Resources
There are many organizations working hard to support youth and families in our communities and beyond. Here are some resources we find helpful. Let us know if you don't find what you're looking for here.
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Local Resources
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CY STaff
TABLE TALK
Do you know when is a good time to talk with your kids about marijuana?
Now. And tomorrow. And many other days after.
Express Care. Make Connection. Educate. Set Boundaries. Role model.
There has been conflicting talk in our media lately related to marijuana policy and increasing access to marijuana for recreational use in Vermont. Between legalization, increased normalization in pop culture and new ways of using (edibles, vaporizers, concentrates), it’s becoming more and more complicated to know how to address marijuana use with kids.
These are highly complex issues and it is important to be informed and thoughtful about the impact of marijuana use on individual and community behavior. What we know from research is the marijuana use has ill effects on health and should be discouraged, particularly by youth.
Marijuana is the most widely used illicit drug among youth today and is more potent than ever. The chances of kids encountering marijuana in their tweens and teens have increased and we need to be prepared. The science continues to emerge, but we can say with certainty now that marijuana use is significantly linked with:
Think back to your own role models growing up. They might have been parents, teachers, neighbors. Often it is difficult to remember the specific lessons they taught or things they said to you, however, it might be easier to think about how they made you feel - connected, capable, and cared for.
Research shows there is a strong connection between feeling valued in a community or school and substance abuse. Adolescents who perceive that their teachers and community cares about them are less likely to initiate marijuana use, cigarette smoking, drinking to get drunk, and other health risk behaviors (1). Relationships with parents, teachers and counselors are among the most important and formative ones for many youth. According to studies, students who are poorly bonded to school are also less likely to recognize that substance use may reduce the likelihood of them achieving their future goals.
So now is the time to get a conversation started and keep it going! Struggling with what to say? Try asking your child these questions to get the conversation started:
Here are some other great websites to get more information and tips for talking with kids about drug and alcohol use:
ParentUP Vermont
Parentupvt.org
Partnership for Drug Free Kids
drugfree.org
ParentFurther
Parentfurther.com
Speak Now
speaknowcolorado.org
Now. And tomorrow. And many other days after.
Express Care. Make Connection. Educate. Set Boundaries. Role model.
There has been conflicting talk in our media lately related to marijuana policy and increasing access to marijuana for recreational use in Vermont. Between legalization, increased normalization in pop culture and new ways of using (edibles, vaporizers, concentrates), it’s becoming more and more complicated to know how to address marijuana use with kids.
These are highly complex issues and it is important to be informed and thoughtful about the impact of marijuana use on individual and community behavior. What we know from research is the marijuana use has ill effects on health and should be discouraged, particularly by youth.
Marijuana is the most widely used illicit drug among youth today and is more potent than ever. The chances of kids encountering marijuana in their tweens and teens have increased and we need to be prepared. The science continues to emerge, but we can say with certainty now that marijuana use is significantly linked with:
- Addiction
- Heart and lung complications
- Impaired brain development
- Increased risk for mental illness
- Car crashes
- IQ loss and poor academic outcomes
- Poor quality of life outcomes
- Poor job performance
Think back to your own role models growing up. They might have been parents, teachers, neighbors. Often it is difficult to remember the specific lessons they taught or things they said to you, however, it might be easier to think about how they made you feel - connected, capable, and cared for.
Research shows there is a strong connection between feeling valued in a community or school and substance abuse. Adolescents who perceive that their teachers and community cares about them are less likely to initiate marijuana use, cigarette smoking, drinking to get drunk, and other health risk behaviors (1). Relationships with parents, teachers and counselors are among the most important and formative ones for many youth. According to studies, students who are poorly bonded to school are also less likely to recognize that substance use may reduce the likelihood of them achieving their future goals.
So now is the time to get a conversation started and keep it going! Struggling with what to say? Try asking your child these questions to get the conversation started:
- “What’s the hardest thing you deal with when it comes to just being yourself around your friends?”
- “If one of your friends wanted to try marijuana, how would you handle that?”
- “If someone asks you if you want to try marijuana at a party or friend's house, what will you say? ...How about we practice a few things you can say so you'll feel prepared?”
- “If you ever have questions about marijuana or other drugs, you can count on me to listen and help you find the answer.”
- “There has been a lot of misinformation lately going around about marijuana. What have you heard from others about marijuana? I’ve spent some time getting more informed lately so I have more accurate information. Can I tell you what I know?"
Here are some other great websites to get more information and tips for talking with kids about drug and alcohol use:
ParentUP Vermont
Parentupvt.org
Partnership for Drug Free Kids
drugfree.org
ParentFurther
Parentfurther.com
Speak Now
speaknowcolorado.org
Finding natural ways to talk with kids about drugs and alcohol can be challenging. Especially with teens who may seem like they’re not listening—or don’t care what you have to say. But the truth is, children care deeply about their parents’ opinions, even if they don’t show it directly. In fact, the #1 reason kids give for not drinking is that they don’t want to disappoint their parents.
In Vermont, 30% of high school students reported drinking alcohol in the past 30 days (2015 Vermont Youth Risk Behavior Survey). So the good news to tell kids is that most kids their age are NOT drinking!
There is no single reason why teenagers do choose to use drugs or alcohol. However, the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids offers a list of the most common issues and influences behind the behavior of teenage drug and alcohol use here.
ParentUP, a Vermont resource from the Vermont Department of Health, gives kids tips and tools to help parents and guardians talk to their kids about drug and alcohol use.
Parents can help prevent alcohol and other drug use with the following strategies:
In Vermont, 30% of high school students reported drinking alcohol in the past 30 days (2015 Vermont Youth Risk Behavior Survey). So the good news to tell kids is that most kids their age are NOT drinking!
There is no single reason why teenagers do choose to use drugs or alcohol. However, the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids offers a list of the most common issues and influences behind the behavior of teenage drug and alcohol use here.
ParentUP, a Vermont resource from the Vermont Department of Health, gives kids tips and tools to help parents and guardians talk to their kids about drug and alcohol use.
Parents can help prevent alcohol and other drug use with the following strategies:
- Help your child develop key skills, experiences, relationships, and behaviors that support healthy decision making
- Talk about alcohol, drugs, and mental health issues
- Monitor where your teen is and get to know the other kids they spend time with
- Make connections with the parents of your child’s friends to help you feel comfortable asking them about the rules of their home (Do they lock up/monitor the alcohol and prescription medications in their home? Do they allow teens to drink in their home?)
- Learn the early warning signs of substance use/abuse
