The Power of Choice – Middle School Edition February 2023, Issue 3
Stay In Touch With Your Child The easiest way to find out what your child’s relationship with underage drinking is to ask them. Keeping an open line of communication between you and your child will help you both feel comfortable enough to have these sometimes tough conversations. An open mind and genuine interest can help build trust between you and your teen. Asking questions about what they know about underage drinking can help start this conversation. Keeping the focus off of your child specifically can also increase the likelihood of a successful dialogue. For example, asking if your child has heard anything about underage drinking from friends or at school, rather than asking if your child is drinking with their friends. Create Family Norms Try to remember that many teens will go through middle school and not come into contact with drinking at all- but it’s important to know what will happen if such a thing were to occur. Set firm boundaries with your child about not drinking by having short, frequent conversations regarding the health risks and potential consequences of underage drinking. Keeping all of the adults in the family, as well as any other important caregivers for your child, on the same page about underage drinking family rules can help to avoid confusion and miscommunications about expectations. It’s also helpful to have multiple adults paying attention, connecting, and being aware of any signs of an emerging concern. Connect With Your Child’s School Learn what your student’s school is already doing to prevent underage drinking. Think about joining a school parent group, or attend a parent presentation, to stay updated with school policies or provide your own input into future guidelines. Being involved in your student’s school also opens the door to directly connecting with other parents and administrators. Asking your student what they’ve learned in school can help you understand your student’s knowlege base on the topic. Set a Good Example Even though it may not seem like it, your child is paying attention to you and the choices you make. Set a good example for your student by presenting a united front when upholding and enforcing family rules, and do your best to honor family rules yourself. Explain to your child the risks of developing a relationship with alcohol while underage, and do your best to provide your child with the support they may need to make healthy choices. Remember that you are not alone in this, and that there are many resources to take advantage of to support you in this journey. Vaping Prevention at Your Child’s School Check out the latest Power of Choice Middle School vaping campaign poster. Students will see these posted throughout their hallways and on television screens, reminding them that their health matters! Each material provides facts and information on the potentially harmful effects e-cigarettes can have on their growing bodies. You can view the materials on our website here. Middle school poster: Weakening your reflexes by vaping? Not the Vibe Additional Resources Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) Illinois Liquor Control Commission Prevention First Drugree.org Connect with Power of Choice Power of Choice Coordinator Emily Walgren EWalgren@360youthservices.org facebook.com/PowerofChoice360 twitter.com/360Prevention thepowerofchoice.info Funded in part by the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery through a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration.
The Power of Choice – Middle School Edition December 2022, Issue 2
Mental Health and Your Student The past few years have been extremely tough on teens. Missing out on school, sporting events, and time with friends has taken a big toll on our youth. Many students may be experiencing loneliness, stress, and anxiety. Students who are seventh graders are just getting their first year of “regular school” since fourth grade. So much development occurs during those years and students now are working in overdrive to fit in, to complete their schoolwork, and to meet expectations that feel new to them. This can be extremely overwhelming to anyone, especially youth. Mental Health and You You can help reassure your teen that you are there for them during what could be a difficult time. Let them know you’re available to talk with them about things going on in their lives, free of judgement. Sharing things about your life and your experience through the pandemic, and life in general, can show your teen that you trust them. This could encourage further conversation between you. Make mental health a priority in your home by allowing your child to take care of themselves during their free time. If they need help unwinding, you can plan a stress free activity together, go for a walk, or watch a movie. Mental Health and Underage Substance Use Mental health can have a direct correlation to underage substance use. Make sure you are talking with your child, and ensuring they are not turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms to deal with their feelings. While they may think that it can help them, we know that underage alchohol consumption can increase feelings of anxiety and depression. Instead, help your child build coping skills and the social skills they need to make friends after being isolated for so long. What You Can Do to Help If your child seems to be struggling, reach out to them. Talk to them about what may be going on in their life and see if you can help. If not, there are resources at your childs’ school and community that can help you both move forward. Don’t forget that other parents may be experiencing similar things. You can reach out to them as well! At home, create a space where conversations can occur freely and the lines of communication stay open. This will include listening with an open mind to whatever your teen has going on. Many times, all a young person needs is to be heard. Vaping Prevention at Your Child’s School Check out the latest Power of Choice Middle School vaping campaign poster. Students will see these posted throughout their hallways and on television screens, reminding them that their health matters! Each material provides facts and information on the potentially harmful effects e-cigarettes can have on their growing bodies. You can view the materials on our website here. Middle school poster: Inhaling nicotine which can keep you up? Not the Vibe Additional Resources Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) Illinois Liquor Control Commission Prevention First Drugree.org Connect with Power of Choice Power of Choice Coordinator Emily Walgren EWalgren@360youthservices.org facebook.com/PowerofChoice360 twitter.com/360Prevention thepowerofchoice.info Funded in part by the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery through a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration.
