Prevention Council for Youth

Brooks Michael | Michael is the coordinator for Carilion Clinic’s Teen Pregnancy Prevention Project and parent education coordinator for the Roanoke County Prevention Council

I am writing with a few comments about the power parents have to influence whether or not their teens and pre-teens engage in risky behavior. In my years of experience working in prevention of risky behaviors of Roanoke area adolescents, there has been one consistent theme: Parents have the greatest influence on whether or not their child engages in risky behaviors. Yes, teens are influenced by the media. True, they are influenced by their peers and siblings. But the greatest influence they receive is right at home from mom and dad.

So now that we are aware of how influential parents are, what is next? First, parents need to understand that during these challenging adolescent years, they need to function in their role as a parent, not as their child’s friend. The opportunity to be their friend will come down the road. A parent’s No. 1 job is to protect their children, keep them safe. As a parent, it is our job to get our children from childhood to adulthood as safely as possible.

Second, talk to your children about risky behaviors such as underage drinking, sexual activity and drug use. Turn off the television, walk away from the computer and set down the Blackberry. And just to be clear, this is not a one- time conversation. Just as important as talking to your kids is listening to them. When your children talk to you, read between the lines. Are you really hearing what they are saying?

Finally, there are many daily things we can do as families to reduce the likelihood our children will engage in risky behaviors. Eat dinner together as often as possible. Know your children’s friends and their families; know who they are spending their time with. Limit cellphone and computer use, especially late at night. With rapid changes in technology, our children live in a different world than we did. As parents, we have to keep up. Be a good role model because your children will grow up to be like you. They watch how you handle situations and learn from you how to respond. And last but not least, set clear rules and boundaries and follow through with consequences that are consistent and meaningful. Children may not always agree with you, but children want rules and boundaries. Many studies indicate this to be true.

I urge all parents in our community to do their part to be involved in their adolescent’s life and show them a successful road for the future. Your influence is the greatest of all, and your kids are counting on you.

Parents have the GREATEST Influence

I am writing with a few comments about the power parents have in whether or not their teens and pre-teens engage in risky behavior.  In my years of experience working in prevention of risky behaviors of Roanoke area adolescents, there has been one consistent theme:  Parents have the greatest influence on whether or not their child engages in risky behaviors.  Yes, teens are influenced by the media. True, they are influenced by their peers and siblings.  But the greatest influence they receive is right at home from Mom and Dad.

So now that we are aware of how influential parents are, what is next?  First, parents need to understand that during these challenging adolescent years, they need to function in their role as a parent, not as their child’s friend.  The opportunity to be their friend will come down the road.  A parent’s number one job is to protect their children; keep them safe. As a parent, it is our job to get our children from childhood to adulthood as safely as possible.

Second, talk to your children about risky behaviors such as underage drinking, sexual activity, and drug use. Turn off the television, walk away from the computer, and set down the blackberry.  And just to be clear, this is not a one time conversation.  Just as important as talking to your kids is to LISTEN.  When your children talk to you, read between the lines.  Are you really hearing what they are saying?

Finally, there are many daily things we can do as families to reduce the likelihood our children will engage in risky behaviors.  Eat dinner together as often as possible. Know your children’s friends and their families; know who they are spending their time with.  Limit cell phone and computer use especially late at night.  With rapid changes in technology, our children live in a different world than we did.  As parents, we have to keep up.  Be a good role model because your children will grow up to be like you.  They watch how you handle situations and learn from you how to respond.  And last but not least, set clear rules and boundaries, and follow through with consequences that are consistent and meaningful.  Children may not always agree with you, but children want rules and boundaries.  Many studies indicate this to be true.

I urge each parent in our community to do their part to be involved in their adolescent’s life, and show them a successful road for the future.  Your influence is the greatest of all and your kids are counting on you!

Sincerely,

Brooks Michael
Coordinator for Carilion Clinic’s Teen Pregnancy Prevention Project and
Parent Education Coordinator for the Roanoke County Prevention Council

The pilot collaboration between the Council, RAYSAC and four ABC stores has been completed.  All stores were given 1,000 Parents Who Host cards to be distributed to patrons during December and through the holiday season.  Kathy and Nancy completed an evaluation of these stores on January 12, 2010.  Feedback was positive. We are planning to give all ABC stores in the Roanoke area these cards to continue to have for the community.

Its My Prom was held on January 16th, 2010 at Northside High School with over 100 models from across the region participating, over 250 attended and 21 schools within the region were represented. The overall evaluation was excellent with extremely positive feedback from adults and youth, as well as the businesses that participated. Blacksburg High School won the banner contest and Perry McClure High School in Buena Vista won the Red Carpet prize for their school.

Pictures from ItsMyProm

For more information, click this link.

Bandfest 2010

Southwest Regional YADAPP 6

YADAPP 6 and Bandfest – This leadership conference is planned, implemented and led by high school youth for middle school youth. This year we are partnering with the Student Advisory Council from Roanoke County Schools to also have Bandfest that evening. Local student bands will compete for cash prizes and the winning title! For more information, visit our website.

Go to www.itsmyprom.org to register to be a model

When:  January 16^th, 2010 at 1:00 p.m.

Where:  Northside High School Alumni Gym

Who:  Starring YOU and your friends as models!!!

Celebrity Host Johnathan Kayne!!!

(Project Runway Season 3)

Admission is $10… You get that back & much MORE… Simply take your ticket to any of our sponsors. Every time you use your card you get $$$ off your purchase price!!! How much will you make this ticket worth?

Visit ItsMyProm.org for a list of our sponsors. Discount cards to for your 2010 prom season!!! (Visit multiple times, limit one per visit)

There will be a contest at the fashion show and the school with the most people in attendance will win a red carpet event for their schools prom this year!

“Funded by a federal grant from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention through the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control”.