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

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

As the school year comes to a close, many families look forward to later bedtimes, vacations, pool days, and a more relaxed schedule. Summer can be a wonderful opportunity for kids and teens to recharge, spend time with family, and enjoy a break from academic pressure. But while flexibility can be healthy, losing structure completely can sometimes create challenges for a child’s mental health, behavior, and overall wellbeing.

Topics: positive parenting, family bonding, parent peer group, summer, family dinner, Family Table Time

Transition times can bring both happy and sad moments, and they can be stressful for everyone — especially children and teens. Prom, graduation, the end of the school year, and the start of summer are exciting milestones, but they also create the kinds of moments when young people can be more likely to get into trouble.

Topics: President's Message, Informed Families, summer, love, transition

For far too long, a powerful misconception has shaped conversations across America: the belief that marijuana is safe. Many people genuinely want to believe this—because life is stressful, connection is important, and fitting in feels good. But wanting something to be true does not make it true.

Topics: President's Message, lock your meds, safe parties, safe homes smart parties, alcohol, Informed Families, lock your meds pledge, alcohol use, summer, alcohol abuse, substance abuse

As we close out the year, I’ve been reflecting on a fascinating trend recently highlighted in The Washington Post: a quiet but growing spiritual reawakening among some young adults. While national data shows that many in Gen Z continue to step away from organized religion, faith leaders across the country are seeing something unexpected — a small but deeply committed group of students leaning into faith with renewed purpose and conviction.

Topics: President's Message, lock your meds, safe parties, safe homes smart parties, alcohol, Informed Families, lock your meds pledge, alcohol use, summer, alcohol abuse, substance abuse