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Parent Workshops
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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
Raising Drug-Resistant Kids
We’re in an unprecedented time when just trying a drug can be deadly, with a tragically high rate of youth overdoses, and addiction on the rise. Drugs are becoming more appealing, addictive, dangerous, and easier to conceal for our youth, and they are swimming in societal and media messages encouraging them to use. We will 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 and THC Use
THC and nicotine vaping products are becoming stronger, more attractive, available, and easier to hide, making them even more addictive, impairing, and dangerous for our children. This is leading to an epic 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. Self-destructive possibilities are growing. Gaming, porn, drugs, self-harm, gambling, and social media are becoming increasingly appealing, accessible, addictive, 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 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
Beyond "Just Say No"
Having Impactful Conversations with
Our Kids About Drugs
Similar to "Not MY Kid," but without the drug education, and focusing on communication skills. Research tells us that children are much less likely to use substances, and use problematically when we have clearly communicated family expectations discouraging use, and ongoing open dialogue about the risks of using. There's an art to having these conversations in ways that our kids actually take seriously, and are impacted by. They need to trust us to be reliable sources of information, guidance, and support on these complicated issues. Participants will leave equipped to transform difficult drug conversations into daily dialogue, and build mutual lifetime trust between parents and kids, from elementary school into young adulthood. The presentation includes guidance on creating a mutual Family Trust Agreement re: substance use. The presentation can be adapted to be substance-specific, i.e about THC products, or alcohol.
Presentation Length: 60 mins
Talk More, Worry Less
A Family Workshop
Talking openly about drugs and other risky choices is proven to help our kids make healthier, safer, more responsible decisions. It is also the pathway to developing mutual trust that leads to everyone having less conflict and more freedom. Through a guided interactive experience, families will walk away with a greater understanding and empathy for each other, shared language, and a clear roadmap for how to talk about substance use and other tough topics in ways that feel respectful and relevant to kids and reassuring to parents. Both parents and kids rave about this workshop being "life changing" for their family's communication around crucial topics.
Workshop Length: 90 minutes
Intervening With Impact
When to Step in on Risky Behaviors & How to Help
Options for risky behaviors seem to be increasing for our kids, from screen use, to substances to gambling, and they can pull our kids in without their realizing what's happening. It can feel frustrating and scary when we see dangers that they can't, and confusing for us to know when to step in, and how. You will gain insight into what's going underneath your child's behavior, and discover strategies based in care and collaboration for responding to self-destructive behaviors in impactful ways that guide your child towards healthier choices, lasting change while building family trust.
Presentation Length: 60 minutes
Screen-Conscious Parenting
Conversations and Agreements that Reduce Risk & Conflict
Screens are woven into every part of kids’ lives—socially, academically and recreationally - making it increasingly hard for parents to help them find balance. Yet we have growing evidence that our children’s relationships with technology can have negative effects on brain development, physical and mental health, cognitive and social skills. Parents will learn about the latest research on screen use and its developmental impacts across childhood and adolescence, as well as a clarity on the risks that exist online. Together, we’ll explore how to build ongoing, open dialogue and create meaningful family agreements that promote healthy boundaries, safety and responsibility. Parents will leave with tools and confidence to raise screen-smart kids in a hyperconnected world.
Presentation Length: 60 minutes