Nyack Public Schools

PREVENTION is a FAMILY AFFAIR

With everything that is going on today, we realize that you, perhaps some families members and/or friends maybe experiencing a range of emotions.  The world has gotten more complex in ways and yet, we are finding ourselves becoming more adaptive and creative.  The following are some ways to spend quality time,  relieve some tension and still focus on prevention.

Conversation not Confrontation – Some of the most important conversations begin with a simple question. Use this time to catch up on what is everyone’s favorite thing by asking a question like “what fun thing have you discovered about yourself or that you like to do?” Then, everyone can work together develop the answer into a strategy to use when anxiety or stress creeps in.

Teachable Moments – Many of the remembered teachable moments  use to take place in the car going from one event to the next.  Now, with restrictions in place regarding what activities are allowed, taking a car ride,  when no one could leave into you reached your destination is not happening as often. Now you have to find those moments doing other things at home, being together more may mean that those teachable moments are more frequent, use them to your advantage. Keep yourself updated on what the youth in your home like and/or may be talking about.  Try and be prepared as you can, without forcing conversations, they should be as organic as possible.  Don't be afraid to be a learner and a teacher.

Staying Connected – If you are able to use zoom, or use other direct “face- to- face” communication methods, that is good. However, now is a great time to go back to old fashion letter writing. Encourage each other to write notes or letters expressing the good, special, or unique things you like about one another.  You can leave the special notes around the house.  In addition you may have relatives and friends that do not live by, and you are thinking of them.  Write a letter stating your appreciation, wonder or fond memory of another time, send them long distance, to relatives and friends, they will make good keepsakes.   

Journaling – Journaling is a good way to write down your feeling;  what you would like to say (and sometimes can’t ), you can decorate a journal and make a keepsake for yourself, you can write daily, weekly, monthly reflections, or focus on  getting your thoughts together to express later. Don’t be afraid to write anything and everything, you will be the person who decides if your writings are shared.  Using journaling is a good way to express your feelings , if you don't want to keep the writing -  tear it up, or you can share it and use it as a tool to get help or help someone else.

If you are interested in learning more, please go to DrugFree.org*  Skill- Building Course Addressing Teen Substance Use

*Please note this is general helpful information and not an endorsement.