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?

NEW MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
The stress of today's world can make it challenging to maintain healthy habits and keep up our spirits. But for those predisposed to depression and anxiety, or 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.
B-PEN has put together an updated list of Mental Health Resources, including numbers for suicide and crisis lifelines, local and national resources, and places to explore for help finding support and/or a therapist. And here are  a couple of very helpful Tip Sheets on Typical vs. Concerning Behavior and Supporting a Teen in Crisis.

Here are some tips for talking to our adolescents in ways that acknowledge the anxiety while offering perspective, guidance, and reassurance. And Dr. Sue Varma offers "4 M's" of Family Mental Health during trying times. 
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       NEW - CHECK THIS OUT!!

SITUATIONAL AWARENESS
With the warmer weather, teens may be venturing out a lot more on their own or with friends, going to parties, “hanging” out of doors at night, taking the T into town, etc. It’s a good time to have a chat about situational awareness and personal safety. Here’s a very basic primer to get the ball rolling.
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​RECENT PARENT UPDATES
* “THE POST-BHS TRANSITION -- WHAT SENIOR PARENTS NEED TO KNOW” 

* WHAT JUNIOR PARENTS NEED TO KNOW -- SENIORS SHARE LETTERS ABOUT PREPARING FOR COLLEGE AND LIFE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL

Additional Parent Updates 

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? 
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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.
                   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 (617-713-5155) or write Abby Dean (gabrielle_dean@psbma.org)​

PARENT UPDATE ON  “THE POST-BHS TRANSITION -- WHAT SENIOR PARENTS NEED TO KNOW” Last week’s Sr. PTO meeting presented by B-PEN offered a wealth of information, whether a senior is heading off to college or the military or staying close to home for a gap year or to work. The Parent Update is now available, which summarizes the key takeaways and includes a valuable list of resource links (such as Dr. Anjini Virmani’s excellent Medical Toolkits)
The zoom meeting can be accessed here --
https://brooklinema.zoomgov.com/rec/share/un7XHZoUzHMaHgQKJ-2N4mZNNDnVqHct-ZyhL6agGtxBPji2lsl2aVvOIGddwxM8.KGUKmkwrOOTrr02D

TALK ABOUT "DAY OF CHANGE"
BHS SHARP Warriors organized Day of Change on Feb. 8, a day of education and growth regarding topics of consent culture and healthy relationships at our school and in the greater community. The topics being explored can be difficult, so support staff (Guidance counselors, social workers, and deans) was available in the MLK room and social work/counseling suits for students in need. SHARP's goal is to provide clear definitions, create deeper understanding of consent, and build awareness of actions and behaviors that create positive change. Students may want to process some of the information from the day with parents. If you would like to acquaint yourself with the materials the students designed, here are the links:
9th grade A block
10th grade A block 
11th/12th grade A block 
Hub Advisory lesson for all grades 

This was a powerful panel discussion that occurred at the event:
https://psbma-org.zoom.us/rec/share/cx19lFPpUzKVfRwvL6xBskYxyt9UiJjIWpV6LjMI5bzZ903nU2sN69oI0pLFFI-L.4w5otg6oTkB7pe4G?startTime=1675865090000 Passcode: #*vr8@4*

​Also, SHARP Warriors' presentation “Holding Conversations: Consent, Toxic Masculinity, and Misogyny at Brookline High School” has lots of good info  for talking about these concerns. 

RESULTS OF STUDENT HEALTH SURVEY 
The Brookline Schools 2021 Student Health Survey is now available in summary form, with lots of information on student behavior in grades 7-12, from emotional well-being and sexual behaviors to substance use and technology . Check it out! ​

WHAT JUNIOR PARENTS NEED TO KNOW -- SENIORS SHARE LETTERS ABOUT PREPARING FOR COLLEGE AND LIFE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL
BHS students say junior year can be especially tough. The recent B-PEN/Junior PTO meeting offered parents an opportunity to hear how they can best support their students over the next year. Guidance counselors shared a wealth of insightful advice, and Junior Peer Leaders read a series of letters to parents designed to help them understand some of the unique stresses and pressures of junior/senior years as they begin planning for life after high school. For a summary of key takeaways and a list of Top Student Tips, check out the new Junior Parent Update.
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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 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. 

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