educates thousands of families annually about how to stay drug and alcohol free through networking and a variety of programs and services .

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