According to experts on the subject, parents should talk to their kids about the negative effects of marijuana on young brains early and often. Read the “Comprehensive Guide for Parents Talking to Their Teenagers About Cannabis” to find out why.
Happy New Year! So, here we are. Another year. Another attempt to do all of those things that we promised ourselves we would conquer way back in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021. Sigh…… After 2020, we were CERTAIN that “next year will HAVE to be better”. Hmmm……… Perhaps it was in some ways. But life as we used to know it “way back when” (in 2019) seems to no longer exist. Now, we live in a world where we avoid crowds (or at least most of us do), we wash our hands more than we EVER have before, we put on our “mask armor” before we head out the door, and we head for the nearest exit, if we hear anyone sneeze or cough. It just seems that we have, as they say, reached that place commonly referred to as “The New Normal”.
OK. So here we are. Now what? What have you resolved to do to make this world – oh, and yourself - better in this new year? Exercise more and lose weight? Can we all just take a moment to have a good laugh and move on to the next thing on the list? Perhaps it was to spend more time doing things that you love to do? Wait. I think I can squeeze that in between the hours of 3:00AM and 4:00AM in my “free time”. Swear less? Oh well, I blew that one while trying to get the lights off the Christmas tree. Zero for three. But wait. Could I be a better parent? NOW, we’re getting somewhere!!!
The answer to that question is “ABSOLUTELY”! It takes NO extra time - although it does take some practice on the patience portion - to practice “the pause”. It does take some practice to pause for that moment and just not immediately, harshly react to that emotion that in the moment totally overwhelms us and can create chaos in all involved parties. Yes. We are overworked and overwhelmed. Yes. We are tired. Yes. Listening to the news is enough to make Superman bury his head in the sand. But that in no way is the fault of our children who feel the stress too. It’s important to remember that as trivial as what they say to you may be to YOU, it is the most important thing in the world to them…. And you are the ONE PERSON with whom they wish to share. Are we really too busy to take a few minutes out of our day to make eye to eye contact with them and LISTEN (without interruption) to their stories? What would it say to them that you took time away from what you are doing to REALLY listen to them? Well, it would say to them, “You matter”, “You’re worth it”, “I care about you”, and “Your stories are important to me.” It costs nothing, yet the rewards are totally beyond measure.
In this “New Normal” world, our children are forced into isolation. No man is an island. We (adults and children) were never meant to live in isolation. Teachers on computer screens have replaced those teachers who would stand at the door and welcome each and every one of them into class with a smile and words of encouragement. Sleepovers are quickly becoming a thing of the past: “So many germs.” Video games have replaced Red Rover, riding bicycles until dark, movie theaters….. You know, all those things that let kids be kids. Kids need to be outside. They need to run. They need to be with their friends. They need in-person school. They need all of those things…. But, more than anything, they need parents who hold on to family dinners, family values, boundaries, and being there to apply those band-aids when life (or playgrounds) throw them a curveball.
Can’t we all resolve that something that costs nothing but some small blocks of time carved out of our day, like resolving to be a better parent or grandparent, is time well spent as we move into 2022? We cannot singlehandedly change the world. But if we can change one life at a time, that’s how the world gets changed.
Written by Karen Hyatt, Grandparent, Guest Writer & JSS Parent Resource Consultant
If you would like to share some of your thoughts and opinions on this subject with our Blog, please share them at info@justsaysomethingsc.org. #JSSBlog #JSSGuestWriter #COVID19Prevention #HomeSchool #TheNewNormal #SocialJustice #RedRibbonClassic #HoneyBakedHam #FUNraisingForTheFuture #GivingTuesday #YearEndGiving #Fundraiser #GoodCause #Donate #SavingKidsSavingLives #MonitorYourKids #NutureYourKids #PreventACES #StartTalking #ConversationStarter #ToughTopics #JustSaySomething #SubstancePrevention #Parenting #SupportFamilies #StrengtheningFamilies #DrugFreeYouth #SupportYouth #MonitorYourKids #NutureYourKids #PreventACES
I’m taking the “Back In Control” Parenting Class for parents who are trying to get back in control of their teens. The other day in parenting class, the teacher paired one parent with another to role-play parent-child conversations on tough subjects. When my turn came, I played the part of a father, which I am in real life, whose daughter asks him for permission to date a much older boy. And another parent, who is a mom in real life, played the part of my teenage daughter. While I found this exercise to be useful, I had no idea just how useful I would find it until sometime later.
