Prevention for Parents
Keep Your Teen Drug-Free :: October '19 Issue
Points of interest
- New monthly newsletter for parents of middle schoolers
- Parents are the #1 influence in a teens decision to NOT use drugs or alcohol
- How to support your student with back to school stress
Parents are the number one influence in their child’s life.
The best thing a parent can do to keep their teen drug-free is be involved in their life and stay informed.
At a time when their brain is developing as fast as it did when they were a toddler, your teen needs you.
Introducing Prevention For Parents —
- a monthly newsletter created to keep parents in the know.
- share tips and resources for keeping your teen healthy, happy, and drug free.
Check out the bottom of this newsletter and peruse some of the parent resources listed. They are full of parent how-to’s and will be updated each month.
Know that you don’t have to be perfect to positively influence your teen. You just have to try; and staying informed is a great place to start.
Back to School Support
Substance use is highly correlated with mental un-wellness. Part of preventing drug use among young people is addressing mental health concerns.
Take a moment to check in with your teen and see how they are doing with the start of a new school year – it can be stressful!
Role model healthy ways to deal with stress.
- Talk to them about the importance of exercise, healthy eating, and relaxation techniques. It may not seem like they are listening, but they hear you.
- It may be a good opportunity to share some of the things you do for fun. Whether it’s kayaking, reading, knitting, playing music, or cooking a healthy meal it’s important for teens to have some way to unwind without using substances. Doing those things together is a bonus!
No matter what they say, your teen still needs you. You don’t have to be perfect; they just need to know you’re there for them.
What would you like to see in the next issue?
From the Author
Hi! I’m Kelly Giles and I work at Shuksan Middle School as a Student Assistance Professional (SAP), doing drug and alcohol prevention and interventions.
A big part of my job is building relationships with students because we know adults play a huge role in influencing healthy choices.
I love to partner with parents, too! Please stop by my office just to say hi or get in touch if you are worried about a student. Send me any ideas you'd like to see in upcoming issues via email.
Thank you for all you do for our young people, it matters!
Kelly Giles
Student Assistance Professional (SAP)
Shuksan Middle School
Northwest ESD 189
Email: kgiles@nwesd.org
Website: https://shuksan.bellinghamschools.org/
Phone: 360-676- 6470
Even More Resources
The Center for Disease Control on E-Cigarettes
What are the risks and effects of using E-cigarettes?
Youth Now
Why is pot so risky for teens?
National Institute on Mental Health
How to Recognize Mental Unwellness in Adolescents
How can I tell if my teen suffers from depression?