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?

Here are some ideas for keeping our keeping adolescents safe this summer. B-PEN offers these ideas…
GREATER BOSTON CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU’S TOP 10
SUMMERTIME ACTIVITY TIPS
GUIDELINES FOR A SAFE SUMMER
BROOKLINE RECREATION DEPARTMENT
THE LOWDOWN ON HOUSE PARTIES

Don't Stress Over Summer!
Summer is here! And after the year we’ve had, we really need it. But for adolescents with new found freedoms and extra time on their hands, the urge to party and take risks can be irresistible. As we talk with our teens about expectations, values, and rules, consider these two excellent resources:
​
 * Cannabis and the Teenage Brain - https://www.b-pen.org/uploads/2/9/2/9/2929884/cannabis_and_the_teen_brain_dr._medina_03_09_21.pptx
* Short informative video on binge drinking - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiJnMyj-_HI
* * * 
​​B-PEN’s Facebook page offers important resources and ideas for maintaining productive, balanced family life as we continue to adjust to post-pandemic norms. Let us know your concerns -- how can we help?

NEW!  - TALKING TO ADOLESCENTS ABOUT TROUBLING TIMES
Between pandemic-driven economic hardship and deaths, the intensification of racial reckoning, major environmental disasters, and violent political chaos, families are faced every day with a lot of bad news. Here are some tips for talking to our adolescents in ways that acknowledge the anxiety while offering perspective, guidance, and reassurance.
 
      Mental Health Care and Social                  Services During COVID-19
The stress of social distancing and the lack of regular routine and structure can make it challenging for all of us to maintain healthy habits and keep up our spirits these days. But for those predisposed to depression and anxiety, or who struggle with substance use, it can be exponentially difficult, making it vital to connect with appropriate support and guidance. Remind friends and family (especially adolescents) that it’s not just OK, but important to ask for help. Here is a list of resources available to assist families in accessing help with mental health and substance abuse concerns.
​
Student & Family Resources
Other informative resource lists to help students and families through the difficulties of the COVID-19 crisis.

Know anyone needing assistance with food insecurity? Click here... ​

        NEW - CHECK THIS OUT!!

* Tip Sheet - "College and Post-High School Planning
* "Parent Update - "When the S*** Hits the Fan: Parenting during the Pandemic"
* Parent Update - The Unique Challenges of Freshman Year
* Parent Update - Inside Scoop on the Junior Experience
* Parent Update: Strategies for Dealing with Stress, Screen Time, and Social Isolation 
 * 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? 

*The "4 M's" of Family Mental Health during Covid-19, from Dr. Sue Varma
​
*STUDENT TO STUDENT TIP SHEET
Surviving and Thriving COVID-19    
BHS Peer Leaders have put together a fabulous list of ideas for their peers.
* Volunteer Opportunities for Teens  and ​Brookline Teen Center's Summer and Mentorship Program --btc_summer_mentor_flier.pdf

​*Parenting Through the Pandemic 
a digest of helpful articles and webinars. If you run across something that’s been particularly helpful, let us know  – we’ll keep updating this, so check back often. And follow us on Facebook for the latest info as it arrives!  

  Help with Alcohol and Substance                      Use Issues during
            the COVID-19 Pandemic
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. With the added isolation and chaos of the current pandemic, it can be especially difficult to ask for help and to connect with appropriate support and guidance. Here is a list of resources available to assist families in accessing help with substance abuse concerns.

                   Need Advice?
​The Prevention/ Intervention Team is here to help. Call 617-713-5155 or email Mary_Minott@psbma.org

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.