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.
Topics: positive parenting, peer pressure, red ribbon certified schools, parent peer group, family dinner, back to school
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.
Topics: positive parenting, peer pressure, red ribbon certified schools, parent peer group, family dinner, back to school
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.
Topics: positive parenting, peer pressure, red ribbon certified schools, parent peer group, family dinner, back to school
The start of a new school year brings more than new teachers, sharpened pencils, and busy schedules. It’s also a natural opportunity for families to pause, reset, and recommit to the routines and values that create a safe, healthy, and supportive home environment.
Topics: Family Day, positive parenting, family bonding, peer pressure, parent peer group, family dinner, Family Table Time
Peer pressure today looks a lot different than it did a decade ago. In 2025, it’s no longer just about fitting in at school—it’s about standing out on social media, navigating online trends, and managing constant connectivity. Teens are bombarded with curated lives, viral challenges, and pressures that are as digital as they are personal. As parents and caregivers, it’s more important than ever to equip teens with the confidence and tools they need to make healthy, drug-free choices.
Topics: positive parenting, peer pressure, parent peer group
If your child has suddenly become moodier or more easily upset than usual, if they seem to be avoiding certain situations like taking the bus to school, or if you notice they’re suddenly not eating or sleeping well, they may very well have become the target of a bully.
Topics: parenting, tips, advice, peer pressure, bullies
Hi friend,
Summer vacation is coming to an end, and your children will be returning to school soon. Some are preparing to transition into middle or high school; while others are heading off to college. These transitions will introduce new environments, new friends and new found freedoms. Research shows that dealing with transitions is often a time when kids get into trouble. If you haven’t done so already, now is a good time to have another talk with your kids about your family rules and boundaries regarding underage drinking and substance abuse.
You want to encourage your children’s growing independence, but set appropriate limits. Set clear rules, and then enforce the rules you set. Make sure your children understand what the consequences will be for breaking rules. But equally important, don’t forget to acknowledge the moments when your kids choose healthy behaviors over underage drinking or experimenting with drugs.
According to a recent report, the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy’s (ONDCP) Drug-Free Communities (DFC) programs continue to yield consistently reduced youth substances use rates. There has been a decline in prescription drugs, marijuana, tobacco, and alcohol use among youth. So we know prevention programs and initiatives, like the ones Informed Families offer, work. We all must continue to play a role in creating communities that care about helping kids grow up safe, healthy and drug free.
Peggy
Topics: President's Message, college students, prevention, underage drinking, family rules, teens, peer pressure, drug use, parents, alcohol use, back to school
Another busy school year is coming to a close and we are all looking forward to having some down time and reconnecting with family. The start of summer is a critical time to talk with your kids about risky behaviors. Teens and college students most often use substances for the first time during June or July, according to SAMHSA's National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) data on adolescents – 2012 and NSDUH data on full-time college students – 2015.
Unfortunately it’s not as easy for parents to recognize that their child might be experimenting with alcohol or drugs. JUUL e-cigarettes that look like USB flash drives, flasks disguised as lotion containers, sunscreen or smart phone cases, and CBD gummies can be hidden in plain sight. These items can all be purchased online. Talk to your kids about the dangers of using drugs or alcohol and arm them with the knowledge they need to make healthy choices. If you need some talking points take a look at these 11 Tips For Talking To Your Kids About Drugs & Alcohol.
It might be hard to acknowledge if your child has a substance abuse problem. It’s also difficult to find help. Many parents often ask - what should I do if my child is dealing with an addiction or mental health issue? The good news is a newly proposed Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency (CARE) Act 2019 would help provide the infrastructure and community building that is are critical to getting them the care they need.
Peggy
Topics: President's Message, parenting, college students, teens, peer pressure, e-cigarettes, drug use, parents, alcohol use, summer, healthy kids, juul
“I learned how to handle peer pressure and say no to drugs.”
“I didn’t know people could die from alcohol poisoning.”
“I didn’t know how much of a problem prescription drug abuse was.”
“Many of our peers are dealing with drug issues themselves or have a family member with a problem.”
Student ambassadors in the Miami-Dade County Public Schools Creating Community Change: Youth Engagement Program (CCC:YEP) program shared these messages and much more during their end of the year presentations at the Betty T. Ferguson Center in Miami Gardens on May 22, 23 and 24.
Topics: red ribbon week, ambassadors, prescription drug abuse, lock your meds, safe homes smart parties, middle school, peer pressure, drug free, drug prevention, parent peer group, miami gardens, miami
I recently read that some families now have five living generations. Imagine that. Each generation has a totally different world view and processes information in a different way. However simply engaging with others remains the key to communicating effectively.
Topics: President's Message, parenting, communication, safe homes smart parties, underage drinking, teens, peer pressure, parents, alcohol use, alcohol abuse
