In an attempt to facilitate increased conversations in families about
topics that will assist families in keeping their teens safe, The
Community Alliance for Teen Safety introduces a new program called CATS
Connections: Linking families to strategies, resources, and information
through conversations.
October -Developing Resilient Teens
A resilient teen is a survivor. When we build up resiliency in our
children we teach them the tools necessary to move successfully through
life. It sets the foundation for building refusal skills, self
acceptance, and the ability to navigate through the highs and lows of
life.
November
-Developing a Family Contract
A family contract allows parents and children to discuss issues of
importance to their family. The contract outlines family values and
expectations. Families are able to discuss these issues and ensure
that everyone understands the significance of what will happen when the
contract is followed (rewards) and when it is broken (consequences).
December
-
Creating Family Traditions and Memories to keep your teen close
Share family traditions and get great ideas for new traditions and
memories that help families stay close. At a time when teens are more
and more interested in spending time with their peers, it’s important to
offer them opportunities to spend fun and memorable time with their
family.
January - What
Drugs are In Your House?
Discussion reaches beyond alcohol and other drugs to even common
household products. The best defense is a strong offense. If we know
what we are looking for, we are better prepared for conversations and
prevention.
February
-Teachable
Moments and other Conversations Builders
The television commercial, the song on the radio, the media clip about
the famous rock star, or the headline of the day... teachable moments
are everywhere. The more we talk to our kids, the easier the
conversations will be. Share your tips or experiences and learn some
tried strategies used by others.
March
- Signs that your teen is using drugs (or a friend is)...
and when to get help!
Review the signs of drug use and more importantly when and how to get
assistance. There are many resources available.
April
-
To Test or Not To Test: Drug Testing and other privacy issues.
A very controversial and important issue. Drug testing is highly
regarded by many however many parents are weary of the message it sends
to their kids about trust and privacy. Where is the line between giving
your kids privacy and doing your job as a parent.
May - Dealing
with Transition
Help your child through their next level of transition, whether it is
from 5th grade to middle school, middle school to high school, or to
college. Each level offers its own set of challenges. Any tools that
we, as parents, can offer will assist in the transition.
June - Combating
Misperceptions ...of Middle School, High School, College and
beyond.
Many students hold misperceptions of what the grades above them are
doing socially. Students often believe that more of their peers are
drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes or even using other drugs than data
indicates. This is complicated by the evidence that teens will often
contemplate increasing their own use to “fit in” with the “norm”. By
combating the misperceptions, we are giving them a better norm to
expect.
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