Awkward Conversations

The best foundation for having awkward conversations with your children starts with building a strong family bond. Our host, Full House and Fuller House star, Jodie Sweetin, is joined by Amy McCarthy, Clinical Social Worker at Boston Children's Hospital and Heidi P. Dutson who serves as a prevention administrator at the Utah Department of Human Services.

In Part 1 of this conversation, they are chatting with American film and television actor and father of three, Greg Grunberg about the importance of building strong relationships with your kids. They talk about practical ways to build trust and connect with your kids. They also encourage parents that you don't have to have all of the right answers– you just need to create a safe place for kids to turn to when danger comes or when the world overwhelms them.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [01:30] How to keep communication open with your children
• [05:07] How to handle sensitive information about a child's friend
• [09:30] Using social media as a parent
• [14:49] Connecting with your kids
• [18:20] Being a present parent

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Research shows that kids are 33% less likely to drink or have substance abuse problems if they have a consistent family dinner with people that they love.
• Trust is essential as a foundational building block in opening the lines of communication with your children. The best thing you can do is be present with them, build trust, and give them a safe space to share.

Resources:

Resources for parents, educators, and caregivers wanting to learn more about how to effectively keep an open dialogue with children about drug use, signs of use, and more

Growing Up Drug Free: A Parent's Guide to Substance Use Prevention

One Pill Could Kill

Never Thought I'd Say This Podcast with Jodie Sweetin

Let's Talk About it! Podcast with Greg Grunberg

DISCLAIMER:

The views, information, or opinions expressed during the Awkward Conversation series are solely those of the individuals, speakers, commentators, experts and or hosts involved and do not necessarily reflect nor represent those of the production, associates or broadcaster or any of its employees. Production is not responsible and does not verify for accuracy any of the information contained in the series available for viewing. The primary purpose of this series is to educate and inform. This series does not constitute medical or other professional advice or services. This series is available for private, non-commercial use only. The production, broadcaster or its channel cannot be held accountable for all or any views expressed during this program.

BIO:

Jodie Sweetin is an American actress and television personality known for her role as Stephanie Tanner in the ABC comedy series Full House and its Netflix sequel series Fuller House. Jodie is joined by Content Expert Amy McCarthy, a Senior Clinical Social Worker at Boston Children's Hospital.

@jodiesweetin Greg Grunberg is best known for his role as X-wing pilot Snap Wexley in "STAR WARS", as well as "STAR TREK", "A STAR IS BORN" and alongside Al Pacino in the Barry Levinson film'PATERNO.' In addition to his many memorable series regular roles on shows "HEROES", "CASTLE ROCK", "LOST", "ALIAS" and "FELICITY". Currently Grunberg stars alongside Kevin Smith in the cult classic "MAX RELOAD & THE NETHERBLASTERS" as well as the much beloved "BIG ASS SPIDER". Greg has written pilots & films and co-wrote the graphic novel series "DREAM JUMPER" for Scholastic. Book 2 is available everywhere now. Grunberg hosted and produced alongside Kevin Smith the pop-culture talk show "GEEKING OUT" for AMC and currently is a staple on the popular gameshow "25 WORDS OR LESS". He has a few podcasts "TALK ABOUT IT", "VESTED INTEREST", & "AN ACTOR, COMEDIAN & A MUSICIAN WALK INTO A BAR". Currently he is shooting his popular YouTube series "THE CAREGIVER" for the Epilepsy community. As a drummer, Grunberg started his celebrity rock band "THE ACTION FIGURES"(TheActionFiguresBand.com) with fellow actors Jesse Spencer, Adrian Pasdar, Jack Coleman, and Scott Grimes benefiting TalkAboutIt.org, his foundation to raise awareness for people with Epilepsy as his eldest son has the condition. Grunberg has been voted one of the most interesting actors to follow on Twitter & IG. @greggrunberg

Amy McCarthy, LICSW, is the Director of Social Work for the Adolescent Substance Use and Addiction Program (ASAP) at Boston Children's Hospital where she provides direct clinical and programmatic support. Additionally, Amy has extensive experience working in community based settings providing care to young people living with complex mental health needs, and their families. As the former director of the Boston-Suffolk County Family Resource Center, she worked with an abundance of community partners to ensure residents had access to vital resources to meet basic needs and beyond. Amy received her Bachelor's Degree in Social Work (BSW) from Siena College, and earned a Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW) from Wheelock College.

