Merakey Student Assistance Program

Cincinnati Children's has created some short videos that are especially helpful for younger children to explain things like social distancing and mask wearing. Check them out here: https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org//videos-for-kids-paren

Here is a great read from the National Institute on Drug Abuse that explains how drugs impact the brain and the science behind addiction. https://www.drugabuse.gov//drugs-brains-behavi/drugs-brain

Check out this list that gives the top 10 apps to get your kids moving! https://wezift.com//the-top-10-fitness-apps-to-get-kids-m/

Happy Fitness Friday! Did you know that the CDC guidelines recommend 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity for children between the ages of 6 and 17 years old each day? Take a look here as well as view some other statistics related to children and exercise. https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschoo/physicalactivity/facts.htm

Resiliency is an important skill to teach children and the National Association of School Psychologists has some great suggestions for helping to foster this skill. https://www.nasponline.org//building-resiliency-helping-ch

Most people's summer plans have changed dramatically due to COVID-19. Here are some tips for helping kids to cope while at home this summer. https://www.futurity.org/kids-at-home-summer-tips-2374102/

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is an important resource to be aware of if you, or someone you know, is in crisis. Help is free and confidential and is available 24/7 by calling 1-800-273-TALK. https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

Happy Fitness Friday! Here are some easy ideas for fitness at home with the family. https://www.rasmussen.edu//fun-fitness-activities-for-kids/

Now that summer break is here, check out some tips from Child Mind Institute for managing summer downtime. https://childmind.org//strategies-for-a-successful-summer/

Here are some great strategies for using positive reinforcement as a means to address substance use in teens and young adults. https://drugfree.org/article/reinforce-the-positive/

Marijuana is the most commonly used illegal drug. Here is a short video that separates some marijuana facts from fiction. https://www.justthinktwice.gov//video-marijuana%E2%80%94-f

Here is an interesting article on helping children to recognize and learn to change negative thinking patterns, or cognitive distortions. https://childmind.org//how-to-change-negative-thinking-pa/

Here is a great article to help you to understand how your teen's brain is developing and the implications that brain development has on preventing drug use. https://drugfree.org/artic/brain-development-teen-behavior/