Articles For Parents

Parenting Rachel Ackerman Parenting Rachel Ackerman

5 Things Children & Adolescents Can Do To Navigate The Digital World

According to the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory and the Department of Health and Human Services, up to 95% of youth ages 13-17 report using a social media platform, with more than a third saying they use social media “almost constantly.” While there is evidence that shows that social media does have benefits, there are also indicators that it can also have a profound risk of harm to the mental health and well-being of our kids.

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Parenting Rachel Ackerman Parenting Rachel Ackerman

Helping Your Child Foster Good Friendships

Friendship is the building block on which our children’s social skills are built and the space where kids begin to understand who they are. As parents and caregivers, we can encourage our kids to choose their friends wisely by having regular conversations around questions like these:

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Parenting Rachel Ackerman Parenting Rachel Ackerman

5 Requests Teens Have of Their Parents About Their Online Safety

Involving our teens in conversations about internet safety is key to understanding the challenges and opportunities they experience online. TikTok took a positive step by committing to working in partnership with parents and caregivers as they support their kid's digital journey. As part of that effort, TikTok polled teens on what support they valued as it relates to online safety. Here's what the kids said:

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Parenting Rachel Ackerman Parenting Rachel Ackerman

Talking To Our Kids About Screens

Smartphones have become a constant companion in our teens' lives. From connection with family and friends to entertainment and background noise, young people rely on their smartphones for different types of mental health support, relaxation, and distraction—at home and at school, and during the day and night.

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Substance Abuse Jordan McGrath Substance Abuse Jordan McGrath

Prescription Drug Abuse

Prescription drugs are more abused than all illegal drugs combined (except marijuana). Prescription drug deaths now outnumber traffic fatalities in the U.S. Many addictions begin with treatment of legitimate health issues.

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Substance Abuse Jordan McGrath Substance Abuse Jordan McGrath

Drug Use - Red Flags

Learn more about the signs & red flags that may indicate that your child is engaging with drugs, and some practical tips to communicate & love your child through it. Check out this article to get started.

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Substance Abuse Jordan McGrath Substance Abuse Jordan McGrath

Marijuana Use

The most commonly used drug among teens, second to alcohol, is marijuana. Our culture often glamorizes the use of marijuana, especially the media and music industry. The misconception is that it’s harmless, which is not the case. Click to learn more.

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Substance Abuse Jordan McGrath Substance Abuse Jordan McGrath

Providing Alcohol to Minors in Your Home

It is not uncommon for parents to knowingly allow minors to drink alcohol in their homes. The justification for this is often stated as, “I’d rather have my kids and their friends drink at my house where I can keep an eye on what’s going on.” Some parents try to “protect” the drinking teens by holding the car keys until the next morning. This does not always keep them or others safe if they leave while still under the influence.

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