The Power of Choice – Middle School Edition October 2022, Issue 1
Social media can have an impact on underage substance use. For many of us, social media is an everyday part of life. We check feeds, like posts, and consume media for much of the day. Teenagers experience much of life online as well- and it’s a vital part of their social fabric. Young people are constantly exposed to the perceived social norms and habits of their peers and this can come with strong feelings. They may feel pressured to act a certain way, or be a certain way to fit in with their peers, but you can help them understand the truth. Understanding the social media world It can be relatively easy to construct a reality on an Instagram page- and no age group is more literate in social media than teenagers today. Based on what is viewed, it could be perceived that teenagers are engaging in substance use, when we know this isn’t the case. In fact, 87% of Naperville eighth graders choose to be alcohol free. This can get clouded in the eyes of their peers, especially when considering what they see being normalized on social media, and TV as well. It’s important to encourage your child to be a critical analyst of what they’re seeing online. Talk with your child Help your teen understand that their perception of teen alcohol and substance use could be just that- a perception. Share with your student the risks of drinking underage and encourage them to make healthy choices. Be honest with your student and allow them to be honest with you- free of judgement. You can help your child understand the truth about underage substance use and encourage them to make healthy choices for their own mind and body. Be a good example Be mindful of how you talk about social media and what you see around your child. Let them know that there’s no need to compare yourself to what you may see posted on social media sites. Take note of how social media is regarded in your household and try to devalue posting and “likes”. This can be a great way to help your child understand that social media doesn’t have to hold as much value as it might currently. Vaping Prevention at Your Child’s School Check out the latest Power of Choice Middle School vaping campaign poster. Students will see these posted throughout their hallways and on television screens, reminding them that their health matters! Each material provides facts and information on the potentially harmful effects e-cigarettes can have on their growing bodies. You can view the materials on our website here. Middle school poster: Vaping and damaging your lungs? Not the Vibe Additional Resources Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) Illinois Liquor Control Commission Prevention First Drugree.org Connect with Power of Choice Power of Choice Coordinator Emily Walgren EWalgren@360youthservices.org facebook.com/PowerofChoice360twitter.com/360Preventionthepowerofchoice.info Funded in part by the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery through a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration.
The Power of Choice – High School Edition Spring 2022, Issue 3
Alcohol, Vaping & Marijuana? Get Talking With a Family Check-In While conversations between family members on topics such as substance use can be uncomfortable, they don’t have to be. With a little planning, a family that doesn’t typically talk about things can begin to talk about lots of things, including the hard things. The act of intentionally opening up the floor to check in and ask one another, “how can we support you?” gently creates an opportunity to connect. Making space for a healthy exchange, even if it feels awkward at the beginning, builds trust over time. Here are ideas to get things started! Introduce the idea of a weekly family check-in. During check-in, a family member talks about their needs, and how they could best use one another’s love and support that week. The 3 rules: listen, ask questions, no jumping in to point out or solve problems. A family-centered approach addresses the needs of each family member rather than zeroing in on the teenager. Ask each family member to vote on when and where for the week’s check-in. Some will prefer Sundays to prep for their week. Others guard Sundays as a time to rest and recover. As for a place, some will want the privacy of home, others want to avoid the distractions of TV and phones, so will opt in for a chat during a drive or a walk. Listen compassionately. By not reading or checking a device, it shows you are paying attention during family check-ins. Perhaps a parent admits a mistake was made in the past, loss of temper, language, or a display of intoxication? A parent who asks for understanding that they are working through not having this happen again shows accountability. This models how to ask for love and understanding. Allow other family members the space to ask for help or to acknowledge anything they want to say to clear the air. A younger sibling may admit their friend is using a vaping device. They make ask for ideas on how to handle situations as pressure is felt. Perhaps a teen in the family talks about being late for curfew. They may explain they were getting support from a friend who they talk with about how they are struggling with school, friends, and difficult feelings. Another may talk about alcohol or marijuana and a traumatic event that occurred, such as a friend getting caught at school using. An adolescent can take the chance to admit they’ve been thinking about changing some things. They may ask for a tutor or someone to talk with to help them stay on their path and move in a direction toward their goals. Asking supportive questions, respectfully. Sometimes we don’t understand the impact of events that