Prom and Graduation Season
Proms, graduations and the parties surrounding them can be an exciting time for teens and parents that they usually can remember throughout their lives. But they can also be a time of heartbreak. There are all too often negative consequences, serious injuries, and even deaths.
The good news is that parents and other adults can help keep teens safe by being informed and prepared. Keep the lines of communication open. Be sure to talk with your kids about underage drinking and the importance of making good decisions and be sure to be clear about your expectations. Following are some tips for both parents and teens.
Safety Tips for Parents:
-Remember that you are the primary influence on your teen.
-Set clear rules about not drinking, and enforce consequences for breaking them.
-Offer to plan, host, and supervise a graduation party; assure parents the party will be alcohol-free.
-Require adult supervision at every celebration your teen attends.
-Know who will be driving your teen to and from the celebration.
-Remind your teen that, under any circumstance, you will be there to pick them up or help them, no questions asked.
-Don’t be afraid to ask your teen to “check in” while they are out.
Get tips for talking to your teen.
Safety Tips for Graduates and Teens Going to Prom:
-Never drink and drive!
-Do not get into a car with a driver who has been drinking.
-Remember you can always say “no” and do not have to do anything you do not want to do.
-If it doesn’t feel safe, it probably isn’t. Trust your instincts.
-Watch out for your friends and have them do the same for you.
-Never be afraid to call your parents or a trusted adult.
More Prom safety tips
Graduation and attending prom should be one of the most memorable times in your and your child’s lives. Talk with them and keep communication lines open to keep them and their friends safe.
Being your authentic self is one of the best ways to protect your #mentalhealth. As we celebrate #PrideMonth, learn more and find resources from Mental Health America: mhanational.org/pride
If you or an LGBTQ+ individual you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available at The Trevor Project with trained counselors. You may visit the website to chat with a counselor, call 866-488-7386 to speak with a counselor or text a counselor at 678-678.
Facts About Fentanyl
ICYMI, a wonderful and educational presentation by two family member who can speak first hand about how fentanyl has impacted their lives:
Volunteer Opportunities
There are a variety of volunteer opportunities at awesome nonprofits throughout Westchester and Putnam Counties. To view these opportunities, please check out Volunteer New York!
Upcoming Events
Weekly Spotlight Family Support Groups
From our partners at Drug Crisis in Our Backyard, weekly Spotlight Family Support Groups, held virtually every Tuesday and Wednesday via Zoom. Spotlight on Recovery is a Family Educational and Support Group for families struggling with a loved one misusing substances. For more information, click here.
The Parent Support Network
The Parent Support Network is a program of The Youth Mental Health Project that seeks to provide support for parents and guardians who are concerned about the mental health of their children (ages 1 -25) through confidential, peer-to-peer meetings. For a list of upcoming virtual meetings, click here.
NAMI Westchester
The families and members of NAMI Westchester are here to help! They offer understanding to anyone concerned about mental illnesses and the treatment of mental illness. To view their calendar, click here.
HOPE Not Handcuffs
Stronger Together is an addiction support group for family and friends of people struggling with addiction. Participants can choose between an online discussion series or in-person meetings, both of which offer compassion, support, and healing to those who need it. Stronger Together meets via Zoom on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month at 7:00pm. Zoom ID: 849 9447 1793 Password: 270773
June 12: Talking to Kids About Mental Health
Children are curious about their environment and the people around them. How do we answer their questions about mental health? Register now.
June 13: Pride in Myself
During this webinar, LGBTQ+ voices will share how self-acceptance, self-compassion, queer joy, and pride in their identities have impacted their mental health. Register now.
June 13: The Impact of Trauma on Childhood and Teen Development
June 15: Virtual Overdose Prevention Training
Naloxone is a prescription medicine that reverses an overdose by blocking heroin or other opioids in the nervous system for 30-90 minutes. Naloxone is administered by injection or intranasal. Following training, participants receive a kit by mail. Presented by our partners at Drug Crisis in Our Backyard. Register by email: ssal@drugcrisisinourbackyard.com
June 26: Depression and Suicide in Young People
Learn what factors contribute to youth depression and suicide, the signs and symptoms, and what we can do to prevent it. Register now.
Please visit the ASK calendar here for more upcoming events.