@amymccarthylicsw Heidi Peterson Dutson is a Certified Prevention Specialist, currently employed as an Administrator and Regional Director for the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Substance Use and Mental Health. Heidi formerly oversaw prevention efforts through the coordination of a Communities That Care Coalition in Tooele City. She helps to advise the Parents Empowered Underage Drinking Prevention Workgroup, the Utah State Epidimiology Outcomes Workgroup, and the Utah Faith Suicide Prevention Worgroup. Heidi is passionate about helping parents and communities collaborate to make the best use of resources and partnerships to synergize prevention efforts around substance abuse and mental health issues. @utahdhhs

About Elks

As a 150-year-old organization, they are 100% inclusive with a membership of close to 1 million diverse men and women in over 2,000 Lodges nationally, and while they consider themselves faith based, they are nondenominational and open to all creeds. The Elks have always prided themselves on civic duty, and the Elks Drug and Alcohol Prevention (DAP) program is the nation's largest all volunteer Kids Drug & Alcohol Use Prevention program. The Elks are also strong supporters of our brave men and women in the military, having built and donated the nation's first VA Hospital to the U.S. government. The Elks have donated more than $3.6 billion in cash, goods, and services to enrich the lives of millions of people!

About DEA

The United States Drug Enforcement Administration was created in 1973 by President Nixon after the government noticed an alarming rise in recreational drug use and drug-related crime. A division of the Department of Justice, DEA is tasked with enforcing the controlled substances laws by apprehending offenders to be prosecuted for criminal and civil crimes. DEA is the largest and most effective anti drug organization in the world, with 239 domestic locations and 91 foreign offices in 68 countries.

Elks Kid Zone Website

Watch Awkward Conversations Season 1 the series:

Awkward Breakfast Conversations - Ep. 1

Awkward Lunch Conversations - Ep. 2

Awkward Dinner Conversations - Ep. 3

Elks Drug Awareness Program Website

Elks DAP on Twitter

Elks DAP on Facebook

Elks DAP on YouTube

DEA Website

DEA on Instagram

DEA on Twitter

DEA on Facebook

DEA YouTube Channel

We are continuing the conversation about how you can build strong bonds with your kids in today's episode of Awkward Conversations with host and Full House and Fuller House star, Jodie Sweetin. Jodie is joined by Amy McCarthy, Sr. Clinical Social Worker at Boston Children's Hospital and Heidi P. Dutson who serves as a prevention administrator at the Utah Department of Human Services.

Heidi kicks off the episode by explaining the science behind boundaries and clear standards in parenting and how it prevents future behavioral issues like substance abuse. They also share practical ways that parents can connect with their kids through teaching basic skills, spending quality time together, and establishing family meetings.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [01:12] What is the Social Development Strategy
• [08:00] How consequences and boundaries help kids
• [09:48] Ways to create a strong bond with your kids
• [16:55] The importance of listening and spending time with your kids

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• The very first thing kids need is really clear standards on a healthy belief – AKA rules. They need to know very clearly what your family standards are and that they are for their protection and safety.
• One way to build a strong bond with a child is to find an opportunity to teach them a skill and then reinforce that with appropriate recognition and praise.
• Get in the habit of spending 10 to 15 minutes a day focusing on your child(ren) and seeing the world through their eyes.

Resources:

Growing Up Drug Free: A Parent's Guide to Substance Use Prevention

One Pill Could Kill

Never Thought I'd Say This Podcast with Jodie Sweetin

DISCLAIMER:

The views, information, or opinions expressed during the Awkward Conversation series are solely those of the individuals, speakers, commentators, experts and or hosts involved and do not necessarily reflect nor represent those of the production, associates or broadcaster or any of its employees. Production is not responsible and does not verify for accuracy any of the information contained in the series available for viewing. The primary purpose of this series is to educate and inform. This series does not constitute medical or other professional advice or services. This series is available for private, non-commercial use only. The production, broadcaster or its channel cannot be held accountable for all or any views expressed during this program.

