As teens navigate growing responsibilities, social pressure, and emotional changes, it’s more important than ever for parents to open the door to honest conversations—especially when it comes to alcohol. While many parents focus on the risks of impaired driving or legal trouble, fewer realize the deep connection between alcohol use and mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.
Topics: tips for talking with your kids about drugs, communication, Informed Families, drug prevention, alcohol use, vaping, mindfullness
Vaping has become the go-to habit for many teens, often disguised behind fruity flavors and sleek devices. It’s marketed as a “safer” alternative to smoking, but the reality is far more dangerous than most people realize. If you think your teen is immune to the risks, think again. The latest research shows that vaping can seriously impact brain development, lung health, and lead to addiction — all at a time when teens are most vulnerable. Let’s break down the facts so you can protect your family from the hidden dangers of vaping.
Topics: tips for talking with your kids about drugs, communication, Informed Families, drug prevention, alcohol use, vaping, mindfullness
Vaping has become the go-to habit for many teens, often disguised behind fruity flavors and sleek devices. It’s marketed as a “safer” alternative to smoking, but the reality is far more dangerous than most people realize. If you think your teen is immune to the risks, think again. The latest research shows that vaping can seriously impact brain development, lung health, and lead to addiction — all at a time when teens are most vulnerable. Let’s break down the facts so you can protect your family from the hidden dangers of vaping.
Topics: tips for talking with your kids about drugs, communication, Informed Families, drug prevention, alcohol use, vaping, mindfullness
As parents, we want to create a safe and welcoming environment for our teens and their friends—especially during high-risk times like spring break. Hosting a gathering at home can be a great way to help teens socialize in a safe setting, but it’s important to set clear expectations and create a substance-free environment.
Topics: tips for talking with your kids about drugs, communication, Informed Families, drug prevention, alcohol use, mindfullness
As a parent, you can help your teen stay safe by having open conversations and setting clear rules. Informed Families’ Safe Homes, Smart Parties® campaign encourages parents to take simple steps to protect their teens.
Topics: tips for talking with your kids about drugs, communication, Informed Families, drug prevention, alcohol use, mindfullness
When it comes to teen substance misuse, one of the most overlooked threats is right at home—prescription drugs hidden in plain sight. While most parents lock up alcohol or dispose of illicit substances, prescription medications are often left unsecured and easily accessible in familiar places around the house. Understanding where teens might find these medications and how to secure them is a crucial step in keeping your family safe.
Topics: tips for talking with your kids about drugs, communication, Informed Families, drug prevention, alcohol use, mindfullness
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that substance use among teens can:
Topics: drug abuse, drug prevention, drugs, alcohol abuse
“No man is an island, entire of itself . . . Therefore, never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.”
Topics: prevention, drug prevention
National Family Day is on the Fourth Monday of September - that's September 28, 2020 this year. It’s a great opportunity for families to eat dinner together. Watch this 1 in video to learn more about why you should engage in regular family dinners.
Parents are often surprised to hear that something as simple as eating dinner together 4 times a week can reduce the likelihood that their kids will engage risky behavior. Parental engagement is the single most potent weapon in preventing substance use among youth. Check out our Family Days Activity Guide for ideas on how to turn dinner time into something everyone looks forward.
Topics: Family Day, tips, parent involvement, positive parenting, communication, family bonding, children, Informed Families, drug prevention, Family Table Time
Orginally published in Miami Kids magazine.
Summer is finally here! We are all ready for a much needed break from homeschooling, and looking forward to some fun. However a less structured day, and minimal supervision can spell trouble for some kids and teens.
“It’s hard to keep tabs on your kids in the summer. Having family rules are essential all year, but perhaps even more so during the summer. They help keep kids, especially teens, out of trouble and give parents a little bit of peace of mind that their kids know guidelines exist and hopefully will be followed,” said Peggy Sapp, Informed Families President and CEO.
Establishing family rules are important. What are your rules? If you want to learn how to set and establish rules, contact Mery Dominguez at mdominguez@informedfamilies.org or 305-856-4886 about joining an Informed Families’ Parent Peer Group.
Spending time together as a family is great too. If you are looking for some ideas, don’t worry we have got you covered. Check out the list of activities of family-friendly summer activities below.
Topics: tips, parent involvement, positive parenting, communication, family bonding, children, Informed Families, family rules, drug prevention, summer, healthy kids
