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?

 
SAVE THE DATE, October 11...
             “Adolescent Psychology:
​                The Parent Version” 
           8:30 a.m. in the MLK Room

Ever wonder why your teens do what they do and how to talk to them about what they shouldn’t do? Need some concrete tips on social media, productive communication, setting limits? Freshman and sophomore parents are invited to a special presentation by parenting specialist Joani Geltman on the inner workings of teen behavior and effective strategies for keeping them balanced and healthy. A social worker, author, and popular speaker, Geltman will cover a wealth of helpful information followed by a short Q & A. Presented by Brookline Public Health and Human Services, B-PEN, & the 9th and 10th grade PTOs.

                               ***

​Worth Checking Out...
* Teens and Situational Awareness
​*Resources for Talking About Race
​

BACK TO SCHOOL TRANSITIONS
When the lazy, hazy days of summer give way to the strict academic regimen of the new school year, it 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!

​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
​
*Expert's Tips for Safe Teen Behavior
Kids are desperate to resume  social life. So how can we set reasonable limits?            

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
                                        * * *
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.