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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
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.
Tuesday Apr 11, 2023
Tuesday Apr 11, 2023
Are some vape products just flavors and water vapor and may not contain nicotine? Does it take a long time to get addicted to nicotine products? Vaping (or should we say “aerosoling”) is still very much a thing among youth and we are delighted to welcome back Selena Morresi from Caron Treatment Centers to share with us common myths and facts surrounding vaping. We discuss nicotine and how it impacts the developing adolescent brain including the ability to learn and pay attention. We also talk about the similarities between vaping and traditional cigarettes, including how much nicotine is in these disposable products in comparison to traditional cigarettes–spoiler alert–IT IS A LOT. Selena explains the nicotine-stress cycle and how this can impact users even when they are not actively vaping–for example when they are at school or home. This conversation is Part 1 of a two part series, both containing lots of information to help us understand why vaping continues to be so alluring. Join us!
Things we mentioned in this episode:
Selena’s first episode with us Episode 2: All Things Vaping: Essentials Parents Need to Know
Chrissie shared stats on current vaping use among middle and high school students:
2022 National Youth Tobacco survey found that more than 1 in 4 kids in middle and high school have vaped in the last month, the most common device is a disposable, and 85% are using flavored vapes. Locally in DASD the most recent PAYS data from 2021 showed:11% of 10th graders and 23% of 12th graders have vaped in the last 30 days. Among students that reported vaping in the last year, 37% of 10th graders and 50% of 12th graders vaped THC and even more reported vaping nicotine including 50% of 8th graders, 77% of 10th graders and 70% of seniors.
Chrissie mentioned smoking is not permitted indoors due to the Clean Indoor Air Act
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.
Tuesday Mar 28, 2023
Tuesday Mar 28, 2023
Feeling anxious? It seems most parents we know have dealt with anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges at some point in their life. Does a parent's mental health affect their kids? If we are anxious or depressed do we “make” our kids anxious or depressed? In today’s episode we are answering these questions and much more with guest Mike Smolenski, M.A., L.P.C., a therapist and Clinical Director at our partner Sanare Today. We discussed how an anxious or depressed parent may interact with their kids (often unintentionally) and how our children may internalize these interactions and interpret your behaviors. We also talked about the importance of sharing your stuff appropriately and creating an environment to talk about feelings. Mike highlighted how we as parents often have super high (read: unrealistic) expectations of ourselves and that we are not superheroes, but are actually human too. He also shared how parents can better care for themselves and how to find ways to realistically do this and use strategies that work for YOU. Chrissie and Bethann also brought up how parenting in the U.S. is different from other cultures and how it is understandable that parents may feel overwhelmed being the primary person for all their kids' needs. This conversation included so many thoughts and hands-on tips you can do right away, we hope you will join us!
Things we mentioned in this episode:
CDC’s Children's Mental Health page with stats about caregivers mental health
Pew study that found parents are worried about their kids mental health
“Healthy Boundaries, Healthy Family” Parent Speaker Series recording
We mentioned a book called Hunt, Gather, Parent about parenting in different cultures
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!
Sanare Today’s mission is to build a world in which the vast majority of people wake up everyday feeling and thinking that they are okay and can thrive. Sanare Today provides help and support for those hurting from depression, anxiety or addictions through our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), outpatient services, and coaching services (Thrive University). You can call Sanare at 610-344-9600. You can follow Sanare Today on Facebook and Instagram.
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 Mar 14, 2023
Tuesday Mar 14, 2023
"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 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.
Wednesday Mar 01, 2023
Wednesday Mar 01, 2023
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.
Tuesday Feb 14, 2023
Tuesday Feb 14, 2023
When your family loses a loved one it impacts everyone, but how grief looks and sounds in kids can be very different from adults. Today Bethann and Chrissie are speaking with Kate Lannan, MSW, LSW, Community Services Director at A Haven, a nonprofit organization supporting grieving families and children. We discuss how grief presents differently in kids at various ages and how “play is processing and behavior is communication”. Kate explains ways to support kids while also taking care of ourselves during this time, and how to have conversations about death that are honest, factual, and brief. We also discussed how grief can come and go, that it is normal to feel distressed, and we can’t fix our feelings…but we can try to process them with support. Join us!
Things we mentioned in this episode:
A Haven has great online resources to support talking about grief and loss
Bethann mentioned using books to support conversations–here is a list from A Haven
A Haven is a nonprofit organization located in Exton, PA, focused on supporting grieving children with a family-centered approach. A Haven acknowledges that empowering families to walk through grief together is an important piece in supporting a grieving child. Research now reveals that the number one determining factor on how a child grieves is how the parent/guardians grieve. A Haven provides grief support through groups, community outreach, and educational resources. Follow A Haven on Facebook and Instagram.
A Haven is also having an Open House on March 8th from 8-10am if you wanted to stop in to see their space!
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.
Tuesday Jan 31, 2023
Tuesday Jan 31, 2023
Today is our first pod swap episode! Bethann and Chrissie are speaking with Tori from Meraki Run Club who has her own podcast Raising Runners. In this episode we each get a chance to be the guest and the interviewer. We discuss how anyone can be a runner and the link to mental health, what makes Meraki’s youth running programs special, and Chrissie and Bethann’s running routine and mini running community (party of 2 plus airpods). We also discussed finding balance in self care, work and family time, and how to build resilience in our kids AND ourselves as adults. This was a fun conversation and perfect for our first pod swap! Join us!
Things we mentioned in this episode:
Tori’s podcast is Raising Runners and is all about fitness, running, sports, and the role it plays for families and individuals, mental health, and coaching.
Chrissie talked about eye movement therapy and bilateral movement as it relates to running and mindfulness.
Chrissie talked about the Parent to Parent Blog and Welcome to the Water Bar.
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!
Meraki is hosting two fundraising events for the Youth Mental Health Project:
3/11/23 from 12-2pm Rockclimbing at the Philadelphia Rock Gym in Malvern
5/20/23 Run Fest 5K/1 Hour Challenge at Great Valley High School
Meraki Run Club is an enrichment program for all fitness levels. Traditional running games and drills are transformed into powerful life lessons. When you are with Run Club, you are getting a great workout AND building strength of character. You can follow Tori and Meraki on Facebook @merakirunclub and Instagram @meraki_run_club_coach for updates on future programs and camps. Tori also has her own podcast Raising Runners.
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.
Tuesday Jan 17, 2023
Tuesday Jan 17, 2023
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.