Today’s episode is the audio from our Spring DASD & CTC Parent Speaker Series focused on how much influence parents really have - even if it feels like we don’t! Join us to learn more about how you have the power to help your child make smarter, safer choices. Your influence can save lives ... perhaps even your child's. Our featured speaker, Beth Bruton from Holcomb Behavioral Health Systems, is sharing MADD’s Power of Parents® program which empowers parents of middle school and high school students to have ongoing, intentional conversations about the dangers and consequences of underage drinking and other drug use. You can also join CTC's Parent to Parent group meeting on Tuesday, May 6th at Marsh Creek 6th Grade Center at 6:30pm to discuss and ask questions about Power of Parents. Register Here. 

Things we mentioned in this episode:

Watch the webinar of this presentation HERE.

Please see the presentation slides here

MADD Power of Parents 

Middle School Handbook

High School Handbook

Parent to Parent: Building Connections Groups are meeting monthly! Join parents with similar-aged students and a trained facilitator to discover techniques, tips, and tricks to tackle common challenges and strengthen connections. Most importantly we’ll interact with other parents who are in the same stage or who have been there and can offer advice. Bring a friend and join the conversation!

You can now follow Chrissie on Instagram @ctc_chrissie or on Facebook /@Chrissie.CTC for info from each episode, Parent to Parent blog updates, and other parent resources. You can also email Chrissie at [email protected] We would love to hear from you!

Communities that Care has a Parent to Parent Blog and many online resources. Please follow us on socials for more tips, resources and support!:

Instagram @downingtownctc 

Facebook @DowningtownAreaCTC 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeok9Z1R_xkbYmMFlcXjOZw

Be sure to Subscribe/Follow us to get new episodes. 

Find the episode webpage and previous episodes HERE. 

Talking about sexual health is so much more than just going over how reproduction works. Relationships, safety, personal boundaries, porn (more than half of kids have seen porn by the time they are 13!) and so many other topics are related! That is why we are so thankful to talk with Deni Tobin, the Violence Prevention Education Supervisor at our partner the Crime Victims Center of Chester County. Deni facilitates CVC’s “Smarter Parents” program that empowers parents to talk to their kids of all ages about sexual health and development. Deni shares key points of the program including: how to keep an open connection with your child, safety with strangers especially on the internet, consent, and how to be more comfortable talking about what can feel like a “cringe” topic. We also talk about staying shame free, how to deal with learning about sex online, and SKIBIDI TOILET - if you know you know! Join us!

Things we mentioned in this episode:

It’s So Amazing Book and Series by Robie H. Harris

The report, "Teens and Pornography," found that 73% of teen respondents age 13 to 17 have watched pornography online—and more than half (54%) reported first seeing pornography by the time they reached the age of 13. Read more here from Common Sense Media.

If you are interested in a program or contacting Deni please email [email protected] 

Follow CVC on FaceBook to stay updated on dates for the next Smarter Parents program and other events!

The Crime Victims’ Center of Chester County, Inc. (CVC) is a nonprofit agency providing free, immediate, and confidential crisis response and compassionate support to children and adults impacted by sexual violence and all other crime. We provide assistance through counseling, advocacy, resources, and education. The Center fosters community awareness and understanding through its comprehensive outreach and prevention programs.

Parent to Parent: Building Connections Groups are meeting monthly! Join parents with similar-aged students and a trained facilitator to discover techniques, tips, and tricks to tackle common challenges and strengthen connections. Most importantly we’ll interact with other parents who are in the same stage or who have been there and can offer advice. Bring a friend and join the conversation!

You can now follow Chrissie on Instagram @ctc_chrissie or on Facebook /@Chrissie.CTC for info from each episode, Parent to Parent blog updates, and other parent resources. You can also email Chrissie at [email protected] We would love to hear from you!

Communities that Care has a Parent to Parent Blog and many online resources. Please follow us on socials for more tips, resources and support!:

Instagram @downingtownctc 

Facebook @DowningtownAreaCTC 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeok9Z1R_xkbYmMFlcXjOZw

Be sure to Subscribe/Follow us to get new episodes. 

Find the episode webpage and previous episodes HERE. 

What does it mean to be California Sober? Marijuana or cannabis is available in so many forms now: edibles, tinctures, vaping oils, and dry leaf. It is also becoming more acceptable as a substance of use. Today we have Kim Porter and Bob Lamb from our partner Be A Part of the Conversation here with us to talk about this California Sober trend as well as harm reduction, how using high THC products is not the same as marijuana from the past, and the mental health risks that come with cannabis use including an overall sense of apathy. We also talk about how parents can role model responsible use of marijuana if they have a medical marijuana card and the dopamine of it all. We touched on so many topics in this conversation, join us!

Things we mentioned in this episode:

Kim was our first guest on the podcast!