may not be known by all family members. Past traumas can include adverse childhood events experienced over generations, leaving families vulnerable. In preventing retraumatization, a dramatic confrontation can be triggering. Instead, be direct yet gentle. “I can see you’re going through something. How can I best support you?” Or “I care about you, what’s been going on?” Families can patiently connect, helping with issues while preventing substance use along the way. Party, Bonfire & Sleepover Safety The 2022 Guidelines for Parties and the Laws is available here. Parents, try these tips: One way to show love for your teenager and their friends is to be the home where the get-togethers happen! This allows parents to get to know friends and monitor and keep gatherings free of substance use. When teens gather at a friend’s home, be sure to ask for the parent’s name and cell, and call to ask what your student can bring for the refreshments, and mention your game plan for preventing use. You are responsible for what happens at your home, whether or not you are present or know about it. Be sure your teen has these guidelines and keep them on the frig or in another visible location. Preventing first use and recurring use by keeping your home fun and safe! Courage Is Contagious: Spring22 Teen-Led Snowball Retreat! Teens meet friends and develop leadership abilities here at this popular two-day event on April 23 & 24, a program of 360 Youth Services in partnership with School Districts D203 & 204. T-shirt, lunches, and dinners included plus: Teen-led, adult-guided large group. Choice of sessions that make you think. Opportunity to process thoughts with a small group of peers who become like family. Pick your mini-workshops – silly to serious! April 8th is the registration deadline. Capacity is limited. Don’t miss your chance!! Email coordinator Kate: kkeir@360youthservices.org Follow on Instagram @operationsnowball360 The Spring 2022 poster made with help of the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) up in schools now! Connect With Us! Power of Choice High School Coordinator – Janyce Hamilton jhamilton@360youthservices.org facebook.com/PowerofChoice360 twitter.com/360Prevention thepowerofchoice.info Funded in part by the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery through a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration.
The Power of Choice – Middle School Edition April 2022, Issue 4
Why the Small Moments Matter Never underestimate the impact of brief interactions with your teenager. While they may seem insignificant at the time, those small moments may be influencing your child more than you realize at the time or on the surface. Try using these interactions to build your child up and promote a life free of underage drinking. Possible Moments to Discuss the Risks of Underage Drinking Rather than discussing the risk of alcohol with your teen over one extensive conversation, try having frequent, small talks. Have the discussions during appropriate times when you both are together. Consider taking advantage of the moments where it’s just you and your teen…maybe in the car on the way to practice, or when you’re saying goodnight before bedtime. Regardless of when you have the talks, make sure that you and your teen are in a good headspace to discuss the subject. Any Time is Better Than No Time While you may desire quality time with your teenager, the reality is that this may not play out as you would like. It can be difficult to designate time to spend with your teenager due to both of your busy lives. If this is the case, don’t feel defeated. Instead of spending your energy wishing you had more quality time with your teen, be intentional with any time that you do have with them – even if it’s five minutes before they head off to school. These small windows of time still matter. Try and see them as opportunities to be fully present for your child. Moments with the entire family can become meaningful conversations that everyone can benefit from. Whenever they are around, stay off your phone, provide them your full attention, and be available to really listen. Celebrate and Show Up As a parent, you have the opportunity to be your child’s biggest cheerleader. While they may not always receive your support the way that you’d like, don’t stop encouraging and rooting them on. One of the best ways you can show your support is by celebrating and embracing the good in your teen’s life. Show your enthusiasm for the positive things they care about and the accomplishments they’re excited about. Even during the ‘in-between’ or challenges, continue being available for your child. Through difficult moments, offer your encouragement and support. Remind your teen that they are more than their mistakes and that their future is bright. Vaping Prevention at Your Child’s School The Power of Choice Middle School vaping campaign continues to provide monthly newsletters, posters, and a banner at your child’s school. Students see these posted throughout their hallways and on television screens, reminding them that THEIR health MATTERS! Each material provides facts and information on the risks of using e-cigarettes. You can view the materials on our website here. Middle school poster: My Mood Matters, I don’t vape Additional Resources Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) Illinois Liquor Control Commission Prevention First Drugree.org Connect with Power of Choice Power of Choice Coordinator Emily Walgren EWalgren@360youthservices.org facebook.com/PowerofChoice360twitter.com/360Preventionthepowerofchoice.info Funded in part by the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery through a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration.
