Prevention — Families with Young Children
Hello Great Start Parent Coalition:
We had some new families join us for our February meeting and we were so glad to welcome them! We talked about prevention in general and about drug & alcohol prevention and body safety. A lot of the conversation centered around how important it is to talk with our kids and build relationships. I would like to share just some of the ideas that we talked about last week.
Ideas:
- I found out recently how important it is to listen to stories about my kids’ imaginary friends. They will tell you anything and everything through an imaginary friend
- Or through their dolls, action figures puppets, etc.
- I try to listen to my kids now so that they always want to chat
- Or even through their art.
- “My child” scribbles and tells me stories all the time
- I feel it’s important to get the facts and spread through friends, extended family, and work. Sometimes it can be confusing due to the stigmas around addiction and substance abuse and the way people explain it to their children. I was always told inaccurate information and I want to spread the correct info.
Thank you to our special guests from the Livingston County Community Alliance/Livingston Catholic Charities for joining us at our February Parent Coalition Meeting. They shared many resources that they offer to the community along with some information that we can take with us and share with others. During our meeting we had a conversation about what prevention can look like at any age, prenatal to adult. Also, four parents took the pledge to become a “Safe Home”. Learn more about the Safe Homes program here: https://drugfreelivingston.com/safe-homes/
If you would like to more about the Great Start Parent Coalition, visit our website here: https://greatstartlivingston.org/great-start-parents/
UPDATES:
- GSL Families Facebook Group launched on Feb 1. It now has 65 members. Join us! www.facebook.com/groups/gslfamilies
- Feb 25th Virtual Parent Cafe – Space is limited! Sign up here: http://bit.ly/vpcgspc
- March Parent Coalition Meeting: Part of the Preschool U workshop (March 4, 11, 18, 25) Register at: bit.ly/preschoolu
- NO GSPC Meeting in March
- Call to Action Conference (March 2) Register at: bit.ly/CAPworkshop21
- Save The Date: Family Fun Day (March 20)
- Save The Date: Other Upcoming Parent Coalition Meetings
Resources from the Meeting:
- Padlet (A group of links organized together) about Prevention. https://padlet.com/GreatStartLiv/prevention
- TalkSooner.org also has an app for your phone! you can get talking tips on the go!
- Medication lock bags are available from the Livingston County Health Department for free. The bag dimensions are 11.03 x 6.78 x 1.46 inches. You do not need an appointment and you may get more than one bag if needed.
Attached are the slides from the meeting for your reference. Have a great day!