The next day, I was talking on the phone to my 15-year-old daughter and suddenly, without any warning, she said, “I want to start dating. The boy I’m interested is 18-years-old”. I was shocked! Talk about a coincidence! I couldn’t believe my real daughter was bringing up the same subject my pretend daughter had brought up the day before! It was as if the powers that be (fate) knew what was coming and had intervened to prepare me for this very conversation! There was no way I was going to allow my daughter to date an 18-year-old boy! My temper instantly flared up at her words, but I forced myself to calm down. Thanks to having just had this conversation in class, I knew that getting angry, screaming “Over My Dead Body!” and refusing to listen to anything else my daughter had to say, would not be very conducive to good, parent-child communication. And I didn’t want that so I kept my cool and tried to handle it just like in class.
And I did. I told her, “You are only 15-years-old and that is too young to date an 18-year-old boy.” She started to cry but I did not give in. I explained to her why I thought he was too old for her. She didn’t like the reasons I gave and continued to cry. I told her that I loved her; only wanted the best for her; and she should think about dating boys her own age when she is finally able to date. Eventually, she listened and accepted what I had to say.
Thanks to the “Back In Control” Class, a conversation I had with my daughter that would have normally been contentious wasn’t, because I had the opportunity learn how to handle it without getting angry and saying something I shouldn’t. It was amazing that I actually had the same conversation with my daughter that I had in class! I think taking the “Back In Control” Class has really paid off. I think the new skills I’ve learned can only continue to improve my relationship with my daughter in the new year and in following years!
Written by a Divorced Dad in the “Back In Control” Parenting Enrichment Course
If you would like to share some of your thoughts and opinions on this subject with our Blog, please share them at info@justsaysomethingsc.org. #JSSBlog #JSSGuestWriter #BackInControlParenting #HappyHolidays #COVIDChristmas #COVID19Prevention #HoneyBakedHam #FUNraisingForTheFuture #FUNdingforKids #SavingKidsSavingLives #SupportFamilies #StrengtheningFamilies #DrugFreeYouth #SupportYouth #StartTalking #ConversationStarter #JustSaySomething #SubstancePrevention #Parenting
Over the last 2 years, we all have been challenged in powerful and unexpected ways. Whether it be financial, social, or academic, that challenge has brought learning for some and conflict for others. One of the populations in our community that struggles most with conflict are our teenagers and young adults, and guess what: ITS NOT THEIR FAULT!!!
The teenage brain is wired for innovation and adaptability, but not very well wired for emotional regulation. This is most observed when conflict arises, either by talking to someone with different viewpoints and ideas, or when our teens want to do something that others don’t want them to do. So, there are ways that we with our “adult brains” can help our teens work past conflict and better understand ways to avoid it in the future, while hopefully learning a thing or two in the process.
Here are 4 tips on how to guide your teens towards success in navigating conflict (from the Dr. Mike perspective):
Help them look into the future: Give your teens a preview of possible difficult conversations and different points of view by asking them hypotheticals. This allows them to exercise their skills in critical thinking, which can also help them build confidence. And if they are not sure how to move forward in such conversations, it gives you the chance to TEACH! Remember, teen brains can react in ways that are unpredictable, so never judge – it’s the way their brain is supposed to be wired so it can learn!
Co-existence is a great state of existence: One of my favorite phrases is “perception is reality,” which makes a lot of sense for our teens. Their lens is focused on what they think, and usually supports the fact that they are ALWAYS right (sound familiar to anyone?). Showing our teens that you can disagree with others in conversation and behaviors and still be respectful and even be friends is HUGE! Even the most opposite of thoughts and actions can co-exist and each have their place in the conversation and in our community. Teens learn best by example, so this is a chance for parents to practice this valuable skill too!
