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Parenting My Child with Suspected or Diagnosed Depression (Spring 2023)
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IS MY CHILD DEPRESSED? HOW CAN I HELP??
As adults, we can forget the stressors of adolescence, and our young people are struggling now more than ever with depression, suicide, and other mental health concerns. Below are some resources to help us educate ourselves on what depression may look like for teens, as well as some ways to support them through their difficult times.
- 5 Ways for Parents to Help Their Depressed Teens – It is natural for parents to feel frustrated and helpless, but you can learn ways to help your teen regain happiness through understanding more about their perspectives.
- Depression in Teens: How Parents Can Help – All teens can feel sad and moody, but other changes can indicate depression. Learn more about how to tell if your teen is depressed, why this might happen, and potential treatment options.
- Parent’s Guide to Teen Depression – Recognize the depression and suicide signs in teens, as well as the differences between teen and adult depression, while also discovering other important information about causes and how to communicate.
- What Not to Say to a Depressed Teenager (& What to Say Instead) - Sometimes it is known that parents will unknowingly say things that make their teens feel worse instead of better. Learn more about what can help and what can hurt (and why) in these difficult situations.
- On Our Sleeves: The Movement for Children’s Mental Health – Explore great How-To Guides and Mental Health Resources, as well as Home Conversation Starters.
NEED IMMEDIATE HELP? CALL OR TEXT 988!
More crisis resources can be found here!
Sexting Education & Prevention (Spring 2023)
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“SEXTING” IS SERIOUS!
With electronics being so accessible to youth today, sexting is a huge concern in today’s society. “Sexting” is using digital technology to send, receive, and/or share sexual messages, photos, or videos. This can be done through text messages, social media postings, and more. There can be very serious legal, mental, emotional, and overall negative future consequences for sexting, especially for our young people. It’s important for everyone to educate themselves on the facts of sexting!
- The Dangers of Sexting: What Parents Need to Know – Learn more about major concerns of sexting, its connection to pornography, and essential parent advice
- Learn about Sexting - Get insight on the reasons why young people may get involved in sexting, what the law says and the impact it can have on their digital wellbeing
- Teen Sexting: What Parents Need to Know - 1 in 4 teens receive sexually explicit texts; An expert explains what you can do to encourage your teens to be smart with their smartphones
- What Parents Need to Know about Sexting – More information about how and when to talk to your kids about sexting
- 11 Facts about Sexting – Learn more statistics about youth and sexting, as well as how to get involved in the movement to take action
- Sexting and Impacts on Young People – Read more about the specific risks and consequences for youth
- Sexting: Talking with Teenagers – Teenagers who understand the risks are able to make more responsible choices; Help protect teenagers by talking about responsible decisions, healthy relationships, and consent
Dealing with Stress! (Spring 2023)
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STRESS?!?!
Stress is definitely worth talking about and understanding! Like anxiety, not all stress is a bad thing…but long term stress can have significant impact on mental and physical health. It is so important to work on skills toward resilience while knowing we can recognize stress in our lives and how to manage it in a healthy way. Please check out the below resources to help families through the challenges around stress!
- Tips for Parents and Caregivers - Identify warning signs that your child may be struggling with their mental health and learn how to recognize when they need help
- Getting to Know Your Brain: Dealing with Stress – Watch this video about what stress and anxiety are, where they come from, and different ways of coping with them
- Stress vs Anxiety – Find out the differences between the two and how to cope!
- 10 Ways to Manage Everyday Stress (for Teens) – You can’t avoid stress, but you can work on ways to help you manage the regular stress
- Help Your Teen Cope with Stress - Review common causes of teenage stress and how you can help them manage it
- Ready to Snap? Tips for Stressed Out Parents – Check out these tips to help you keep your cool when it really counts
Supporting My Child with Anxiety (Spring 2023)
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SUPPORTING MY CHILD WITH ANXIETY
There is a normal and healthy amount of anxiety we should all experience in life, but when anxiety becomes overwhelming for our children, it can make us feel helpless in supporting them. Please check out the below resources to help families through the challenges surrounding anxiety in our children!
