WELCOME TO B-PEN!

​​Brookline Parent Education Network helps parents navigate the social, emotional and developmental challenges affecting Brookline's teens and pre-teens. B-PEN collaborates with the Public Schools of Brookline and PTO's to facilitate parent connections with:
  • other parents
  • school and town resources
  • helpful information via written/electronic materials on a wide variety of teen concerns​

WHAT'S NEW?

​Back to School Transitions
The academic regimen of the new school year can be a tough transition for students of all ages -- and their parents! Kids are facing the challenges of different classes, unfamiliar teachers, maybe even new classmates and a new school. And while this developmental milestone can mark a fresh beginning for reinvention, it can be tricky for parents to navigate as they balance expectations and setting limits on scheduling, bedtime, homework management, etc.
​B-PEN’s “Transitions” page offers a wide variety of tip sheets and resources to help families get off to a good start. Check it out!
​The Truth About Vaping
Vaping continues to be a big issue with teens, despite Gov. Baker's ban. The parent presentation "The Truth About Vaping" (Oct. 28, 2019, 7 p.m., BHS Auditorium) by Caron Treatment Center’s Education Alliance offered parents a wealth of information and strategies regarding the troubling epidemic of vaping among Brookline youth. Click here for The Bottom Line takeaway of key points and recommended resources. 

Survival Guide to Parenting Teens -- Child development expert Joani Geltman shares her wit and wisdom on parenting -- here's the Parent Update.
Teen Sexuality in the Era of #MeToo
One of the trickiest challenges of adolescence is navigating the murky waters of romantic attraction and sexuality. In the midst of developing personal identities, pre-teens and teens are also trying to figure out how to forge meaningful relationships with others, and this can be especially confusing in the era of #MeToo. When does harmless flirtation cross the line? How do we talk to adolescents about consent? Read the new parent tip sheet on "Teen Sexuality in the Era of #MeToo."
STUDENT HEALTH SURVEY NOW AVAILABLE
The latest Brookline High School Health Survey XVIII sheds light on 7-12th grade student substance use, sexual practices, mental health concerns, dietary and exercise habits, and more. The report's Executive Summary outlines some of the key details, and data charts illuminate specifics of High School and Middle School. To access the full report, click here.