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?

PARENT UPDATE -- Sexuality Communication in Families that Keeps Kids Healthy
Studies show that children who have frequent and open conversations about sexuality with their parents are more likely to make informed, healthy, and responsible decisions about relationships. Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts’ recent “Let’s Be Honest” presentation by Ana Maria Ramos offered Brookline parents and caregivers information, advice, and resources for creating an environment of trust and comfort in talking about relationships and sexuality at home. Check out the new Parent Update for some of the presentation's key takeaways and a list of helpful links and resources.

PARENT UPDATE!
The recent PTO/B-PEN parent presentation by Joani Geltman, "Adolescent Psychology: The Parent Version," discussed adolescent development and navigating tricky conversations with teenagers. Here is a link to her talk (for best sound quality, we recommend listening with headphones)  and here is a summary of key takeaways.               

YOUTH RISK BEHAVIOR SURVEY
The Public Schools of Brookline MA’s latest Youth Risk Behavior Survey reveals some telling trends and data about our students’ mental health, substance use, relationships, and physical health. You can read the Data Summary and Trends Report here.

7 WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR TEEN FROM ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS
The Massachusetts Department  of Public Health has put together an excellent Parent's Guide that is chock full of facts, helpful information, resources, conversation tips, and strategies for helping youth make smart decisions regarding alcohol and other drug use. You can read and/or download it here.

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Need Advice?
​Brookline’s Public Health social workers in Rm. 149 at BHS offer families a safe, confidential source of advice and information. Three short videos show what they can offer:
Working with Teens  
Student Depression and Anxiety  
Prevention
Call (617-713-5149) or write Abby Dean (gabrielle_dean@psbma.org)​

STUDENT & FAMILY RESOURCES 
B-PEN offers informative resource lists to help students and families. Also, B-PEN’s Facebook page is an excellent source for current ideas and resources  to maintain productive, balanced family life as we continue to adjust to ever-shifting norms. Let us know your concerns -- how can we help?

Alcohol and Substance Use Issues 
For those struggling with alcohol, marijuana and other drug use, self-medicating with substances can be a common a way to deal with the depression and anxiety. This list of resources can assist families in accessing help with substance abuse concerns.

Worth Checking Out...
 * BHS Peer Leaders talk about "Our New Online World"

​*Resources for Talking About Race
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*Expert's Tips for Safe Teen Behavior
Kids are desperate to resume  social life. So how can we set reasonable limits?  
 
* Teens and Situational Awareness
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​*Resources for Talking About Race          

SMALL CONVERSATIONS MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE
When it comes to issues of concern, from healthy relationships to substance use, lots of brief, more casual conversations can be more effective than ‘THE BIG TALK.’ Here’s a great, short primer on getting the ball rolling… https://www.samhsa.gov/talk-they-hear-you/parent-resources/small-conversations and another to help with outlining goals … https://www.samhsa.gov/talk-they-hear-you/parent-resources/five-conversation-goals
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WELLNESS SUMMIT ADDRESSES SUBSTANCE USE
The most recent Wellness Summit sponsored by B-CASA (Brookline Coalition Advocating Substance Awareness), brought together roughly 80 people from across Brookline -- from PSB teachers, staff, and students to health care professionals -- to generate ideas to prevent/delay substance experimentation and use among youth. With a focus on protective factors and evidence-based steps to reduce use, destigmatize treatment, and promote well-being, the summit generated a wealth of productive new strategies to address major concerns on issues ranging from vaping to partying and consent. A summarized report details the top findings.