The Power of Choice – Middle School Edition February 2022, Issue 3
You’re Not Alone in Preventing Your Child From Drinking. Approaching the topic of alcohol with children is a familiar challenge for many parents. Often, parents or guardians can feel a significant pressure to keep their adolescent from underage drinking. While parents play an important role in alcohol prevention, they are not alone. Their efforts can be more successful when they take advantage of additional support and resources. Have Conversations With Other Parents Sometimes the best reminder is that you are not alone in your concerns or struggles. You will quickly find this out talking with other parents who have relatable feelings and experiences. If you are looking for guidance or advice for handling a situation with your teenager, try talking to a parent who has already been there. Learn from their experiences. Hear what worked and what didn’t. Getting to know the parents of your teenager’s friends is also a smart strategy. This is a helpful way to keep better tabs on your child. You will most likely also find that you are not alone in preventing your child from underage drinking. Many parents share this concern. Work With Your Child’s School Learn what your student’s school is already doing to prevent underage drinking. Think about joining a school parent group to stay updated with school policies or provide your own input into future guidelines. Being involved in your student’s school also opens the door to directly connecting with other parents and administrators. Join A Local Coalition Many communities support a focus on alcohol and other substance use prevention efforts. Consider researching to find organizations and parent committees in your area. Becoming a part of this type of community group provides an opportunity to converse with others who have similar goals, become more knowledgeable, and gain prevention strategies. Take Advantage of Online Resources Thanks to the Internet, you can directly access countless resources that offer guidance and support to prevent your child from underage drinking. You have support navigating these tricky waters, look to what experts in this area have to say. Look into free resources provided by reputable agencies and organizations to support parents when it comes to substance use prevention: Vaping Prevention at Your Child’s School The Power of Choice Middle School vaping campaign continues to provide monthly newsletters, posters, and a banner at your child’s school. Students see these posted throughout their hallways and on television screens, reminding them that THEIR health MATTERS! Each material provides facts and information on the risks of using e-cigarettes. You can view the materials on our website here. Middle school poster: My Mood Matters, I don’t vape Additional Resources Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) Illinois Liquor Control Commission Prevention First Drugree.org Connect with Power of Choice Power of Choice CoordinatorEmily WalgrenEWalgren@360youthservices.org facebook.com/PowerofChoice360 twitter.com/360Prevention thepowerofchoice.info Funded in part by the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery through a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration.
The Power of Choice – Middle School Edition December 2021, Issue 2
Having Open Conversations About Alcohol With Your Teen. It is not uncommon for parents to feel challenged when it comes to discussing the risks of alcohol with their kids. If you are feeling your own hesitations and concerns, know that you are not alone. While this topic can feel challenging, these are conversations that still need to happen. Youth will hear about alcohol from someone, and it is best they hear about it from their parent or guardian. Not every family or child-parent dynamic is the same, but there are helpful pointers for every parent to keep in mind when talking about underage drinking. When it comes to addressing the risks of alcohol with your teen, keep your conversations honest and straightforward. It may be easy to feel emotional about these subjects, but the most effective way to get the message across is to stick with the facts. Share the truth with your teen. Your attitude towards alcohol also influences your child’s. Try to avoid making jokes about underage drinking or drunkenness. The consequences of underage drinking are serious and should not be downplayed through humor. Another thing to keep in mind when you have each conversation is to choose a comfortable time and setting where both you and your teen are relaxed. This can help the conversation be natural and easy. Frequent “short talks” tend to be more effective than one “big talk.” Continuing the dialogue in short increments helps youth better receive the message and demonstrates the importance of the subject. You want the conversation to go both ways. Open the floor to your teenager and give them a voice to ask questions or share their feelings. If you are looking for a resource to help practice these conversations, download the Talk. They Hear You. app for your mobile device. Not Talking About Alcohol Still Sends a Message Parents can do their children a disservice by not discussing the risks of using alcohol and other substances. Teenagers are going to find out about alcohol one way or another. It is better for them to first discuss the subject and risks with a trusted adult who cares for them. The Internet, social media, and other peers can provide misinformation to teens. So asking what they know, what they have heard, assists you in helping them fact check