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 2022
For kids as well as parents, the transition of “back to school” is one of life’s most anticipated – whether with anxiety, eager excitement, or a little of both. And most of us are still feeling a lot of uncertainty – from the day-to-day challenges of new schools/classrooms/teachers/peers to the bigger issues of today’s complicated world. Families will do well to take a deep collective breath before diving in, and as we go, keep social/emotional health front and center. B-PEN’s “Transitions” page offers a wide variety of tip sheets and resources to help families get off to a good start.
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Setting Teens Up for Medical Independence
As you prepare to send your teen off to college and greater independence, keep in mind the importance of setting them up for medical independence as well. Dr. Anjini Virmani’s Medical Toolkits – one for students and one for parents -- are excellent info sheets to promote a healthy transition, from consent issues to health insurance guidelines and helpful resources. 

The senior PTO meeting with Dr. Virmani was also very informative.  The main content of the meeting is in the first video recording below.  A short smaller group discussion with information on reproductive health followed and is on the second video. Passcode for both is   =v7#vKv2
    Recording 1: Main Content
    Recording 2: Small discussion on reproductive health

THE 25 THINGS A TEEN NEEDS TO KNOW
​BEFORE LEAVING HOME
For all of you confronting the prospect of sending a child off to college, gap year activity, etc., this article has some really good info... https://grownandflown.com/kid-needs-know-before-leaving-home/ 
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VIDEO  & PARENT UPDATE NOW AVAILABLE!
For families that missed B-PEN's recent forum on Teens and Screens: Finding Balance in the New Normal, the event offered a wealth of excellent advice on how families can establish realistic goals for navigating our busy digital lives. Check out the event recording! 
​And for easy reference, here's the new Parent Update.
And this article offers some excellent talking points. 

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! 

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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?
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SHARP Warriors Presentation on Consent
This recording of the SHARP Warriors presentation “Holding Conversations: Consent, Toxic Masculinity, and Misogyny at Brookline High School” has lots of good info and ideas for talking about these concerns. 

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 For Unsettled Times
The stress of all that is currently going on in our world can make it challenging for  to maintain healthy habits and keep up our spirits. 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.
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The "4 M's" of Family Mental Health during Covid-19, from Dr. Sue Varma
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       NEW - CHECK THIS OUT!!

* Jr. PTO Meeting - Srs. Advice to Parents link to recording -- (password is Vd?HM6&h)
* Parent Update - The Unique Challenges of Freshman Year Pt. 2, 2022
* Parent Update - The Developmental Challenges of Sophomore Year
* Parent Update - The Unique Challenges of Freshman Year 2021
* "Parent Update - "When the S*** Hits the Fan: Parenting during the Pandemic"
* Inside Scoop on the Junior Experience - Seniors Advice to Jr/Sr Parents
* 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? 
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*STUDENT TO STUDENT TIP SHEET
Surviving and Thriving COVID-19    
BHS Peer Leaders have put together a fabulous list of ideas for their peers.

​*Parenting Through the Pandemic 
a digest of helpful articles and webinars.   

  Help with 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. With the added isolation and chaos of the 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?
​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 Mary Minott  (Mary_Minott@psbma.org ) and Abby Dean (gabrielle_dean@psbma.org)
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And a list of additional resources...

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

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.