Communicate! Communicate! Communicate! Stress the importance of talking to trusted adults about what is bothering them. If something really got under their skin, ask them what happened, what they thought about it, and what they think should happen next. Share with them how it makes YOU feel and times similar things happened to you.
Provide “space and grace”: This phrase helps in so many conversations. Giving our teens the “space” to figure stuff out on their own, make a decision that may be a mistake, and the “grace” to be taught how their decisions affect them and others is one of the most important pieces of advice I have. We often want to save our teens from EVERY mistake; still, making mistakes leads to learning, and in areas of conflict, such learning can be crucial to have had.
Written by Michael F. Guyton-Nunley, MD, Physician of Adolescent Medicine at Prisma Health Upstate and Just Say Something Board Member.
If you would like to share some of your thoughts and opinions on this subject with our Blog, please share them at info@justsaysomethingsc.org. #JSSBlog #JSSGuestWriter #TeenMentalHealth #MentalHealth #COVID19Prevention #SocialJustice #HoneyBakedHam #FUNraisingForTheFuture #FUNdingforFamilies #FUNdingforKids #FUNdraiser #SavingKidsSavingLives #SupportFamilies #StrengtheningFamilies #DrugFreeYouth #SupportYouth #MonitorYourKids #NutureYourKids #PreventACES #StartTalking #ConversationStarter #JustSaySomething #SubstancePrevention #Parenting
It is often more difficult to reverse bad habits than to teach good habits from the start, but making a positive change in your parenting is always worth the effort. As you tackle the unhealthy choices your children may make, here are better, healthier alternatives to encourage.
Substitute Processed Junk Foods with Homemade Snacks
Relying on ready-made junk food might keep your kids fed and satisfied on a stressful day, and few kids will say no to a tasty bag of chips. However, according to EatRight.org, most processed foods are loaded with extra sugar and sodium and don’t provide children with the nutrients they need to maintain a healthy, energetic lifestyle.
Take control of your child’s diet by prepping healthy, homemade options ahead of time instead. Some snacks are easy to prepare, such as cut-up fruits and vegetables.
You can also add new recipes:
● Oat bars
● Banana bread
● Homemade guacamole
● Deviled eggs
● Protein energy balls
Trade Tablets and Smartphones for Interactive Learning Devices
Studies show that too much screen time can have a negative effect on the learning and social development of kids, especially babies and toddlers. Even learning videos designed with little ones in mind can be detrimental to their emotional skills and language acquisition, and interacting with adults or toys is the primary way children under three acquire new information.
Despite these studies, most young children watch well over the recommended limit of an hour of screen time a day. Additionally, NPR notes that 53% of kids own a smartphone by the age of 11. Consider replacing these devices with more interactive learning toys, such as LeapStart systems, which incorporate fun games, favorite animated characters, and fun sounds and music to teach kids letters, phonics, math, and other educational topics based on age.
Skip Late Night Television and Pick Up a Sport Instead
Getting kids and teens off the couch and away from the TV or the computer screen can be a constant debate for parents, especially when children feel bored and unchallenged. Helping your children develop a new hobby that allows them to interact with other kids and work toward a goal they care about can spur them into action.
Activities like learning an instrument or taking art classes are great for memory development, career opportunities, mental health, and youth substance use & delinquency prevention. Also, encourage your children to boost their physical health by trying a new sport. While some kids may thrive in competitive sports, others may enjoy fun, physical activities with friends. Kids of all ages often enjoy martial arts, which can help improve flexibility, reflexes, cardiovascular health, and strength. Whatever the activity, Just Say Something suggests trying to make it happen outdoors, as the benefits of nature and fresh air are profound, especially when it comes to keeping kids engaged in some wholesome substance-free activities.
Replace Procrastinating with Family Study Time
Kids may procrastinate doing their schoolwork, if they are stressed about the task, bored with the activity, or struggle with time management. Lecturing and forcing your children to focus on their studies may not boost their performance, but making homework time a family activity can motivate them to focus and make the experience more positive.
