Parent to Parent

Smartphones, iPads, tablets, video games…our screens and tech are everywhere! How do we manage our kids (and our own) relationships with screens and technology? Today we are getting help from Dr. Stephanie Diez-Morel, the founder and Director of Reboot & Recover, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing education, prevention, treatment, and research on technology-based addictions. Dr. Diez-Morel explains why we are so tied to our devices, red flags for tech dependency, how to role model our own healthy screen and phone usage, social media and mental health, and the importance of intention when using our devices. Dr. Diez-Morel also shares feedback from students on how they feel about their parents phone use–it is really powerful! We also discuss an alternative “first phone” and resources to set boundaries around tech use in your family. Join us!

Reboot and Recover’s mission is to provide solutions for balanced living in a technology driven world. We offer therapy for individuals, couples, and families struggling with any issues related to technology overuse and addiction. The treatment is provided by licensed and practicing professionals in a confidential and caring capacity. Follow Reboot and Recover on: 

Facebook @rebootandrecover 

Instagram @rebootandrecover 

Twitter @RebootRecover 

Things we mentioned during our conversation:

Take a free assessment for tech use on Reboot and Recover site to help assess your child/your own use. 

Check out other resources listed on Reboot and Recover’s Resource Page.

Dr. Diez-Morel mentioned GABB phones can be a good choice for a first phone. 

Create a Family Media Plan for your family’s tech use. 

Common Sense Media has reviews for movies, games, tv shows and other media to see what content is included and provides age guidelines. 

The Center for Humane Technology has tips and toolkits for parents, kids, and educators.  

Sign up your 6-12 grader for CTC’s FREE  Healthy Youth Summit!

Communities that Care has a Parent to Parent Blog and many online resources and webinars. 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 Monday. We would love to hear from you! Please email Chrissie with any questions, comments or other feedback at [email protected] 

Find the episode webpage and previous episodes HERE. 

Today we are speaking with Josh Ercole, Executive Director at the Council on Compulsive Gambling of PA, to talk about video games and youth gambling, and how these two activities overlap and intersect. Do you know what loot boxes and microtransactions are? Or that the rating “E for Everyone” doesn’t necessarily mean a game is automatically “safe”? Chrissie learned the answers to these questions and more as we discussed how video games (and learning games) contain many elements of gambling, how gambling activities are really all around us, how to keep an eye out for signs of problem gambling and video game use and resources for help. Join us!

Things we mentioned during our conversation:

DASD PAYS Data for Gambling (pgs 36-38)

Josh mentioned that problem gambling is now reclassified in the DSM-5. Here is the definition of gambling disorder from the American Psychiatric Assoc. Here are the criteria from the DSM-5 to diagnose gambling disorder. 

March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month 

Resources to find support:

The Council on Compulsive Gambling of PA (CCGP) has many resources on their site. The Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania, Inc., maintains a 24-hour helpline, aimed at assisting people whose lives are impacted by gambling related problems. Whether it be the individual themselves, or friends and family members, they strive to connect callers with additional resources located near them. The helpline offers 24/7/365, live assistance to callers. Calls are free and entirely confidential. For callers with primary languages other than English, a language line translation service is available, offering assistance in over 200 languages. Chat and text options are also available. You can also call 1-800-GAMBLER.

You can also find Resources for Providing Help.

Follow the CCGP on Facebook @ccgofpa 

Reboot and Recover provides treatment for technology dependency.  

Game Quitters is a resource to learn more about video game use and dependency. 

The National Council on Problem Gambling has resources and screening tools.

Gamblers Anonymous (GA) groups meet regularly to provide free, anonymous support. Find a meeting here.

Sign up for CTC’s First Annual Snowball Shuffle Family 5k Run & 1 Mile Walk 

Sign up your 6-12 grader for CTC’s FREE  Healthy Youth Summit!

CTC’s Parent Resource Page with Marijuana Resources

Communities that Care has a Parent to Parent Blog and many online resources and webinars. 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 Monday. We would love to hear from you! Please email Chrissie with any questions, comments or other feedback at [email protected] 

Find the episode webpage and previous episodes HERE. 