the information they are receiving. If you are unsure of some facts, look them up together. Help your teen learn that health education or government agency resources are the most reliable places to seek information. Creating a Strong Parent-Child Relationship The best way to positively influence your teen’s behavior is by maintaining a strong and healthy relationship with them. Research confirms that teenagers are more likely to delay drinking when they feel they have a close, supportive tie with a parent or guardian. There is no magic formula for forming this type of bond, but one of the best places to start is maintaining healthy communication. Healthy communication involves talking often and talking honestly. Take advantage of opportunities to have real conversations about not drinking during the teen years. At the end of the day, you want to be heard, and so does your teenager. Vaping Prevention at Your Child’s School The Power of Choice Middle School vaping campaign continues to provide monthly newsletters, posters, and now a banner at your child’s school. Students will see these posted throughout their hallways and on television screens, reminding them that their health matters! Each material provides facts and information on the potentially harmful effects e-cigarettes can have on their growing bodies. You can view the materials on our website here Power of Choice Middle School Coordinator, Terra Rumer holding up a vaping prevention education banner that went up in each middle school. Additional Resources https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/make-a-difference-child-alcohol https://www.samhsa.gov/talk-they-hear-you/mobile-application Connect with Power of Choice Power of Choice CoordinatorTerra Rumer, CHEStrumer@360youthservices.org facebook.com/PowerofChoice360 twitter.com/360Prevention thepowerofchoice.info Funded in part by the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery through a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration.
The Power of Choice – High School Edition Winter 2021, Issue 2
Marijuana Edibles major brand look-alike packaging Marijuana Edibles: Look-alike Packaging Requires Vigilance We know that alcohol is the substance youth are most likely to use, and marijuana is the next most likely to be used. The 2020 DuPage County Illinois Youth Survey data around alcohol, e-cigarette, and vaping device use is moving in a healthier direction. However, while there is a reduction in smoking marijuana, all other methods of delivery—vaping, consuming, and dabbing — increased countywide. School Resource Officers and public health officials advise parents to know about delivery methods, ways to spot concealed products, and to keep having an ongoing conversation, one of the best ways to prevent and intercept use. When thinking about youth vaping, the usual concern is nicotine dependence. It is important to know that vaping devices are also used for inhaling marijuana’s psychoactive ingredient tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). These devices can be micro-sized and discrete. Dabbing is the act of heating a sticky oily wax of concentrated THC extract and inhaling the vapors. The equipment involved to inhale the heated THC wax is called a dab rig, among other names. Dab pens look similar to vaping devices and have a battery to create THC vapor for portable use. Edibles containing THC range from candy and cookies to THC-infused chips and more. This edible trend, including THC products designed to look like standard snack foods and candy, sent 2,622 parents of young children to call nationwide poison control hotlines in the first half of 2021 alone. With more states legalizing marijuana sales, a flood of illegal, unregulated THC-laced snack products are being sold online, some without recommended dosing information. Parents should keep their eyes open for little changes to familiar snack packaging, and THC or cannabis in the ingredient list. This packaging can be deceptive not only for parents who don’t know what is in their teen’s possession but also for those who aren’t aware of what they actually have in their hands. With an hour to metabolize, overdosing happens most often with edibles, which often contain high levels of THC. Don’t ignore that feeling if you are noticing concerning signs and wondering if your child is using or thinking of using marijuana. Talk with them. Parents are influential role models. Keep your relationship with your teen strong and open. Have short, frequent conversations, letting them know you are always there for them. Maintaining a bond helps them open up to you with problems. If you discover or they admit to marijuana use, allow them to talk and explain. Some teens struggle with difficult emotions and are in need of support to learn healthier ways to cope. Clearly state what you expect regarding marijuana use. Get their input on creating family rules together. Marijuana is illegal to use or possess under the age of 21, and they may not know the health and legal consequences at stake. Kids live up to our belief in them. Keep letting them know you believe their dreams for their lives are too important to risk by using substances. Marijuana Risks for Teenagers It’s never too soon or too late to talk with your teenager about the risks of marijuana use to understand why they shouldn’t try it or stop use: Brain development continues until mid-20s. Teen marijuana use risks structural abnormalities in the brain regions controlling motivation, memory, decision-making, emotions, impulse control. At stake are academic and future job