FAMILY WORKSHOP: ‘TALKING WITH CHILDREN ABOUT DRUGS AND ALCOHOL’

Teens and pre-teens often experiment with alcohol and drugs for many reasons, including curiosity, because it feels good, to reduce stress, to feel grown up or to fit in. Parents need to become empowered with research-based information regarding drugs and alcohol to help them communicate family values to their children and to learn the warning signs of alcohol and drug use. This workshop is designed to help parents reach that goal.

On Tuesday, March 15th a workshop will be held at the Demoney Elementary School in Estherville. The main focus of the meeting will be on “Talking with Children about Drugs and Alcohol”. Participants in this workshop will learn skills to help their child resist alcohol and drug use by providing early education about drugs and alcohol, encouraging open communication, positive role modeling and early recognition and treatment of emerging problems. The presenter will be Jody Duhn, Substance Abuse Prevention Education Coordinator from the Northwest Iowa Alcoholism and Drug Treatment Unit.

Additional information will be presented on “Natural and Logical Consequences” from the nationally acclaimed ‘Active Parenting Now’ curriculum which uses video, activities and discussion to show ways parents can raise responsible, cooperative children who are able to resist negative peer pressure.

The doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for registration, with the workshops being held from 5:45 – 6:45 p.m. A light supper, child care and a Hispanic translation are available to all participants at no charge.

The workshops are made available by a grant from Prevent Child Abuse Iowa and are geared toward parents (custodial and noncustodial), foster parents, grandparents, teachers, child care providers and other community members interested in the safety and well-being of infants, children, pre-teens and teens.

The topic for the upcoming April 5th workshop at the Armstrong-Ringsted School in Armstrong will be ‘Parenting for Dads’. The April 19th workshop at the Demoney Elementary School in Estherville will be ‘Anger Management/Bullying’. A “Family Resource Fair and Fun Night” is scheduled for April 26th at the Regional Wellness Center in Estherville.