The EXIT Plan

Author: Alva Tovar

Posted on 1/29/2021

Last September, we helped parents understand the importance of having “The Talk” with their children. Today, we want to expand on bullet point #5 — Build your child’s strategies and skills to avoid alcohol and drug use and talk about The Exit Plan. You and your family need to develop some strategies and skills to help...

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Better & Stronger

Resilience

Author: Alva Tovar

Posted on 1/1/2021

We made it through 2020, and I think we can all say 2020 was not without its fair share of hardships. Life can be hard all on its own, but then you mix in a global pandemic and all the aftermath that comes with it, things can feel very overwhelming. Some ask, where does it...

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Question & Silence

Get in the Way Tip #8

Author: Joe Tracey

Posted on 12/9/2020

Through the years, I have learned a very productive habit when helping people solve problems on their own. The habit is – Ask a great question and then shut up! People are more likely to do something when it is their idea. Asking a great question, followed by silence, allows the receiver time to think...

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I Am Proud of You

Author: Joe Tracey

Posted on 11/5/2020

One mantra I have used to get through this time of uncertainty is “success is your duty, obligation, and responsibility.” Lately, I’ve been thinking about that from a parenting aspect. The success of our children is our duty, obligation, and responsibility. As 2020 comes to an end and the holidays approach, one thing has remained...

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The Talk

Get in the Way Tip #9

Author: Alva Tovar

Posted on 9/1/2020

It is not always easy to start conversations with your children about certain topics. They can become awkward and uncomfortable fast. But those are the types of conversations that are the most important for your family’s future.  You know the talk, right?  The talk you have with your child about your expectations on alcohol and...

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Testing Hot – Update

The Chains of Addiction

Author: Larry Tracey

Posted on 7/31/2020

Last January, I published an article written shortly after getting off the phone with a mother whose twenty-five-year-old son had tested “hot” for opioids. This mom was beginning to lose hope because he had been admitted into drug treatment centers multiple times. She was now wondering if she would become part of an exclusive club...

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Creating Purpose

Get in the Way | Tip #5

Author: Larry Tracey

Posted on 6/30/2020

The teen brain focuses on risk and excitement.  As parents, grandparents, or caring adults, there are times when we must Get in the Way and be the guiding force—and at times—foil these high-risk situations teens create or put themselves in. Get in the Way Tips were created to make raising kids easier and help you...

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The Peer Factor

Get in the Way Tip #7

Author: Alexis Leffew

Posted on 6/5/2020

Parents are the #1 influence on their kids growing up. BUT, as they get older, peers take on that influence. Teen’s priorities switch from making their parents proud, to making their peers proud; a people-pleasing mentality that is detrimental when the influencer is not a positive one. So, What Can You Do? Get to know...

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Roadblocks to Change

Author: Larry Tracey

Posted on 6/1/2020

As a teen, my mission in life was to never be like my father. The worst day of my life was the day I realized I was just like him. That was the day I realized I had to do more than think I wanted to be different…I had to do something to become different…and that is how my worst...

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Suicide Prevention

Author: Alexis Leffew

Posted on 5/15/2020

Are you contemplating suicide? Please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline here: 1-800-273-8255 or chat here with someone who can listen and help. During the COVID-19 quarantine, mental health has been a hot topic. Tragically, many have committed suicide due to the overwhelming nature of such a pandemic, and the social isolation that has come...

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