performance. Sports and driving are impaired by use, increasing risk of injury due to lost coordination, balance and reaction time. Impaired judgment and decision making from use can result in mood disorders, accidents, or unprotected sex. Developing a substance use disorder. Approximately one in six who use marijuana as teenagers will become addicted. Opportunities for Teens to Meet With Peers and Uplift School Community Join monthly meetings in person or on zoom of the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC). D203 & 204 high school students develop leadership skills and create substance use prevention messages for school. Email coordinator Sarah: sindlecoffer@360youthservices.org. Follow YAC on Instagram @yac_360 Also, read information on participating in Operation Snowball workshops & retreats. The Winter 2021 poster, made with help of the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC), is up in schools now! Prevention Tip of the Day Talk with your teen about texting a code word to a family member to call with a reason to come home to use as an exit strategy if someone is using a substance. What Is the Power of Choice? The Power of Choice is a substance use prevention communication campaign supporting students, parents, and schools focused on building resiliency and providing education to increase the number of students making healthy choices regarding substance use. The Power of Choice is a collaborative project led by 360 Youth Services in District 203 and 204 middle schools and high schools. Additional Resources Counseling for Navigating Life’s Challenges http://360youthservices.org/counseling/get-help-now/ Community Resources Including Substance Use Intervention and Treatment http://360youthservices.org/resources/poc-community-resource-guide/ Connect With Us! Power of Choice High School Coordinator – Janyce Hamilton jhamilton@360youthservices.org facebook.com/PowerofChoice360 twitter.com/360Prevention thepowerofchoice.info Funded in part by the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery through a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration. Posted in Power of Choice – High School, Power of Choice – Parent, Prevention, The Power of Choice
The Power of Choice – High School Edition Fall 2021, Issue 1
Jamie Horner, Naperville Police Department Social Worker,Power of Choice High School Committee Member ‘Mental Health Is Just As ImportantAs Physical Health’ by Jamie Horner When you set up your child’s yearly back-to-school physical, are you also considering how you’re caring for your child’s mental health? Mental health is just as important as physical health. Just like physical health, mental health needs to be monitored, but may go untreated due to any variety of reasons. Most commonly, professionals find that parents and guardians may be hesitant to engage in a conversation around mental health with their child. Similarly, youth may be fearful to come forward with symptoms they are experiencing or may not even fully understand that what they are experiencing deserves attention and help. When thinking about how to best support your child’s mental health, remember that you know your child best. If you feel their behaviors seem concerning or have deviated from their normal routine, don’t ignore that feeling. A child sleeping in on a Saturday following an extremely hectic week may not be worrisome. On the other hand, a child who won’t get out of bed all weekend, is not eating consistent meals and/or neglecting their basic hygiene is a child who is displaying alarming signs of possible mental health concerns. With kids going through so many hormonal changes with moods and behaviors that seem to fluctuate daily, how does a parent decipher the difference? As a clinician, I use the phrase, “It’s just a conversation” regularly. Simple, direct questions such as, “I haven’t heard about your relationship with {insert your child’s significant other’s name or a friend’s name here}, is everything going okay?” can be extremely enlightening. Some conversations may seem more daunting. Saying something like, “Last night when you came home, your clothes smelled like smoke. Have you been experimenting with smoking recently?” can be intimidating. But if you don’t ask your teen, they probably won’t share that information voluntarily. As a parent, it’s your responsibility to know what’s going on with your teen. You are their first and strongest line of support. Once you start asking those questions, it’s important to be prepared for whatever answer you may get. Your child may indicate that they haven’t been feeling themselves lately or they have been struggling. Do not be alarmed. Your child needs to see that it is okay to speak up and speak out about what is going on with them. As their first line of support, you also have to be their first line of trust. They need to trust that you will help them figure out how to get help and improve what they’re struggling with. That is when the adage “It takes a village” comes into play. As a parent, you may feel that all the weight is on your shoulders, but you’re not alone. You don’t have to have all the answers for your child, but you can work with your child to get them the answers they need by utilizing community support. As a Naperville Police Social Worker and Co-Chair for the Community Alliance for Prevention, I can assure you that parents are surrounded with resources. You may be your child’s first line of support, but you don’t have to be their only line of support. Learn more about available community resources by visiting the Naperville Police Social Services