Chrissie’s blog post about the weed coffee mug

Kim talked about the increase in cannabis use

Cannabis hyperemsis syndrome 

Dopamine Nation by Anna Lembke 

Be a Part of the Conversation  equips families and communities in Pennsylvania with skills and resources to understand substance use, addiction, and related health issues. We provide community programs, foster supportive connections, highlight lived experiences, and challenge stigma.

Parent to Parent: Building Connections Groups are meeting monthly! Join parents with similar-aged students and a trained facilitator to discover techniques, tips, and tricks to tackle common challenges and strengthen connections. Most importantly we’ll interact with other parents who are in the same stage or who have been there and can offer advice. Bring a friend and join the conversation!

You can now follow Chrissie on Instagram @ctc_chrissie or on Facebook /@Chrissie.CTC for info from each episode, Parent to Parent blog updates, and other parent resources. You can also email Chrissie at [email protected] We would love to hear from you!

Communities that Care has a Parent to Parent Blog and many online resources. Please follow us on socials for more tips, resources and support!:

Instagram @downingtownctc 

Facebook @DowningtownAreaCTC 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeok9Z1R_xkbYmMFlcXjOZw

Be sure to Subscribe/Follow us to get new episodes. 

Find the episode webpage and previous episodes HERE. 

Our DASD Helpers are back on the podcast today! This is part two of our two-part series, and Sarah Brooks returns this time with several of her Prevention Specialist staff that work in the elementary school buildings: Erin Connolly, LCSW, C-SSWS, CYT (Lionville and Shamona Creek Elementary); Rena Davis, LSW (Bradford Heights and Pickering Creek Elementary); Laura Sirico, LSW, MEd, HSV, C-SSWS (East Ward and Springton Manor Elementary); and Natalie Martinez, LSW, HSV (Beaver Creek and Uwchlan Hills Elementary). We learn about the role Prevention Specialists play in the K-5 buildings, how they support students and when and for what parents can reach out to them for help. We also discuss trends and real life examples of what it looks like if your child were to work with a Prevention Specialist individually or in a group with their peers. DASD is lucky to have such caring, supportive staff in their schools. Join us to learn more about these amazing helpers!

Things we mentioned in this episode:

You can email or call your school’s Prevention Specialist if you are concerned about your child. Find contact information for all Prevention Specialists here. 

Erin mentioned the 3 R’s: Regulate, Relate, Reason

SAP-Student Assistance Program

Previous Episodes with Sarah: 

Find the DASD Helpers

Parent to Parent: Building Connections Groups are meeting monthly! Join parents with similar-aged students and a trained facilitator to discover techniques, tips, and tricks to tackle common challenges and strengthen connections. Most importantly we’ll interact with other parents who are in the same stage or who have been there and can offer advice. Bring a friend and join the conversation!

You can now follow Chrissie on Instagram @ctc_chrissie or on Facebook /@Chrissie.CTC for info from each episode, Parent to Parent blog updates, and other parent resources. You can also email Chrissie at [email protected] We would love to hear from you!

Communities that Care has a Parent to Parent Blog and many online resources. Please follow us on socials for more tips, resources and support!:

Instagram @downingtownctc 

Facebook @DowningtownAreaCTC 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeok9Z1R_xkbYmMFlcXjOZw

Be sure to Subscribe/Follow us to get new episodes. 

Find the episode webpage and previous episodes HERE. 

We have more DASD Helpers on the podcast today! The first of a two part series, Sarah Brooks returns with several of her Prevention Specialist staff that work in the high school buildings: Matt McFadden, MSS, LCSW (Downingtown West High School), Jocelyn White, MEd, LPC,  (Downingtown West High School) and Jennifer Stull, MA, LPC (STEM). We learn about the role Prevention Specialists play in their buildings, how they support students and when and for what parents can reach out to them for help. We also discuss trends they are seeing in students and how they help students during the school day. DASD is lucky to have such caring, supportive staff in their schools. Join us to learn more about these amazing helpers!

Things we mentioned in this episode:

You can email or call your school’s Prevention Specialist if you are concerned about your child. Find contact information for all Prevention Specialists here. 

SAP-Student Assistance Program

MTSS - Multi Tiered System of Support

Signs of Suicide Prevention Program that is implemented in DASD

Previous Episodes with Sarah: 

Find the DASD Helpers

Parent to Parent: Building Connections Groups are meeting monthly! Join parents with similar-aged students and a trained facilitator to discover techniques, tips, and tricks to tackle common challenges and strengthen connections. Most importantly we’ll interact with other parents who are in the same stage or who have been there and can offer advice. Bring a friend and join the conversation!

You can now follow Chrissie on Instagram @ctc_chrissie or on Facebook /@Chrissie.CTC for info from each episode, Parent to Parent blog updates, and other parent resources. You can also email Chrissie at [email protected] We would love to hear from you!

