September 2018
September 2018
Back to School and Critical Conversations!

We are continuing our Back to School and Critical Conversations series. This is our second newsletter in the series and we have some fun stuff to share. Check out our TalkSooner information, including the Ottawa County PSA.
Settling into school routines, reconnecting with old friends, teachers, etc can be exciting! But it can also be stressful as families juggle all the demands the school year can bring. For some students it can mean back to bullying or back to navigating out of risky situations. Learn how to have critical conversations with your child.



 Critical Conversation:
Youth Marijuana Use

Talking to youth about marijuana can be tough. Knowing what information out there is real and scientific and what's misinformation is challenging. What we do know is that any substance used by youth has an impact on the developing brain. The OSAP Coalition is hosting a training to help parents and professionals working with youth engage teens in preventing and ending marijuana use. Register or find out more!

Can't attend the training? Here are some conversations to start having with your teen about marijuana use:
  • Ask: what are your thoughts about the use of marijuana? Listen and then share scientific facts about marijuana. resources include Talksooner and NIDA
  • Does your teen respond that marijuana is organic? have a conversation about what organic means.
  • What about lung cancer? The American Lung Association has some helpful information.
  • Remember to always talk to youth about being safe while driving; and that driving while under the influence of any substance (alcohol, medications, marijuana, use of a cell phone) is dangerous.


Ottawa Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition
Contact Leigh Moerdyke at [email protected]

http://www.arborcircle.org/community-youth-development http://www.arborcircle.org/community-youth-development


Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/OSAPCoalition
Talk Early. Talk Often. Learn How.  www.talksooner.org