Modeling goal-setting behaviors and time-management skills you want your kids to develop can help them acquire these habits down the road. Inspire your kids in their studies by taking time to pursue your own passions, such as earning an online accounting degree to start your entrepreneurial journey or working toward a graphic design degree to become a web designer. By doing coursework online, you’re free to study at your own pace and at your own place, allowing you to keep your current job, earn while you learn, and avoid the COVID or Delta viruses.
Making changes in your family's regular routine and parenting methods can be difficult to start. However, substituting negative habits with healthy, substance-free pursuits shows kids that the alternatives can be fun at the moment and rewarding in the long run.
Written by Laura Pearson, Guest Writer
Edutude.net = Where education has an attitude!
If you would like to share some of your thoughts and opinions on this subject with our Blog, please share them at info@justsaysomethingsc.org. #JSSBlog #JSSGuestWriter #HealthyAlternatives #HealthySnacks #DigitalDetox #HealthyLifestyle #PlayOutdoors #GetActive #PlaySports #COVID19Prevention #SavingKidsSavingLives #MonitorYourKids #NutureYourKids #StartTalking #ConversationStarter #JustSaySomething #SubstancePrevention #RedRibbon5K #RedRibbonWeek #MentalHealth #Parenting #ParentingTip #WAHParent #StrengtheningFamilies #SupportFamilies #SupportDrugFreeYouth
Just Say Something helps youth, parents and communities have open, honest and ongoing conversations about drugs, alcohol, and other risky behaviors. Find out more today @ (864) 467-4099!
From vitamin D deficiencies and memory & concentration issues to youth substance use and other at-risk behaviors, the hazards of not spending enough time outdoors are vast—especially in children. To assist you in getting your kids outside and protecting them from the many dangers of nature-deficit disorder, we’ve assembled the following list of outdoor activities, DIY projects, and nature-based learning opportunities. From exploring nature in your own backyard to learning about sustainability, nature helps to build resilience and resistance to youth substance use and releases endorphins, which helps ward off depression in children and adolescents.
Read on to learn more!
Just Say Something is dedicated to helping parents and children have open, honest, and ongoing conversations about substance use. Help us encourage youth to choose a better future!
With so many things to see and do in your own backyard, the last thing your kids will want to do is to sit inside and play another game on their mobile devices!
Five Ways to Get Kids Interested in Animal Prints and Tracking
23 Garden Activities to Build a Children’s Garden in Your Backyard
9 Great Outdoor Learning Activities for Springtime
14 Easy Ways to Make Your Backyard More Fun
Learn How to Explore the Nighttime Sky with Your Kids
By introducing your kids to the many things Mother Earth has to offer, you’ll protect them from at-risk behaviors like youth substance use while also helping to raise environmentally conscious children.
Explore the Benefits of Community Gardens and Learn How to Start Your Own
Turn Your Backyard Into a Safe Haven for Bees & Butterflies
Encourage Green Habits by Making a DIY Compost Bin
Collect Rainwater to Harvest Your Family Garden
Practice Stewardship by Cleaning Up Your Neighborhood
Get Involved with a Local Gleaning Organization
By limiting the amount of time your kids spend on their mobile devices and instead encouraging them to head outdoors for an hour or two each day, you’ll prevent them from engaging in risky behaviors, and you’ll raise successful, substance-free children who care about the environment. Your kids may protest at first, but they’ll one day thank you for keeping them busy with constructive activities and teaching them to appreciate and value the natural world we live in.
Written by Just Say Something Guest Writer, Laura Pearson
Edutude.net = Where education has an attitude!
If you would like to share some of your thoughts and opinions on this subject with our Blog, please share them at info@justsaysomethingsc.org. #JSSBlog #JSSGuestWriter #NaturePlay #NatureLearning #PlayOutside #COVID19Prevention #TheNewNormal #SocialJustice #HoneyBakedHam #Fundraiser #GoodCause #Donate #GetInvolved #SavingKidsSavingLives #MonitorYourKids #NutureYourKids #PreventACES #StartTalking #ConversationStarter #JustSaySomething SubstancePrevention #Parenting
