Now that my children are grown and have moved out of the house, I have time, a commodity that seemed much more precious when we were raising them to leave us and find their place in the world. As Thanksgiving and the winter holidays are often about gratefulness, I...
Recently someone asked me, “If we discuss signs of suicide with youth, will that make them suicidal?” Research suggests that if you ask a teen about suicidal thoughts and plans they will answer honestly and accept referrals for treatment and support. According to the...
October is Red Ribbon month and our local schools and city will be honoring this day through activities that aim to educate, advocate and provide resources to youth and families about the negative outcomes caused by the illegal drug industry. The first Red Ribbon week...
Monday was International Overdose Awareness Day. An average of five people died of overdose every hour in the United States in 2011 and overdose is now the leading cause of accidental death nationwide, according to the Center for Disease Control. Sadly, most families...
The data is in that medical marijuana laws have not significantly increased the number of youth using marijuana. However there is concern that newer blasé attitudes towards marijuana amongst adults and kids have resulted in more frequent use among youth and an...
Reposted from the Orange County Register Social media apps and free time are fueling cyberbullying. A combination of handed-down smartphones, summer break and a new wave of shadowy apps makes the next three months especially dangerous for children, warns a nationally...
The Orange County Register, April 14, 2015 By Fred Swegles/staff writer About 300 South County students, parents and community members got a taste of what marijuana legalization could bring to California if the state follows Colorado’s lead. Guest speakers Ben Cort...
I speak to a parent or student who has been hurt by the disease of addiction on a daily basis. The damage that this disease causes to families and communities is devastating. I would like to suggest one tool all parents can use to lower rates of illegal substance use...
The data is in that medical marijuana laws have not significantly increased the number of youth using marijuana. However there is concern that newer blasé attitudes towards marijuana amongst adults and kids have resulted in more frequent use among youth and an...
Sometimes parenting pre-teens and teens can be an “I love you/I love you not” experience. As frustrating as this can be, I encourage parents to (as one wise mom described) try to be that one rock that sticks up in the ocean – always be there in the exact same place,...