BIO:

Jodie Sweetin is an American actress and television personality known for her role as Stephanie Tanner in the ABC comedy series Full House and its Netflix sequel series Fuller House. Jodie is joined by Content Expert Amy McCarthy, a Senior Clinical Social Worker at Boston Children's Hospital.

@jodiesweetin Greg Grunberg is best known for his role as X-wing pilot Snap Wexley in "STAR WARS", as well as "STAR TREK", "A STAR IS BORN" and alongside Al Pacino in the Barry Levinson film'PATERNO.' In addition to his many memorable series regular roles on shows "HEROES", "CASTLE ROCK", "LOST", "ALIAS" and "FELICITY". Currently Grunberg stars alongside Kevin Smith in the cult classic "MAX RELOAD & THE NETHERBLASTERS" as well as the much beloved "BIG ASS SPIDER". Greg has written pilots & films and co-wrote the graphic novel series "DREAM JUMPER" for Scholastic. Book 2 is available everywhere now. Grunberg hosted and produced alongside Kevin Smith the pop-culture talk show "GEEKING OUT" for AMC and currently is a staple on the popular gameshow "25 WORDS OR LESS". He has a few podcasts "TALK ABOUT IT", "VESTED INTEREST", & "AN ACTOR, COMEDIAN & A MUSICIAN WALK INTO A BAR". Currently he is shooting his popular YouTube series "THE CAREGIVER" for the Epilepsy community. As a drummer, Grunberg started his celebrity rock band "THE ACTION FIGURES" (TheActionFiguresBand.com) with fellow actors Jesse Spencer, Adrian Pasdar, Jack Coleman, and Scott Grimes benefiting TalkAboutIt.org, his foundation to raise awareness for people with Epilepsy as his eldest son has the condition. Grunberg has been voted one of the most interesting actors to follow on Twitter & IG. @greggrunberg

Amy McCarthy, LICSW, is the Director of Social Work for the Adolescent Substance Use and Addiction Program (ASAP) at Boston Children's Hospital where she provides direct clinical and programmatic support. Additionally, Amy has extensive experience working in community based settings providing care to young people living with complex mental health needs, and their families. As the former director of the Boston-Suffolk County Family Resource Center, she worked with an abundance of community partners to ensure residents had access to vital resources to meet basic needs and beyond. Amy received her Bachelor's Degree in Social Work (BSW) from Siena College, and earned a Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW) from Wheelock College.

@amymccarthylicsw Heidi Peterson Dutson is a Certified Prevention Specialist, currently employed as an Administrator and Regional Director for the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Substance Use and Mental Health. Heidi formerly oversaw prevention efforts through the coordination of a Communities That Care Coalition in Tooele City. She helps to advise the Parents Empowered Underage Drinking Prevention Workgroup, the Utah State Epidimiology Outcomes Workgroup, and the Utah Faith Suicide Prevention Worgroup. Heidi is passionate about helping parents and communities collaborate to make the best use of resources and partnerships to synergize prevention efforts around substance abuse and mental health issues. @utahdhhs

About Elks

As a 150-year-old organization, they are 100% inclusive with a membership of close to 1 million diverse men and women in over 2,000 Lodges nationally, and while they consider themselves faith based, they are nondenominational and open to all creeds. The Elks have always prided themselves on civic duty, and the Elks Drug and Alcohol Prevention (DAP) program is the nation's largest all volunteer Kids Drug & Alcohol Use Prevention program. The Elks are also strong supporters of our brave men and women in the military, having built and donated the nation's first VA Hospital to the U.S. government. The Elks have donated more than $3.6 billion in cash, goods, and services to enrich the lives of millions of people!

About DEA

The United States Drug Enforcement Administration was created in 1973 by President Nixon after the government noticed an alarming rise in recreational drug use and drug-related crime. A division of the Department of Justice, DEA is tasked with enforcing the controlled substances laws by apprehending offenders to be prosecuted for criminal and civil crimes. DEA is the largest and most effective anti drug organization in the world, with 239 domestic locations and 91 foreign offices in 68 countries.

