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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Vaping Update

Author: Larry Tracey

Posted on 5/14/2020

What is the most commonly used tobacco product among youth? According to recent national studies: E-cigarettes. Studies also show youth are more likely than adults to use e-cigarettes in the U.S. The most popular brand of e-cigarettes among teens is JUUL. They are so popular, teens refer to vaping as JUULing. The devices are small...

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Verbalize Expectations Often Thumbnail

Verbalize Your Expectations Often

Get in the Way Quick Tip #1

Author: Larry Tracey

Posted on 5/12/2020

So who has the most influence on a teen’s choice to use drugs or alcohol? The answer: parents and peers. I mention peers just momentarily, as we’ll talk about the “peer factor” in an upcoming segment. But for now, who your kids hang with or associate with should be important to you. Numerous studies on...

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Rx & Opioid Update

Facts to Know

Author: Larry Tracey

Posted on 5/11/2020

Physical pain has a tremendous impact on the lives of millions of Americans, many of whom have been prescribed opioids to relieve their suffering. However, we now know these pain relievers are highly addictive; so much so that we now find ourselves in an “opioid crisis.” Reducing youth access to these prescription medications is important...

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