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

Turn on the news and you’ll notice—bad stories dominate the headlines. We seem drawn to the drama, the fear, the chaos. Maybe it gives us a strange sense of adrenaline or relief—“thank goodness that’s not me.” But what about the quiet stories of success, of prevention, of families making healthy choices every day? Those don’t often make the front page, even though they shape stronger, safer communities.

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

Every October, millions of families, schools, and communities unite to celebrate Red Ribbon Week, a tradition that continues to remind us of the power of prevention and the importance of making safe, healthy choices. Since 1985, this campaign has stood as a national symbol of hope — built around one simple, yet life-changing truth: the power of one choice.

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

September is a special month at Informed Families as we celebrate Family Day on September 22—a national movement that reminds us of the power of eating meals together and making time for meaningful connection.

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

Informed Families proudly welcome the newly appointed DEA Administrator, Mr. Cole, and look forward to working together to strengthen prevention efforts, reduce drug demand, and build safer, healthier communities nationwide.

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

Remember when Sunday dinner at grandma’s was the weekly tradition? When family time meant gathering around a table—not around separate screens? While times have changed, the need for real connection hasn’t.

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 summer begins, I’m reminded of something we say often at Informed Families: Prevention doesn’t take a break.

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