Communities that Care has a Parent to Parent Blog and many online resources. Please follow us on socials for more tips, resources and support!:

Instagram @downingtownctc 

Facebook @DowningtownAreaCTC 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeok9Z1R_xkbYmMFlcXjOZw

Be sure to Subscribe/Follow us to get new episodes. 

Find the episode webpage and previous episodes HERE. 

How can we increase our happiness? Selena Morresi, from Caron Treatment Centers, is here with us today to talk about where we are with our baseline happiness, the barriers to getting happy and ways to support increasing our happiness levels. Selena explains to us what “miswanting” is and how it impacts happiness–and the things that make us miswant. We also discuss the hedonic baseline and helper’s euphoria (what now?!), the universal love of Costco, and ways to cultivate happiness FOR REAL in our daily lives. Join us!

Things we mentioned in this episode:

Previous Episodes with Selena: Vaping Myths and Facts Part 1 and Part 2 and All Thing Vaping: Essentials Parents Need to Know

The Happiness Lab Podcast with Laurie Santos

World Happiness Report 2024

Blue Zones around the world 

CTC has monthly in person parent group meetings - Parent to Parent Building Connections

Caron’s mission is to transform lives impacted by drug and alcohol addiction through proven, evidence-based, comprehensive, and personalized behavioral healthcare. Caron also offers prevention and education programs for schools and communities. 

Parent to Parent: Building Connections Groups are meeting monthly! Join parents with similar-aged students and a trained facilitator to discover techniques, tips, and tricks to tackle common challenges and strengthen connections. Most importantly we’ll interact with other parents who are in the same stage or who have been there and can offer advice. Bring a friend and join the conversation!

You can now follow Chrissie on Instagram @ctc_chrissie or on Facebook /@Chrissie.CTC for info from each episode, Parent to Parent blog updates, and other parent resources. You can also email Chrissie at [email protected] We would love to hear from you!

Communities that Care has a Parent to Parent Blog and many online resources. Please follow us on socials for more tips, resources and support!:

Instagram @downingtownctc 

Facebook @DowningtownAreaCTC 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeok9Z1R_xkbYmMFlcXjOZw

Be sure to Subscribe/Follow us to get new episodes. 

Find the episode webpage and previous episodes HERE. 

You are only as happy as your happiest kid, the saying goes–this quote came up in this conversation and we discussed why this is a terrible quote! Today we have Maggie Burchill with us from Caron Treatment Centers to discuss strategies to be ok when we have a partner, child or other family member or friend going through a difficult time like substance use disorder or mental health challenges. Maggie shares with us what family recovery is and looks like, and how addiction is a disease and every family member plays a role–whether they realize it or not. We also discuss how recovery for everyone is not a “one and done” thing and this work is lifelong. We also discuss ways to find peace and ease–our collective favorite mantra. Join us!

Things we mentioned in this episode:

The book Codependent No More by Melody Beattie

Peaceful Barb on instagram - a great follow!

The book The Craving Mind by Dr. Jud Brewer

The book Atomic Habits by James Clear

Alanon Support Groups

Caron has free support groups for Parents

CTC has monthly in person parent group meetings - Parent to Parent Building Connections

Caron’s mission is to transform lives impacted by drug and alcohol addiction through proven, evidence-based, comprehensive, and personalized behavioral healthcare. Caron also offers prevention and education programs for schools and communities. 

Parent to Parent: Building Connections Groups are meeting monthly! Join parents with similar-aged students and a trained facilitator to discover techniques, tips, and tricks to tackle common challenges and strengthen connections. Most importantly we’ll interact with other parents who are in the same stage or who have been there and can offer advice. Bring a friend and join the conversation!

You can now follow Chrissie on Instagram @ctc_chrissie or on Facebook /@Chrissie.CTC for info from each episode, Parent to Parent blog updates, and other parent resources. You can also email Chrissie at [email protected] We would love to hear from you!

Communities that Care has a Parent to Parent Blog and many online resources. Please follow us on socials for more tips, resources and support!:

Instagram @downingtownctc 

Facebook @DowningtownAreaCTC 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeok9Z1R_xkbYmMFlcXjOZw

Be sure to Subscribe/Follow us to get new episodes. 

Find the episode webpage and previous episodes HERE. 

We are excited to welcome our friend and colleague Kathy Collier to the podcast to share with us what is happening in Chester County regarding opioid and fentanyl use–both intentional and accidental use. We discussed what opioids are, how the overdose epidemic is still happening, and how the drug landscape is MUCH different than when we were teens. Kathy also explained how to talk to your kids about opioids, fentanyl, and xylazine, and how it is showing up in other substances that are NOT opioids. This conversation was empowering in providing ways to stay safe and realistic–and the golden rule: no pills and powders and nothing that isn’t yours! Join us!