There is all the love for this special episode today! Chrissie is interviewing Bethann and her daughter Aubrey, who is transgender, about their journey to becoming their truest selves. In our conversation we discussed: advice for parents who may have kids who are wanting to change their pronouns and/or questioning their identity, how to have grace and compassion with each other, and the value of letting go of control and expectations. Look to the show notes below for best practice resources for parents and to learn more about supporting LGBTQIA+ youth. We know that LGBTQIA+ youth and adults are at a greater risk of substance use and misuse, mental health challenges, and suicide risk, all the more reason for education and support for this community. This honest and loving conversation provides support, encouragement and awareness for both parents and youth. Join us!

*Please note we are not medical professionals though we do discuss medical interventions in this episode. Please seek out medical guidance from your pediatrician and/or healthcare providers.

Things we mentioned during our conversation:

Chrissie gave statistics from NAMI at the beginning of the episode about mental health and substance use rates among LGBTQIA+ youth and adults. 

Resources:

PFLAG provides confidential peer support, education, and advocacy to LGBTQ+ people, their parents and families, and allies.

AMAZE.org creates free educational videos + resources to help families talk openly, honestly, and less awkwardly about sex, health, relationships + growing up. They have great resources on gender identity and sexual orientation.

CHOP Gender and Sexuality Development Program The Gender and Sexuality Development Program offers psychosocial and medical support for gender nonconforming, gender expansive and transgender children and youth up to age 21 and their families.

GLSEN works to ensure that LGBTQ students are able to learn and grow in a school environment free from bullying and harassment. Together we can transform our nation's schools into the safe and affirming environment all youth deserve. 

Sign up for CTC’s First Annual Snowball Shuffle Family 5k Run & 1 Mile Walk 

Communities that Care has a Parent to Parent Blog and many online resources and webinars. 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 Monday. We would love to hear from you! Please email Chrissie with any questions, comments or other feedback at [email protected] 

Find the episode webpage and previous episodes HERE. 

Today’s episode is about all things related to marijuana, cannabis, THC, CBD, and everything in between. We are talking with Gretchen Hagenbuch, M.Ed., CPS, from Caron Treatment Centers and just a few (of the many) topics we cover include: youth trends of use, the link between marijuana use and mental health, how a parent can approach talking about their own experiences (or lack thereof) with substances, and how marijuana is unique in its ability to “lower the bar and make that lowered bar perfectly acceptable”.

This episode is packed with helpful information and how-tos that every parent needs to hear to help navigate the ever-changing landscape of marijuana. Join us!

Things we mentioned during our conversation:

Selena (also from Caron) did an interview with about all things vaping

We mention PAYS data and DASD marijuana and vaping use (pgs. 14-17)

Gretchen talks about Delta-8 and its risks; learn more about its risks here and here

Delta-8 is currently sold similar to dangerous substances K2 and Spice.

We talked about how marijuana can make anxiety worse and negatively affect mental health. 

We talked about arrested development, which adolescents are at risk for when using substances and/or developing dependency on a substance.

Chrissie mentioned Jessica Lahey’s book The Addiction Inoculation when talking about your own use/non-use history and making sure not to glamorize the experience.  

Gretchen talked about Caron’s Blog

Caron is an internationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to addiction and behavioral healthcare treatment, research, prevention, and addiction medicine education. Learn more about Caron here: www.caron.org

Caron’s free digital education and prevention classes on their website

Caron has a free marijuana and vaping trends and prevention course

Follow Caron on:

Facebook

Twitter

Sign up for CTC’s First Annual Snowball Shuffle Family 5k Run & 1 Mile Walk 

CTC’s Parent Resource Page with Marijuana Resources

Communities that Care has a Parent to Parent Blog and many online resources and webinars. 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 Monday. We would love to hear from you! Please email Chrissie with any questions, comments or other feedback at [email protected] 

How do you know if your child’s new moods and extra time alone in their room is normal or concerning? How seriously should a parent take a change in friends, behaviors, and academic performance? If you do want to find professional help, where do you even begin?