webpage www.naperville.il.us/NPDSocialServices and 360 Youth Services Community Resource Guide http://360youthservices.org/resources/poc-community-resource-guide/ A Positive Opportunity for Your Teen Before beginning a conversation around alcohol, gauge The Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) is a diverse group of District 203 & 204 high school students who develop leadership skills by spreading substance use prevention messages! Meetings are monthly. For more info email the YAC Coordinator Sarah: sindlecoffer@360youthservices.org Follow YAC on Instagram @yac_360 What Is the Power of Choice? The Power of Choice is a substance use prevention communication campaign supporting students, parents, and schools, focused on building resiliency and providing education to increase the number of students making healthy choices regarding substance use. The Power of Choice is a collaborative project led by 360 Youth Services in District 203 and 204 middle schools and high schools. 2021-2022 School Year Theme: Authentically Me! Before school started, high school students voted for a new campaign theme. Authentically Me edged passed Be Yourself and Endless Possibilities. As for the design, more students voted for pop-art, eclipsing retro 90s and memes. Additional Resources Everyone Needs Help Navigating Life’s Challenges http://360youthservices.org/counseling/get-help-now/ https://drugfrNaperville Police Department Social Services Brochure Connect With Us! Power of Choice High School Coordinator Janyce Hamiltonjhamilton@360youthservices.org facebook.com/PowerofChoice360twitter.com/360Preventionthepowerofchoice.info Funded in part by the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery through a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration.
The Power of Choice – Middle School Edition October 2021, Issue 1
Small Conversations Can Have A Big Impact When it comes to discussing the risks of underage drinking with your teen, there is no magic formula, but there is a major rule of thumb: have frequent small talks. This is one of the keys to keeping your child alcohol-free. It’s not about sitting down for one “big talk.” Not only can this feel intimidating for you and your child, but it is often less impactful. Short conversations over time prove to be more effective. While it’s essential to begin the conversation when your child is young, the pressures to try alcohol increase as they enter middle school and high school, making the talks even more necessary in the older years. You may not be able to combat all the pressures your child experiences outside of the home, but you can share the real risks that alcohol can have on their mind, body, and relationships. You can also empower them to stand firm to their convictions and live alcohol-free. When the Conversations Can Take Place The chance is that you and your teen are away from each other more often than you are together. From school to recreational activities to maintaining a social life, it may be a struggle to find an overlap in schedules. If this is the case for you and your teenager, take advantage of the moments you are together, whether during the car ride home or right before bedtime. When having a conversation about the risks of alcohol, remember that it can feel like an awkward or sensitive topic for you and your child. That’s ok. Ensuring that your child’s friends or other people aren’t around can make it more comfortable. What the Conversations Can Look Like According to Substance Abuse and Mental Health Association (SAMHSA), when it comes to talking with your teen about not drinking, there are five easy tips to guide the conversation: 1. Show you disapprove of underage drinking. 2. Show you care about your child’s happiness and well-being. 3. Show you’re a good source of information about alcohol. 4. Show you’re paying attention and you’ll notice if your child drinks. 5. Build your child’s skills and strategies for avoiding underage drinking. Remember that you don’t have to get everything across in one sitting. Many small talks work well. How to Keep the Conversations Positive Before beginning a conversation around alcohol, gauge your feelings and your teen’s. Make sure everyone’s comfortable and in good spirits before talking. It is best to have a conversation rather than a lecture. This means you are talking with them, not just at them. (Continued) Listening to your teen, without any interruption, is as important as talking to them. They want to feel heard as much as you do. Give your teenager your full attention during the dialogue. Stay off your phone, make eye contact, and be present. Expect the same from your child. As you prepare to have these frequent conversations about underage drinking with your child, download the ‘Talk. They Hear You.’ mobile app, from SAMSHA. The free app provides tools and information to help you at the touch of your fingertips. Vaping Prevention at Your Child’s School We are excited to continue to provide posters and newsletters at your child’s school, educating them on the facts about e-cigarettes/vaping. You can view the materials on our website here. Additional Resources https://www.samhsa.gov/talk-they-hear-you/parent-resources/small-conversations https://drugfree.org/article/connecting-with-your-teen/ Connect with Power of Choice Power of Choice CoordinatorTerra Rumer, CHEStrumer@360youthservices.org facebook.com/PowerofChoice360twitter.com/360Preventionthepowerofchoice.info Funded in part by the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery through a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration.