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Parent to Parent: Real Life TIps to Raise Resilient Kids, is a podcast from Communities that Care of Greater Downingtown. Every other week Chrissie and Bethann will meet with experts and other parents to discuss topics related to raising healthy kids--everything from drug and alcohol use to mental health to supporting independence. Each episode will give listeners concrete, hands-on tips that parents can use in their homes with their families right away. Hosts Chrissie Dziembowski and Dr. Bethann Cinelli have a combined 40+ years experience working in health education with youth, parents, schools and communities. Thank you for joining us! Communities that Care has a Parent2Parent Blog and many online resources and webinars. Please follow us on socials for more tips, resources and support!: Instagram @downingtownctc Facebook @DowningtownAreaCTC Twitter @DowningtownCTC YouTube LinkedIn We would love to hear from you! Please email Chrissie Dziembowski with any questions, comments or other feedback at cdziembowski@dtownctc.org
Episodes
Wednesday Sep 13, 2023
Wednesday Sep 13, 2023
Today we are learning how to find joy in the chaos, including refilling our EXTRA–which our guest Rosey Celommi will explain what this EXTRA is and how we all need to care for it. Rosey is an educator of over 25 years and she previously taught and worked in Chester County. In the past few years Rosey has been on a mission to help educators care for themselves to deal with and prevent burnout. Just about all of these principles apply to parents too! Rosey shares ways to figure out what brings you joy and how to nurture it, how to integrate a mindfulness and gratitude practice into your day, and how to create joy in the chaos of our busy lives. Join us!
Things we mentioned in this episode:
Chrissie mentioned a previous blog post
Rosey mentioned Jon Kabat-Zinn as a leader of mindfulness and the developer of mindfulness based stress reduction
You can now follow Chrissie on Instagram @ctc_chrissie or on Facebook /@Chrissie.CTC for info from each episode, Parent to Parent blog updates, and other parent resources. You can also email Chrissie at cdziembowski@dtownctc.org We would love to hear from you!
Communities that Care has a Parent to Parent Blog and many online resources. Please follow us on socials for more tips, resources and support!:
Instagram @downingtownctc
Facebook @DowningtownAreaCTC
Twitter @DowningtownCTC
Be sure to Subscribe/Follow us to get new episodes every other Tuesday.
Find the episode webpage and previous episodes HERE.
Tuesday Aug 22, 2023
Tuesday Aug 22, 2023
Learn where to get help this coming school year.
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"Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” (Gotta love Mr. Rogers!) Today we are speaking with two of Downingtown Area School District’s (DASD) biggest helpers, Sarah Brooks, Lead Student Assistance Specialist, and Mary Wallin, K-12 Department Leader for School Counselors. Sarah and Mary are sharing with us the roles of Prevention Specialists and School Counselors, as well as other district staff they may work with to support a student and family. We learn the trends they are seeing in school right now, both positives and challenges and how to access local resources. Sarah and Mary also give us the steps on how to handle common struggles including: how to help your child who may be ok in school but is emotionally and behaviorally different at home, what to do if your child doesn’t want to attend school, and how to work with the school team if your child will be missing school for a prolonged period of time. This conversation truly shows the team approach taken at DASD and how parents can best communicate with their school-based supports. Join us!
Things we mentioned in this episode:
Prevention Specialist Staff at DASD
Mental Health Services at DASD
Psychology Today has a search tool to find providers near you that do and do not take insurance.
CTC is launching Parent to Parent Peer Support Groups to provide a safe space for parents to get advice and support from other parents. Learn more about these groups and when they meet!
You can now follow Chrissie on Instagram @ctc_chrissie or on Facebook /@Chrissie.CTC for info from each episode, Parent to Parent blog updates, and other parent resources. You can also email Chrissie at cdziembowski@dtownctc.org We would love to hear from you!
Communities that Care has a Parent to Parent Blog and many online resources. Please follow us on socials for more tips, resources and support!:
Instagram @downingtownctc
Facebook @DowningtownAreaCTC
Twitter @DowningtownCTC
Be sure to Subscribe/Follow us to get new episodes every other Tuesday.
Find the episode webpage and previous episodes HERE.
Tuesday Aug 08, 2023
Tuesday Aug 08, 2023
We are at the point of the summer when we may have hit screen overload. Listen for tips to find balance!
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How does technology affect kids' behavior and developing brains? Dr. Stephanie Diez-Morel from Reboot and Recover returns to talk about her research on how persuasive technology is impacting kids' language, beliefs, and attitudes. She explains how social media and games are using tactics to tap into kids' innate human hardwiring to make this tech so compelling. She also discusses the impact of artificial intelligence and how it is shaping our kids' beliefs around why we use the internet, including creating a need for external validation and the risk of being exposed to online toxicity. Dr. Diez-Morel shares strategies parents can use to support their kids to consume more nourishing content online and explains using the 4 C’s when choosing content and games. This conversation also includes some venting from Chrissie on the stress and exhaustion of managing all the tech! Lots of great tips shared, join us!
Things we mentioned in this episode:
Our first Episode with Dr. Diez-Morel about tech and screens
Create a Family Media Plan for your family’s tech use.
Dr. Diez-Morel talked about the passage of the CAMRA Act to fund research of tech’s impact on children's health and development.
Dr. Diez-Morel’s 4 C’s: Connection, Critical Thinking, Creativity, Context
Check out other resources listed on Reboot and Recover’s Resource Page.
Reboot and Recover’s mission is to provide solutions for balanced living in a technology driven world. We offer therapy for individuals, couples, and families struggling with any issues related to technology overuse and addiction. The treatment is provided by licensed and practicing professionals in a confidential and caring capacity. Follow Reboot and Recover on:
CTC has Parent to Parent Peer Support Groups to provide a safe space for parents to get advice and support from other parents. Learn more about these groups and when they meet!
You can now follow Chrissie on Instagram @ctc_chrissie or on Facebook /@Chrissie.CTC for info from each episode, Parent to Parent blog updates, and other parent resources. You can also email Chrissie at cdziembowski@dtownctc.org We would love to hear from you!
Communities that Care has a Parent to Parent Blog and many online resources. Please follow us on socials for more tips, resources and support!:
Instagram @downingtownctc
Facebook @DowningtownAreaCTC
Twitter @DowningtownCTC
Be sure to Subscribe/Follow us to get new episodes every other Tuesday.
Find the episode webpage and previous episodes HERE.
Tuesday Jul 25, 2023
Tuesday Jul 25, 2023
This relatable conversation is one for parents with kids of all ages.
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Do all kids drink alcohol before they graduate high school? Is this a thing? Today we are breaking down the youth and parent perceptions and norms around underage drinking with Beth Bruton from Holcomb Behavioral Health Systems. We discuss all the surrounding variables that influence youth’s perception of alcohol including social media, peer influence, and family modeling. We also talk about how although some parents may serve alcohol to their kids with best intentions of teaching them to be responsible, studies show that kids that are given alcohol at home underage are more likely to drink more often and larger amounts–but most parents don’t know this–we don’t know what we don’t know. Beth gave great tips on ways to talk to your kids about underage drinking and how to set up strategies to give your kids an out if they are in a risky situation. She also provided ways to talk to other parents that may or may not know the risks of underage drinking and how to share this information. We loved this conversation with Beth and hope you will join us!
Things we mentioned in this episode:
We referenced data from the PAYS 2021 Report
CTC PAYS Data on Alcohol Infographic
We mentioned a previous episode with Carl Gregory explaining the importance of unconditional love
We mentioned a previous episode with Corporal Gathercole from Upper Uwchlan Police Dept.
Chrissie mentioned Jessica Lahey and her Instagram Reels series with main points from her book The Addiction Inoculation
Holcomb has implemented MADD’s Power of Parents initiative which has many great resources for parents to talk to their kids about underage drinking
Holcomb Behavioral Health Systems is a leader in providing services and supports for people with mental health, substance abuse, and developmental disabilities. The Chester County Holcomb Prevention department is located at the Holcomb corporate office in Exton, PA. Beth Bruton is the Prevention Manager and you can email her with any questions or comments at elizabeth.bruton@chimes.org
CTC is launching Parent to Parent Peer Support Groups to provide a safe space for parents to get advice and support from other parents. Learn more about these groups and when they meet!
Join us at our Second Annual Snowball Shuffle 5k Run/1 Mile Walk on March 4th at Eagleview Town Center at 9am.
You can now follow Chrissie on Instagram @ctc_chrissie or on Facebook /@Chrissie.CTC for info from each episode, Parent to Parent blog updates, and other parent resources. You can also email Chrissie at cdziembowski@dtownctc.org We would love to hear from you!
Communities that Care has a Parent to Parent Blog and many online resources. Please follow us on socials for more tips, resources and support!:
Instagram @downingtownctc
Facebook @DowningtownAreaCTC
Twitter @DowningtownCTC
Be sure to Subscribe/Follow us to get new episodes every other Tuesday.
Find the episode webpage and previous episodes HERE.
Wednesday Jul 12, 2023
Wednesday Jul 12, 2023
This powerful, personal story is a must-listen!
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We are starting off the new year with a personal parent story and this one really moved Chrissie and Bethann–the first to bring tears into the conversation. Our friend and CTC Board President. Carl Gregory, joined us to share about his family’s journey with substance use disorder and the loss of his daughter. Carl talks about how he was once a person who felt “these things don’t happen to us” to someone who now speaks openly about his experience to support other parents and families. We discuss how a child’s peers and friend groups can make an impact, how substance use disorder is a disease and not a moral issue, and the importance of connection. Carl’s sense of equanimity during this conversation impacted Chrissie and Bethann in an unexpected way and we have a feeling you will feel the same. We are so grateful to Carl for sharing. Join us!
Things we mentioned in this episode:
Carl mentioned the 3 C’s from Alanon
We talked about the benefits of hearing other parents stories and how important peer parent support is. CTC is launching Parent to Parent Peer Support Groups. Learn more about these groups and when they meet!
Another resource is Parent Partnership group meetings coordinated by CTC partner Be A Part of the Conversation. Learn more about the Parent Partnership groups!
You can now follow Chrissie on Instagram @ctc_chrissie or on Facebook @Chrissie.CTC for info from each episode, Parent to Parent blog updates, and other parent resources. You can also email Chrissie at cdziembowski@dtownctc.org We would love to hear from you!
Communities that Care has a Parent to Parent Blog and many online resources. Please follow us on socials for more tips, resources and support!:
Instagram @downingtownctc
Facebook @DowningtownAreaCTC
Twitter @DowningtownCTC
Be sure to Subscribe/Follow us to get new episodes every other Monday.
Find the episode webpage and previous episodes HERE.
Tuesday Jun 27, 2023
Tuesday Jun 27, 2023
June is Pride month so we are sharing our episode with Aubrey and Bethann on how to support transgender youth. Happy Pride!
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There is all the love for this special episode today! Chrissie is interviewing Bethann and her daughter Aubrey, who is transgender, about their journey to becoming their truest selves. In our conversation, we discussed: advice for parents who may have kids who are wanting to change their pronouns and/or questioning their identity, how to have grace and compassion with each other, and the value of letting go of control and expectations. Look to the show notes below for best practice resources for parents and to learn more about supporting LGBTQIA+ youth. We know that LGBTQIA+ youth and adults are at a greater risk of substance use and misuse, mental health challenges, and suicide risk, all the more reason for education and support for this community. This honest and loving conversation provides support, encouragement and awareness for both parents and youth. Join us!
*Please note we are not medical professionals though we do discuss medical interventions in this episode. Please seek out medical guidance from your pediatrician and/or healthcare providers.
Things we mentioned during our conversation:
Chrissie gave statistics from NAMI at the beginning of the episode about mental health and substance use rates among LGBTQIA+ youth and adults.
Resources:
PFLAG provides confidential peer support, education, and advocacy to LGBTQ+ people, their parents and families, and allies.
AMAZE.org creates free educational videos + resources to help families talk openly, honestly, and less awkwardly about sex, health, relationships + growing up. They have great resources on gender identity and sexual orientation.
CHOP Gender and Sexuality Development Program The Gender and Sexuality Development Program offers psychosocial and medical support for gender nonconforming, gender expansive and transgender children and youth up to age 21 and their families.
GLSEN works to ensure that LGBTQ students are able to learn and grow in a school environment free from bullying and harassment. Together we can transform our nation's schools into the safe and affirming environment all youth deserve.
Sign up for CTC’s First Annual Snowball Shuffle Family 5k Run & 1 Mile Walk
Communities that Care has a Parent to Parent Blog and many online resources and webinars. Please follow us on socials for more tips, resources and support!:
Instagram @downingtownctc
Facebook @DowningtownAreaCTC
Twitter @DowningtownCTC
Be sure to Subscribe/Follow us to get new episodes every other Monday. We would love to hear from you! Please email Chrissie with any questions, comments or other feedback at cdziembowski@dtownctc.org
Find the episode webpage and previous episodes HERE.
Tuesday Jun 13, 2023
Tuesday Jun 13, 2023
We did it! Chrissie and Bethann gave up social media for 3 days–and we are talking about how it went! We share our reflections on this experience and how we chose to return to socials…if at all. Spoiler alert: 10/10 recommend taking a break! We also share our plan for the pod for over the summer. Join us!
Things we mentioned in this episode:
Listen to our Episode 34 with Aria that inspired us to take a break!
Chrissie mentioned the book How to Break Up with Your Phone by Catherine Price
Chrissie mentioned an episode from the What Fresh Hell Podcast about technology dependency
Chrissie mentioned persuasive technology from Episode 33: Tech and Gaming Effects on Kids Behavior
Our first Episode with Dr. Diez-Morel about tech and screens
You can now follow Chrissie on Instagram @ctc_chrissie or on Facebook /@Chrissie.CTC for info from each episode, Parent to Parent blog updates, and other parent resources. You can also email Chrissie at cdziembowski@dtownctc.org We would love to hear from you!
Communities that Care has a Parent to Parent Blog and many online resources. Please follow us on socials for more tips, resources and support!:
Instagram @downingtownctc
Facebook @DowningtownAreaCTC
Twitter @DowningtownCTC
Be sure to Subscribe/Follow us to get new episodes every other Tuesday.
Find the episode webpage and previous episodes HERE.
Tuesday May 23, 2023
Tuesday May 23, 2023
Ever feel like giving up social media altogether? (Spoiler: We definitely do! And then just… do not.) Our Communications Director, Aria Walerski, did just that when she recently gave up her personal socials for lent and in today's episode she shares what she learned over those 40 days! Aria explained how she never realized how much she picked up her phone during the day and how this was more challenging than she expected in the beginning of her break. She also tells us how no socials made her feel physically and emotionally and how freeing it was to use her phone less. We also discuss how social media apps aren’t all bad and Aria shared ways she put guardrails around her use when she returned to the apps. Chrissie and Bethann also agree to take a break from their personal socials–Instagram–for Memorial Day Weekend. Join us for a 3-day break and we will talk about what we learned in an upcoming episode!
Things we mentioned in this episode:
Chrissie mentioned persuasive technology from Episode 33: Tech and Gaming Effects on Kids Behavior
Our first Episode with Dr. Diez-Morel about tech and screens
CTC has Parent to Parent Peer Support Groups to provide a safe space for parents to get advice and support from other parents. Learn more about these groups and when they meet!
You can now follow Chrissie on Instagram @ctc_chrissie or on Facebook /@Chrissie.CTC for info from each episode, Parent to Parent blog updates, and other parent resources. You can also email Chrissie at cdziembowski@dtownctc.org We would love to hear from you!
Communities that Care has a Parent to Parent Blog and many online resources. Please follow us on socials for more tips, resources and support!:
Instagram @downingtownctc
Facebook @DowningtownAreaCTC
Twitter @DowningtownCTC
Be sure to Subscribe/Follow us to get new episodes every other Tuesday.