Today we are speaking with Holly O’Connell, a parent whose journey of navigating the mental health care system for her child led to her founding the nonprofit organization A Path to Hope. A Path to Hope’s mission is to empower individuals to seek treatment by offering guidance in navigating mental health systems and support locating resources in and around Chester County. Holly shares her story and experience in finding the right support for her child, and provides guidance on when to act, how to find support that would fit well with your child, and when to make a plan, even if you may never need it.

We also discuss how the conversations around mental health are changing (for the better), and how the landscape has changed even in the short 3 years since Holly founded A Path to Hope. Join us!

Things we mentioned during our conversation:

Holly mentions NAMI and Psychology Today to find therapists, mental health professionals, and other resources and information (in addition to her site)

A Path to Hope empowers individuals to seek treatment by offering guidance in navigating mental health systems and support locating resources in and around Chester County. You can find A Path to Hope on: 

Facebook @apathtohope

Instagram @apathtohope

Sign up for CTC’s First Annual Snowball Shuffle Fmaily 5k Run & 1 Mile Walk 

CTC’s Parent Resource Page-Mental Health

Communities that Care has a Parent to Parent Blog and many online resources and webinars. 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 Monday. We would love to hear from you! Please email Chrissie Dziembowski with any questions, comments or other feedback at [email protected] 

Find the episode webpage and previous episodes HERE. 

What behaviors qualify as bullying? What should a parent do if their kid is being bullied, or if their child is the one bullying another child? Today we are speaking with Joe Myers, Director of Prevention and Education at Crime Victims’ Center of Chester County, a partner agency of CTC. Joe provides examples of what bullying looks like at all grade levels, signs your child may be in either role of a bullying relationship, and how to support your child and role model positive behaviors. We also discuss how bullying is “in the air of society”, the importance of empathy (and technology’s effects on it), and how the root cause of most bullying behaviors stem from a need for power and control. Join us!

Things we mentioned during our conversation:

DASD Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS) Data about Bullying (pgs. 49-57; 63)

Crime Victims’ Center of Chester County (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. CVC provides assistance through counseling, advocacy, resources, and education. The Center fosters community awareness and understanding through its comprehensive outreach and prevention programs.

CVC’s 24/7 Hotlines: Sexual Assault (610) 692-7273 and Other Crimes (610) 692-7420

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cvcofcc

Instagram: @crime_victims_center

LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/CVCCC

CVC Staff are available to present to your school, parent group, workplace and/or community on topics including bullying, healthy relationships, mandated reporting, respect at work, and more. Click here for more information about available programs.  

Communities that Care has a Parent to Parent Blog and many online resources and webinars. 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 Monday. We would love to hear from you! Please email Chrissie Dziembowski with any questions, comments or other feedback at [email protected] 

Find the episode webpage and previous episodes HERE. 

Title: Ep. 4: Happy Holidays! A Lightning Round Chat with Bethann & Chrissie 

Happy Holidays! Join Bethann and Chrissie for a fun conversation about the holiday season. We share memories, a few tips, and learn new things we never knew about one another--despite our 16+ year friendship. We and CTC wish you and yours healthy, safe holidays and a happy New Year! 

Things we mentioned during our conversation:

The Lazy Genius (Kendra Adachi) - She has a podcast, book, and website -Chrissie loves her and follows her. Her book would make a great gift!

Communities that Care has a Parent to Parent Blog and many online resources and webinars. 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 Monday! We would love to hear from you! Please email Chrissie Dziembowski with any questions, comments or other feedback at [email protected] 

Find the episode webpage and previous episodes HERE.

How early do we need to have conversations with our kids about drugs and alcohol? Studies show that the best age to begin these conversations is between the ages of 8-11 years old. Having early and often conversations really do make a difference when your child is confronted with choosing to try or use alcohol or other drugs. We speak with CTC partner Laura Wiechecki from Compass Mark to learn strategies on how to have these conversations with our kids--both what NOT to do and what can work really well. As we learn today it is not about being right but about being connected. Join us! 

Compass Mark’s mission is to prevent addiction through education, skill-building and community mobilization. In Chester County Compass Mark offers free evidence-based drug and alcohol education programs for students in K-12, thanks to funding from the Chester County Dept. of Drug and Alcohol Services. 

