HELPING YOUR TEEN BECOME BETTER WITHOUT IT
Talking about substance use with your teens can be tricky: you want to show them the difference between positive and harmful choices, but you don’t want to lecture them or make them tune you out.
As a parent, this can be challenging. We want to make it easier for you and your teen to have an open conversation that leads them to make the best choices for their minds, bodies, relationships, and future.
Below you’ll find articles, videos, and other resources to help you understand how to help your teen with the many issues related to substance misuse.
BEING THE SUPPORT SYSTEM YOUR TEEN NEEDS
If you notice or suspect that your teen is making harmful choices, be the person that they need, rather than the one judging their actions. Tell them that you care about their well-being and that you’re there to listen and to help.
Above all, your teen needs to know they can trust you, and that they can come to you with their problems. Be there for them, be involved in (but don’t micromanage) their life, and be willing to have open conversations. It’s one of the most difficult but critical aspects of parenting, and there are many resources out there to help you. Reach out if you need help to connect with and support your teen.
Operation Parent
If you’d like a guide to handle sensitive topics like substance use prevention, Operation Parent’s handbook will walk you through these tough conversations. They also write blog entries with additional advice for parenting teens.
Kentucky Partnership for Families and Children
KPFC is a statewide family-run organization that helps families across Kentucky navigate socioemotional challenges and substance use.
Kentucky Department of Education
The state government has compiled a list of resources to talk about substance use with youth.
KVC Kentucky
This nonprofit organization focuses on child welfare and behavioral healthcare that provides mental health services, substance use treatment, and family-related services like preservation and reunification. They also provide a few free resources for parents
Parents Against Vaping
An initiative started to fight against tobacco and vape companies. They’re currently holding online informational webinars to teach parents about these products and provide them with tools to start conversations with their children.
The Dinner Table Project
This organization was created by the Four Rivers Behavioral Health Regional Prevention Center with the premise that when families eat meals together, bonds are strengthened, leading to a decrease in the likelihood of children using substances. They also provide parents with a variety of prevention resources for different types of substances.
Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky
Through this program, parents and caregivers can learn skills to become healthier techniques to raise happier children. Their 12-week program is designed to strengthen the relationship between caregivers and children.
Plan. Eat. Move
This Initiative funded by the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service exists to teach parents how to use limited resource families with young children and SNAP eligible individuals how to plan nutritious meals on a limited budget, acquire safe food handling practices, improve food preparation skills, and change behavior necessary to have a healthy lifestyle.
Motherhood Decoded
Presented by the Louisville Mom Collective, this show is created by moms for moms. Episodes explore motherhood experiences, decoding common parenting issues, self-care for moms, childcare, and local family perspectives.
From the Ville to the Nest: A Parent & Family Podcast
Produced by the University of Louisville Parent & Family Association, this podcast connects Cardinal families with stories, tips, and resources to support parents — especially through the college years and transitions.
Making Kids Count Podcast
Hosted by Kentucky Youth Advocates, this show engages policymakers, community leaders, and young people in discussions about improving life for kids in Kentucky — offering insights into youth issues that parents may find relevant.
Owensboro Parent Magazine
An online magazine for parents in Owensboro to get local resources and where they highlight kids’ stories to be role models for others in the community.