.jpg)
Parent Workshops
_HEIC.png)
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
Workshops include a PDF of presentation powerpoint, handouts of summarized information and a wealth of additional resources. Participants become automatic "members" of this website giving them unlimited access to regularly updated "members only" resources.
With all presentations, I include locally relevant data, events, and resources, when possible.
NOTE: All references to "drugs" include caffeine, alcohol and nicotine...because they're drugs ;)
Workshops
Not MY Kid
Parenting to Prevent Addiction & Overdose
We’re in an unprecedented time when just trying a drug can be deadly, and while substance use numbers are going down, youth overdoses continue to be tragically high, and addiction is on the rise. Drugs are becoming more appealing, addictive, dangerous, and easier to conceal for our youth, and their swimming in societal and media messages encouraging them to use. First, we review trending substances among youth and the latest facts on the risks of adolescent use. Then we cover parenting approaches proven to help kids avoid early and problematic substance use, including how to establish effective expectations and guidelines, maintain ongoing impactful dialogue about drugs, help our kids resist pressures to use, and respond artfully to substance experimentation or problem use.
Presentation Length: 90 minutes
DeMISTifying Vaping
Preventing & Intervening in our Kids Nicotine or THC Use
THC and nicotine vaping products are becoming stronger, more attractive, and easier to hide, making them even more addictive, impairing, and dangerous for our children. This is leading to a rise in negative effects on kids’ mental, physical, and cognitive health, as well as an increase in youth addiction. We will separate myths from facts about the risks of nicotine and cannabis on adolescents, and explore effective parenting strategies to prevent use, including setting clear guidelines, maintaining open conversations about substances, responding to vaping, and recognizing and addressing problematic use.
Presentation Length: 60 mins
Raising Addiction-Proof Kids
In an Addictive World
It can feel like we're in a constant tug of war with the forces pushing and pulling for influence over our kids in an increasingly addictive and risky world. We’re in an unprecedented time when just trying a drug can be deadly, and other addictive options like gaming, porn, self-harm, and social media are beginning progressively younger, are available in increasingly appealing, stronger, and stealth forms, and impacting a mental health crisis in our youth. We will review the main behaviors youth are most commonly developing problematic relationships with, and discuss the parenting approaches and communication tips that are proven to prevent them, while building family trust and connection. This includes discussion of how to step in artfully when we discover our kids are “going there.” Participants will leave feeling equipped with the knowledge and tools to help our kids develop addiction-resistance and an inner compass to navigate themselves safely and healthily through today’s destructive pressures.
Presentation Length: 60-90 mins
Having Impactful Conversations with Our Kids
About Drugs
Talking about drugs & alcohol with our kids is more important than ever, with substances becoming increasingly dangerous, appealing, addictive, and easier to conceal. Research tells us that having two-way family conversations about the risks of substance use, and clearly-communicated family expectations discouraging use greatly reduce the likelihood of our kids using drugs and alcohol. We want to be their most trusted source of information, guidance, and support on these complicated topics. However, it can be challenging to maintain these open conversations in ways that our kids will engage and invest in. Participants will feel empowered and equipped to foster ongoing dialogue that will build mutual lifetime trust between parents and kids, beginning as early as possible, and lasting into young adulthood. The presentation includes a template for creating a mutual Family Trust Agreement re: Drugs & Alcohol.
Presentation Length: 60 mins
THIS PRESENTATION CAN BE ADAPTED AS AN INTERACTIVE 90 MIN PARENT-CHILD EVENT!
Intervening With Impact
When to Step in on Risky Behaviors & How to Help
Talking about drugs & alcohol with our kids is more important than ever with substances becoming increasingly dangerous, appealing, addictive, and easier to conceal. Research tells us that having two-way family conversations about the risks of substance use, and clearly communicated family expectations discouraging use, greatly reduce the likelihood of our kids using drugs and alcohol. We want to be their most trusted source of information, guidance, and support on these complicated topics. However, it can be challenging to maintain these open conversations in ways that our kids will engage and invest in. Participants will feel empowered and equipped to foster ongoing dialogue that will build mutual lifetime trust between parents and kids, beginning as early as possible, and lasting into young adulthood. The presentation includes a template for creating a mutual Family Trust Agreement re: Drugs & Alcohol.