- Whole Child Counseling Printable Resources for Anxiety – includes apps to help with anxiety, book suggestions for youth and adults, and a free subscriber resource library
- WorryWiseKids.org – numerous resources to identify and support anxiety, understand causes and treatments, as well as great parent “Do’s and Don’ts” to work with your child best
- Child Mind Institute: Anxiety – includes quick guide to anxiety in children, why childhood anxiety often goes undetected and its consequences, as well as videos and information on different types of anxiety
- American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry – information specific to anxiety in children, as well as Parents Medication Guides
- Hope + Wellness – 24 Resources for Children and Teens with Anxiety and Their Families
Social Emotional Learning in the Home (Spring 2023)
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WHAT IS SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING (SEL)?
According to CASEL, the experts on Social Emotional Learning, “SEL is the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions.”
WHY IS SEL IMPORTANT?
When we strengthen the areas of Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, Relationships Skills, & Responsible Decision-Making for our young people, research repeatedly demonstrates it has a positive impact on a wide range of outcomes, including academic performance, healthy relationships, mental wellness, and more. The more we encourage this development in our school, community, and homes, the stronger our young people will become!
LEARN MORE
- SEL 101 (video)
- Social and Emotional Learning: Strategies for Parents
- 10 Ways Parents Can Bring Social-Emotional Learning Home
- SEL for Parents (video)
- How to Teach Social-Emotional Learning at Home
Vaping Education & Prevention (Winter 2023)
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Did you know that 1 vape pod equals 20 cigarettes? While cigarettes may seem to be less of a concern today, vaping has proven to be an addictive product with the same dangers. There is even greater concern for young people who are vaping because their developing brains (that keep developing until their mid-20’s!) make them more prone to addiction. Please see the below resources that include information on vaping dangers, prevention, and quitting.
INFORMATION
- Diman Direction Parent/Guardian Forum: Vaping 101 (2/15/23)
- Facts and Information about Vaping – various brochures and fact sheets
to help you gather more information on vaping
VIDEOS
- Vapes and Cigarettes: Get the Facts
- “Bad Taste” Facts. No Filter
- “Confusion” Get Outraged! Vaping Campaign for Parents
- Get the Facts about Quitting Smoking and E-Cigarettes
HOW TO QUIT
Community Resources (Winter 2023)
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The Greater Fall River area offers many supports for families in our community, and we want to make sure you have quick access at your fingertips! Please see the information below for important resources.
- Greater Fall River Community Resource video – short video regarding where to access local and state support, as well as helpful apps
- Greater Fall River Community Resource Guide - up-to-date information on emergency services, counseling services, basic needs, disability services, job training, homelessness support, legal services, and much more (also available in Portuguese and Spanish)
- Fall River Food Pantries/Soup Kitchens - up-to-date information on local food access for 7 days/week
- Fuel Assistance for Heat – heat assistance (can also call 1-800-632-8175)
- Rent or Mortgage Help – housing help
- Mass 211 (also accessed 24/7 by calling 2-1-1) - access to various Massachusetts resources and supports, including food banks, after school care, utility assistance, transportation, etc.
- The Family Resource Center - single point of entry to access community-based, culturally competent family support services (45 Rock Street, Fall River)
- Internet and Computer Assistance – help for paying for internet or a computer
- Behavioral Health Help Line – helps families navigate the behavioral health system and access treatment, including mobile crisis services (can call or text at 833-773-2445)
- Need to Talk? You Matter – emergency resources, including confidential 24/7 hotline information
- Updated COVID SNAP Benefits – information regarding upcoming DTA changes, as well as tips on how to get the most from SNAP
Balancing Screen Time (Winter 2023)
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As parents/guardians, we recognize that our children live in a different world than we were raised in with regard to screen time, especially social media. It can be stressful to find a balance of healthy communication in society today. Please review the documents below with different ideas and perspectives on how to balance screen time with children of all ages (and ourselves!)
- Parent Zone: Risks to be Aware of on TikTok
- NetSmartz: Digital Safety Lessons
- Balanced Screen Time Spotlight – article compilation
Keeping Kids Safe and Secure Online (U.S. Attorney General)
