For Parents

Totally Free Berkshires is connecting area kids who are choosing other ways to be totally safe.  One way for kids to stay away from the pressure is to become involved in the many activities organized by the schools or by the many youth organizations in Pittsfield.  Pittsfield Community Development has compiled a list of organizations throughout the area that provide fun and interesting programs for kids: Youth Organizations:  YouthOrganizations.pdf

More than 9 out of 10 Pittsfield teens believe their friends are drinking and getting high regularly.

In fact, studies prove that less than half have done either in the past 30 days.

We’re engaging educators, businesses and parents in spreading the truth, and helping kids from 12 to 20 make good choices.

Join us! Sign up, stay informed, get involved. Totally Free Berkshires is totally committed to helping kids be who they are—without drugs or alcohol.

Here’s a free, quick online course:  FREE ALCOHOL PREVENTION COURSE FOR PARENTS!
AlcoholEdu for Parents helps parents to understand Social Host Liability, dispels common misperceptions about underage drinking, assists with
strategies and techniques for monitoring and setting rules, gives guidance on what to do if your teen is experimenting, and get expert advice for
dealing with common situations. The course takes approximately 15 minutes!
Access is Free and Easy!:
1. Visit: http://highschoolparents.alcoholedu.com
2. Under New User type: share
3. Click “Sign Up”!

Thank you for taking our Parent Survey.  We will use the data to create a media campaign highlighting the positive steps families are taking to help their teens make healthy decisions.  Stay tuned!

Mom, Dad, did you ever smoke pot when you were young?

For a really helpful article about how to respond to this question by your child, click here. 

Active Parenting is a workshop series offered periodically throughout the community.  Contact us to find out about up-coming workshops. 

Check out the suggestions here for how to talk with your kids about drugs and alcohol: http://www.timetotalk.org/ and at www.education.com.

Learn how to look for the signs of drug and alcohol use.

IS THERE ALCOHOLISM IN YOUR FAMILY?

Scientists have found that genetic factors contribute to addiction - that alcoholism and addiction can run in families? There’s no surefire way to predict who will be affected, but genetics are one important factor for parents to consider when planning drug and alcohol talks with their kids. Having a parent or grandparent, aunt or uncle, or even a cousin with an addiction problem is a simple indication that your child may be at greater risk.