Things we mentioned during our conversation:

Tips On How To Have Early and Often Conversations:

• It is not about being right but being connected and building trust--we don’t need to lead with facts and statistics

Learn more about Compass Mark here: www.compassmark.org 

Follow Compass Mark on:

Facebook - @CompassMark - https://www.facebook.com/CompassMark

Twitter - @CompassMarkInc - https://twitter.com/CompassMarkInc

LinkedIn – Compass Mark - https://www.linkedin.com/company/compass-mark/mycompany/

Instagram - @CompassMark - https://www.instagram.com/compassmark/

YouTube – Compass Mark - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMIT_1Rmv3kMNfIVbvoZR1g

Resources from Compass Mark: 

Research & fact sheets - https://www.compassmark.org/research-fact-sheets/

Help line – online chat at compassmark.org or call at 717-299-2831 (available M-F 8AM-5PM)

Physical resources available at our office – 590 Exton Commons, Exton, PA 19341

Find help in Chester County - https://www.compassmark.org/find-help/find-help-in-chester-co/

Upcoming free virtual events - https://www.compassmark.org/events/

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

Instagram @downingtownctc 

Facebook @DowningtownAreaCTC 

Twitter @DowningtownCTC 

YouTube

LinkedIn

We would love to hear from you! Please email Chrissie Dziembowski with any questions, comments or other feedback at [email protected] 

Find the episode webpage and previous episodes HERE. 

Today we are talking all things vaping with Selena Morresi, MPH, CTTS, CHES, from Caron Treatment Centers. Selena is the Lead Student Assistance Program Specialist and works with middle and high school students facilitating cessation programs to support youth to be nicotine free.  In our conversation today we talked about when kids may try vaping for the first time, why it is so addictive and harmful, how it is not the same as “old school cigarettes,” and how to talk to your kids about vaping. We also discuss the Juul, Puffbar, and sneaky sweatshirts...join us!

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. 

Things we mentioned during our conversation:

Chrissie mentioned the Clean Indoor Air Act which regulates where people can use traditional cigarettes. Vaping is not included in the Clean Indoor Air Act in Pennsylvania.

Chrissie mentioned the book by Jessica Lahey, The Addiction Inoculation when talking about dopamine during adolescence. 

Selena references data from the Monitoring the Future survey. 

You can email Selena at: [email protected] 

Learn more about Caron here: www.caron.org

Selena mentioned Caron’s free digital education and prevention classes on their website

Caron also has an online self-paced cessation program for teens that is FREE called Connect 5

Follow Caron on:

Facebook

Twitter

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

Instagram @downingtownctc 

Facebook @DowningtownAreaCTC 

Twitter @DowningtownCTC 

YouTube

LinkedIn

We would love to hear from you! Please email Chrissie Dziembowskiwith any questions, comments or other feedback at [email protected] 

Welcome to our first episode of Parent to Parent: Real Life Tips to Raise Resilient Kids.

Today we are talking with Kim Porter, executive director of Be A Part of the Conversation. Kim is sharing her family’s story about her son’s substance use disorder and their journey to recovery and resiliency. Kim shares LOTS of “lessons learned” and resources for parents. She also shares that substance use and dependency can happen to any family. As she says, “not my kid, that's not a thing”.

Join us for tips, strategies and conversation about what parents can do now to prevent use and how to support your kids, and yourself, if your child is using substances. 

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

Things we mentioned during our conversation:

Be a Part of the Conversation has tons of resources on their site plus the Parent Partnership support groups Kim mentioned. Follow Be a Part of the Conversation on:

Facebook    

YouTube

Instagram: @convozone   

Twitter: @ConvoZone 

Support groups for Parents that are free and anonymous include AlaNon and NarAnon

Kim mentioned her son was in the “mascot” role in her family--this is based on the family roles of substance use disorder. Learn more about the roles here.

Communities that Care has a Parent2Parent Blog and many online resources and webinars. Please follow us on socials for more tips, resources and support!:

Instagram @downingtownctc 

Facebook @DowningtownAreaCTC

Twitter @DowningtownCTC 

YouTube

LinkedIn

We would love to hear from you! Please email Chrissie Dziembowskiwith any questions, comments or other feedback at [email protected]