As summer begins to wind down, families are starting to prepare for a new school year. Back-to-school season is about more than shopping for supplies and adjusting routines—it is also an opportunity to reconnect, set expectations and create healthy habits that support children throughout the year.
Topics: President's Message, Informed Families, summer, love, transition
The official 2026 Red Ribbon Week® theme, “Make A Difference. Be A Hero. Stay Drug Free.™,” encourages young people to recognize that choosing a healthy, drug-free lifestyle is an act of courage, leadership, and positive influence. Created by Ava Tackett, a student at Griswold Middle School in Connecticut, the theme reminds students that heroes are not limited to fictional characters, celebrities, or athletes. They can be classmates, friends, family members, teachers, and community leaders who make responsible choices and encourage others to do the same.
Topics: positive parenting, safe homes smart parties, underage drinking, summer, Youth Prevention, teen party safety, summer safety, parenting teens
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As summer begins to wind down, families are starting to prepare for a new school year. Back-to-school season is about more than shopping for supplies and adjusting routines—it is also an opportunity to reconnect, set expectations and create healthy habits that support children throughout the year.
Topics: President's Message, Informed Families, summer, love, transition
Summer gives kids and teens more freedom, more downtime, and more chances to get together with friends. That can be a great thing. Pool parties, sleepovers, beach days, birthdays, and backyard hangouts are all part of making memories.
But before you say yes to the next invitation, it is worth taking a quick pause.
Topics: positive parenting, safe homes smart parties, underage drinking, summer, Youth Prevention, teen party safety, summer safety, parenting teens
ZYN is back in the headlines, and this time, the news may sound confusing for parents.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently allowed specific ZYN nicotine pouch products to be marketed with a reduced-risk claim for adults who smoke cigarettes and completely switch to ZYN. In simple terms, the FDA is allowing certain messaging that says switching from cigarettes to these specific nicotine pouches may lower the risk of certain smoking-related diseases.
Topics: positive parenting, parent peer group, summer, Family Table Time, Nicotine, Parenting, Youth Prevention, Teen Health
Digital peer pressure can show up in group chats, messages, and online conversations long before kids are faced with a risky choice in person. This blog shares a simple “Group Chat Test” parents can teach their children to help them pause, think, and make safer decisions when online pressure starts to feel uncomfortable.
Topics: positive parenting, parent peer group, summer, Family Table Time
Summer is often a season filled with plans. For many parents, this season can feel exciting, but it can also feel stressful. There is pressure to create memories, keep children entertained, manage schedules, and make everything feel special. But sometimes, in the middle of all the planning, we forget something important:
Topics: President's Message, Informed Families, summer, love, transition
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Every parent hopes their child would call them if they were in an unsafe situation. But the real question is: have we made it clear that they can? Not just when everything is fine. Not just when they followed the rules. Not just when the conversation is easy.
Topics: positive parenting, parent peer group, summer, Family Table Time
As families head into summer, it is a good time for parents and caregivers to understand what today’s youth are seeing, hearing, and potentially being offered when it comes to alcohol, vaping, THC products, and other substances.
Topics: positive parenting, family bonding, parent peer group, summer, family dinner, Family Table Time
Mental Health Awareness Month and National Prevention Week are important reminders that prevention starts with connection. Learn approachable ways parents, caregivers, and trusted adults can talk with teens about stress, anxiety, peer pressure, and emotional wellbeing.
Topics: positive parenting, family bonding, parent peer group, summer, family dinner, Family Table Time
