Family Services of Montgomery County, PA’s Post

🎉 High school prom season is upon us, and while it's a time for celebration, parents must recognize their role in ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for their teens. Here are some questions to consider sharing with parents and tips for having important conversations beforehand: 🤔 Questions for Parents to Consider: Have you discussed your expectations regarding alcohol and drug use with your teen before prom night? Do you know who your teen will be attending prom with and what their plans are before and after the event? Have you talked about peer pressure and strategies for handling difficult situations if they arise? 💬 How to Have Conversations Beforehand: Start the conversation early and keep communication lines open. Create a safe space for your teen to ask questions and express concerns. Be honest and transparent about the risks associated with underage drinking and substance use. Share real-life scenarios to illustrate the potential consequences. Listen actively and without judgment. Encourage your teen to share their thoughts and feelings about prom night, including any anxieties or peer pressure they may be experiencing. 🛑 Help Parents Plan WITH their Teens: Encourage parents to talk with their teen to plan ahead and make responsible choices. Discuss alternatives to alcohol-related activities, such as hosting a post-prom party with games, movies, or other fun activities. Set clear expectations and boundaries regarding curfew, transportation, and communication. Let your teen know that you trust them to make smart decisions, but also that you're available to help if they need it. 💡 Conversation About Expectations: Outline expectations for behavior and consequences if rules are broken. Be firm but supportive, emphasizing that your primary concern is their safety and well-being. Remind teens that prom night is about creating lasting memories with friends and celebrating accomplishments. Encourage them to focus on the positive aspects of the event rather than succumbing to peer pressure. Encouraging parents to have open and honest conversations with their teen before prom night can help them make informed decisions and navigate tricky situations they may encounter. Let's work together with parents to make prom season memorable and safe. 🌟 #PromSafety #ParentingTeens #OpenConversations #StaySafe

There are many ways to support your children as they navigate the world on their own. Kids need to grow up in supportive, welcoming, and inclusive environments that help nourish their overall development. Here’s a link to 101 ways to support you and your child during Every Kid Healthy Week: https://lnkd.in/guCn4wUT

We’re into October now, meaning kids have been back-to-school for nearly a month! Around this time, some kids start to push back and resist daily routines, especially around school. This can cause stress for parents and caregivers and makes getting out of the house in the morning challenging. As a parent, teacher, and therapist, I’ve seen and experienced these types of struggles. Click on the link below to read more about my thoughts on the issue! https://lnkd.in/g_6WY2DT

School’s out for the summer - and for parents, it’s arrival brings both joy and mixed emotions as your children prepare for a well-deserved break from school. While it's a time for relaxation and de-stressing for your kids, the extended period of having the kids at home can also introduce its fair share of stressors for you. In this blog post, we will explore effective strategies for parents to navigate and manage the stress of having their kids home for the summer, ensuring a relaxed and stress-free summer for the whole family. https://loom.ly/gmDAc7w

As summer comes to an end and children head back to school, family life can get pretty hectic. It's important to remember – and share with your children – some key tips that will help keep them safe and healthy throughout the school year. Learn more at https://hubs.la/Q01_wNyq0?

As summer break gets under way, your child may be experiencing anxiety due to the change in their daily schedule. Signs of anxiety could include: clinging to a parent, crying, temper tantrums, and/or complaining of headaches/stomach pains as well as becoming withdrawn, sullen, or irritable. To help children and youth manage anxiety in an effective & healthy manner, we are now offering BEING ME one-on-one (1:1) sessions. This option includes: - Six (6), one-on-one sessions with a therapy intern for only $275 - A BEING ME Toolkit that includes Muddy Puddy, Wilbert the Squishy, and the Goat Worry Box - BONUS: “Cindy & Cristabelle’s Big Scare” Storybook https://lnkd.in/gVxikGTZ

Check out my insights on why today's teenagers are feeling more stressed than ever before. Let's delve into the underlying causes and explore potential solutions together! 😇 https://lnkd.in/d83DtHcB

🚨 Attention Parents and Educators! 🚨 Did you know that excessive caffeine intake can pose serious health risks for children? Caffeine is found in tea, coffee, and energy drinks, and while it can help with alertness, it can also lead to increased heart rate, abnormal heart rhythms, poor sleep, restlessness, anxiety, depression, and tremors. Guidelines for children: - **Under 5 years**: No caffeinated or carbonated drinks. - **School-going children and adolescents**: Limit tea/coffee to a maximum of half a cup/day (100 mL). - **Ages 10-18**: Limit to one cup/day (200 mL), with no other caffeinated products consumed. Caffeinated energy drinks should be strictly avoided by all children and adolescents. Let's prioritize the health and well-being of our young ones by managing their caffeine intake. 💪 #ChildHealth #CaffeineAwareness #HealthyKids https://lnkd.in/g-EKkMNR

Part 2 (if you missed part 1 go back a post) of my rundown of the new study (Green et al) on variables that contribute (+ and -) to substance use by early adolescence! Full breakdown on my blog at www.jessicalahey.com