Things we mentioned in this episode:

Kathy works for the Chester County Department of Drug and Alcohol Services. 

We talked about Narcan and how it is available through the county.

Chester County Information and Resource Line 1-866-286-3767

24/7 PA get help now 1-800-662-HELP

Parent to Parent: Building Connections Groups are meeting monthly! Join parents with similar-aged students and a trained facilitator to discover techniques, tips, and tricks to tackle common challenges and strengthen connections. Most importantly we’ll interact with other parents who are in the same stage or who have been there and can offer advice. Bring a friend and join the conversation!

You can now follow Chrissie on Instagram @ctc_chrissie or on Facebook /@Chrissie.CTC for info from each episode, Parent to Parent blog updates, and other parent resources. You can also email Chrissie at [email protected] We would love to hear from you!

Communities that Care has a Parent to Parent Blog and many online resources. Please follow us on socials for more tips, resources and support!:

Instagram @downingtownctc 

Facebook @DowningtownAreaCTC 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeok9Z1R_xkbYmMFlcXjOZw

LinkedIn: 

Be sure to Subscribe/Follow us to get new episodes!

Find the episode webpage and previous episodes HERE. 

Learn where to get help this coming school year.

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"Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” (Gotta love Mr. Rogers!) Today we are speaking with two of Downingtown Area School District’s (DASD) biggest helpers, Sarah Brooks, Lead Student Assistance Specialist, and Mary Wallin, K-12 Department Leader for School Counselors. Sarah and Mary are sharing with us the roles of Prevention Specialists and School Counselors, as well as other district staff they may work with to support a student and family. We learn the trends they are seeing in school right now, both positives and challenges and how to access local resources. Sarah and Mary also give us the steps on how to handle common struggles including: how to help your child who may be ok in school but is emotionally and behaviorally different at home, what to do if your child doesn’t want to attend school, and how to work with the school team if your child will be missing school for a prolonged period of time. This conversation truly shows the team approach taken at DASD and how parents can best communicate with their school-based supports. Join us!

Things we mentioned in this episode:

Counseling Staff at DASD

Prevention Specialist Staff at DASD

Behavior Specialists at DASD

Mental Health Services at DASD

Psychology Today has a search tool to find providers near you that do and do not take insurance. 

CTC is launching Parent to Parent Peer Support Groups to provide a safe space for parents to get advice and support from other parents. Learn more about these groups and when they meet!

You can now follow Chrissie on Instagram @ctc_chrissie or on Facebook /@Chrissie.CTC for info from each episode, Parent to Parent blog updates, and other parent resources. You can also email Chrissie at [email protected] We would love to hear from you!

Communities that Care has a Parent to Parent Blog and many online resources. Please follow us on socials for more tips, resources and support!:

Instagram @downingtownctc 

Facebook @DowningtownAreaCTC 

Twitter @DowningtownCTC 

YouTube

LinkedIn

Be sure to Subscribe/Follow us to get new episodes every other Tuesday. 

Find the episode webpage and previous episodes HERE. 

Well you drank in high school, right? You smoked weed before, right? These questions are bound to come to you from your kids at some point, and what IS the best way to answer these? We are so happy to welcome back Beth Bruton from Holcomb Prevention to share with us ways to answer these questions honestly without “do as I say, not as I did” vibes. Beth shares how she had this conversation with her own kids and their reactions, plus Chrissie and Bethann share a funny story about the learning opportunities that abound in a tailgating parking lot. We also discuss balancing having the expectation of not using substances while also being a safe person for your child to call when they need help or if they do choose to use. Lastly, Beth shares her list of best tips from years of working in the prevention field. This is a very honest and relatable conversation with lots of laughs, join us!

Things we mentioned in this episode:

We have a great episode with Beth answering the question “Do all kids drink in high school?”

Beth and Chrissie were on a panel for a Power of Parents webinar event. 

Parent to Parent: Building Connections Groups are meeting monthly! Join parents with similar-aged students and a trained facilitator to discover techniques, tips, and tricks to tackle common challenges and strengthen connections. Most importantly we’ll interact with other parents who are in the same stage or who have been there and can offer advice. Bring a friend and join the conversation!

You can now follow Chrissie on Instagram @ctc_chrissie or on Facebook /@Chrissie.CTC for info from each episode, Parent to Parent blog updates, and other parent resources. You can also email Chrissie at [email protected] We would love to hear from you!

Communities that Care has a Parent to Parent Blog and many online resources. Please follow us on socials for more tips, resources and support!:

Instagram @downingtownctc 

Facebook @DowningtownAreaCTC 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeok9Z1R_xkbYmMFlcXjOZw

LinkedIn: 

Be sure to Subscribe/Follow us to get new episodes every other Tuesday. 

Find the episode webpage and previous episodes HERE.