Find the episode webpage and previous episodes HERE.
Tuesday May 09, 2023
Tuesday May 09, 2023
How does technology affect kids' behavior and developing brains? Dr. Stephanie Diez-Morel from Reboot and Recover returns to talk about her research on how persuasive technology is impacting kids' language, beliefs, and attitudes. She explains how social media and games are using tactics to tap into kids' innate human hardwiring to make this tech so compelling. She also discusses the impact of artificial intelligence and how it is shaping our kids' beliefs around why we use the internet, including creating a need for external validation and the risk of being exposed to online toxicity. Dr. Diez-Morel shares strategies parents can use to support their kids to consume more nourishing content online and explains using the 4 C’s when choosing content and games. This conversation also includes some venting from Chrissie on the stress and exhaustion of managing all the tech! Lots of great tips shared, join us!
Things we mentioned in this episode:
Our first Episode with Dr. Diez-Morel about tech and screens
Create a Family Media Plan for your family’s tech use.
Dr. Diez-Morel talked about the passage of the CAMRA Act to fund research of tech’s impact on children's health and development.
Dr. Diez-Morel’s 4 C’s: Connection, Critical Thinking, Creativity, Context
Check out other resources listed on Reboot and Recover’s Resource Page.
Reboot and Recover’s mission is to provide solutions for balanced living in a technology driven world. We offer therapy for individuals, couples, and families struggling with any issues related to technology overuse and addiction. The treatment is provided by licensed and practicing professionals in a confidential and caring capacity. Follow Reboot and Recover on:
CTC has Parent to Parent Peer Support Groups to provide a safe space for parents to get advice and support from other parents. Learn more about these groups and when they meet!
You can now follow Chrissie on Instagram @ctc_chrissie or on Facebook /@Chrissie.CTC for info from each episode, Parent to Parent blog updates, and other parent resources. You can also email Chrissie at cdziembowski@dtownctc.org We would love to hear from you!
Communities that Care has a Parent to Parent Blog and many online resources. Please follow us on socials for more tips, resources and support!:
Instagram @downingtownctc
Facebook @DowningtownAreaCTC
Twitter @DowningtownCTC
Be sure to Subscribe/Follow us to get new episodes every other Tuesday.
Find the episode webpage and previous episodes HERE.
Tuesday Apr 25, 2023
Tuesday Apr 25, 2023
We are back for Part 2 with Selena Morresi from Caron Treatment Centers to talk about vaping! In this episode we are exploring the link between vaping and using other substances (including cocaine…what?!), the clever marketing of vape products, and the risks with vaping THC and marijuana. Selena also shares how cessation programs are a great support to youth that want to quit vaping, which led us to discuss the need for empathy and compassion for kids that find themselves newly dependent on nicotine and having a hard time not using. This conversation is packed with new information and tips parents, and anyone working with youth, can use right away. Join us!
Things we mentioned in this episode:
Selena talked about how nicotine use is linked with using other substances including alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine
Selena’s first episode with us Episode 2: All Things Vaping: Essentials Parents Need to Know
CTC has Parent to Parent Peer Support Groups to provide a safe space for parents to get advice and support from other parents. Learn more about these groups and when they meet!
You can email Selena at: smorresi@caron.org
Learn more about Caron here: www.caron.org
Selena mentioned Caron’s free digital education and prevention classes on their website
Caron also has an online self-paced cessation program for teens that is FREE called Connect 5
Follow Caron on: Facebook and Twitter
You can now follow Chrissie on Instagram @ctc_chrissie or on Facebook /@Chrissie.CTC for info from each episode, Parent to Parent blog updates, and other parent resources. You can also email Chrissie at cdziembowski@dtownctc.org We would love to hear from you!
Communities that Care has a Parent to Parent Blog and many online resources. Please follow us on socials for more tips, resources and support!:
Instagram @downingtownctc
Facebook @DowningtownAreaCTC
Twitter @DowningtownCTC
Be sure to Subscribe/Follow us to get new episodes every other Tuesday.
Find the episode webpage and previous episodes HERE.