Elks Kid Zone Website

Watch Awkward Conversations Season 1 the series:

Awkward Breakfast Conversations - Ep. 1

Awkward Lunch Conversations - Ep. 2

Awkward Dinner Conversations - Ep. 3

Elks Drug Awareness Program Website

Elks DAP on Twitter

Elks DAP on Facebook

Elks DAP on YouTube

DEA Website

DEA on Instagram

DEA on Twitter

DEA on Facebook

DEA YouTube Channel

The 20 episode, unscripted video podcast, Awkward Conversations, is hosted by Full House and Fuller House star, Jodie Sweetin, and joined by Amy McCarthy, a Senior Clinical Social Worker at Boston Children's Hospital.The two will be chatting with celebrity parents and guest experts on how to prepare for the awkward conversations with their kids and furthering the discussion on how to give parents the tools to empower their kids to stay safe, substance free and make smart decisions!

Parenting comes with all sorts of trials and tribulations – particularly when your child reaches his or her teenage years. Join us each week as we cover a wide array of subjects that will help parents learn how to raise kids with the necessary tools they need to stay safe, substance free and make smart decisions. Each episode will feature expert guests who will help guide parents and answer those tough questions that may come up in the ever changing world of raising kids.

The following are some of the subjects covered in Season 2: Signs of drug use in teens, fake pills, setting positive examples, preventing drug misuse among college students, bullying and peer pressure and its consequences, helping kids de-stress, Red Ribbon Week, understanding your kids' social media use, do's and don'ts when you talk about drugs, to list a few.

About Elks

As a 150-year-old organization, they are 100% inclusive with a membership of close to 1 million diverse men and women in over 2,000 Lodges nationally, and while they consider themselves faith based, they are nondenominational and open to all creeds. The Elks have always prided themselves on civic duty, and the Elks DAP program is the nation's largest all volunteer Kids Drug & Alcohol Use Prevention program. The Elks are also strong supporters of our brave men and women in the military, having built and donated the nation's first VA Hospital to the U.S. government. The Elks have donated more than $3.6 billion in cash, goods, and services to enrich the lives of millions of people!

About DEA

The United States Drug Enforcement Administration was created in 1973 by President Nixon after the government noticed an alarming rise in recreational drug use and drug-related crime. A division of the Department of Justice, DEA is tasked with enforcing the controlled substances laws by apprehending offenders to be prosecuted for criminal and civil crimes. DEA is the largest and most effective anti drug organization in the world, with 239 domestic locations and 91 foreign offices in 68 countries.

Resources For parents, educators, and caregivers wanting to learn more about how to effectively keep an open dialogue with children about drug use, signs of use, and more – visit https://bit.ly/GetSmartAboutDrugs

Growing Up Drug Free: A Parent's Guide to Substance Use Prevention https://bit.ly/GrowingUpDrugFree https://bit.ly/OnePill

Never Thought I'd Say This w/ Jodie Sweetin https://bit.ly/NeverThoughtIdSayThis

Let's Talk About it! Podcast w/ Greg Grunberg https://talkaboutit.org/epilepsy/podcast

Elks Kid Zone https://bit.ly/elkskidszone

Watch Awkward Conversations Season 1 the series

Ep. 1: https://youtu.be/Dp4rAGwXW90?t=1

Ep. 2: https://youtu.be/_rMD0SOjGWc

Ep. 3: https://youtu.be/KjQOPhl7RDE

For more information on ELKS DAP and what we stand for, visit https://bit.ly/ELKSDAP

Twitter: https://bit.ly/twitter_elksdapn

Facebook: https://bit.ly/facebook_elksdap

Youtube: https://bit.ly/youtube_elksdap

To learn more about DEA and its contributions, visit https://www.dea.gov/contact-us/social... Instagram: https://bit.ly/instagram_deahq

Twitter: https://bit.ly/twitterdeahq

Facebook: https://bit.ly/facebookDEAHQ

Youtube: https://bit.ly/ElksDrugAwarenessProgram