Why do teens make risky choices despite the consequences? Because the risky choices work! Let's explore the basics of human decision-making at life's worst and move our own parenting struggle out of the shadows!

Learn how the brain becomes addicted to alcohol, drugs, and other high-risk behavior. This presentation will reviewed the effects of substance and process addictions on the brain, how the disease of addiction creates brain changes, and strategies for healing.

With the rise in drug potency, parents have more to be concerned about than ever.  Is your teen just beginning drug experimentation or have they already developed an addiction?  Learn steps can you take to help your teen and family navigate the turbulent waters of today's drug culture. 

I will be discussing the 5 Strategies of Dedicated Listening that are within my book “Courageous Conversations: A Guide for Parents to Understand and Connect with Their Teens.”

• In the realm of self-improvement, are your inner thoughts motivational statements or a form of self-bullying? Join us for an enlightening session as we dissect this delicate balance.
• Discover the crucial distinctions between your inner critic and self-bullying behavior, and delve into the origins of these patterns. Dive into the intricacies of your conscious and unconscious brain, unveiling why self-bullying often goes unnoticed.
• Uncover the Regulation Thought Process—a vital tool to decode your inner dialogue's impact on well-being. Understand why affirmations may fall short and gain actionable strategies to dissolve the inner critic and self-bullying tendencies.
• Together, we'll navigate the complexities of negative self-talk and self-bullying, equipping you with the tools to empower yourself and your students thus fostering a healthier, more positive self-perception.

Learn the 10 foundations that parents needs to teach their children in order to help give them the best mental health. These foundations come from Keri Cooper a teen therapist with 20 years of experience and the author of two books on the subject. Parents often overlook how they can play a role in setting up these good habits both physical and mental that will launch their child into success.

In this engaging presentation, Marla Dakin, LCSW will discuss the connection between anxiety and substance use in teens, with an emphasis on how parents can support their teens in effectively managing anxiety and breaking free from the harmful cycle of substance use. She will share the signs and symptoms of anxiety in teenagers, along with the risks and consequences of substance use as a coping mechanism.  

Parents will learn practical methods to support their teens in T.A.M.E.-ing anxiety by fostering open communication, validating experiences, utilizing healthy coping techniques, and empowering teens to make positive choices. The presentation will focus on ways parents can restore connection with their teens, promote resilience, and ways to promote a brighter future for their teens and their family. Parents will come to appreciate the powerful role they play in teens lives, and will also leave with a toolkit of practical strategies and a renewed sense of hope.

This presentation is for parents in immigrant families, where there’s a wide cultural gap between the parents and their teen daughter, and this gap is causing friction or concerns. Parents will learn about the 3 keystones that need to be working together in balance for their teen daughter to thrive.

There are 3 key areas that are prevalent with today’s teens: S.A.D. - Stress, Anxiety and Doubt. There are multiple probable causes of each element that can often go unnoticed or unchecked; many that parents and teens may not be aware of that are triggers.  When this happens, each can worsen and become a serious problem. It’s important to know what to look for, discover underlying causes, and get the support needed to help shift your teen from S.A.D. to Success. 

Currently many children and teenagers fall apart and have severe mental health issues when situations do not go their way. How can we, as parents help children cope with difficult and uncertain circumstances, before they occur?

Our kids are in crisis! Bullying and suicides are on the rise. Learn how kids are changing the culture of the schools and groups they are a part of by empowering them in how to care and make a difference in the lives of their peers and community.

What does it mean to grow up? How do we navigate the complex and often confusing transition from adolescence to adulthood? And how can we support the young people in our lives on their own journey?

Sara Deacon, The Adulting Coach, will answer these questions and more. She is passionate about helping young people discover their identity, purpose and belonging in a rapidly changing world. Drawing from her own personal and professional experience, she shares stories, insights and practical tools that empower her audiences to embrace their imperfections, learn from their mistakes and help their teens craft their own path to success.

Sara will show you how to foster a positive and supportive relationship with the young people in your life, helping them tap into their unique strengths and innate wisdom to develop the skills, courage and confidence they need to thrive in adulthood. 

Learning Objectives:

• Help Teens Make Empowered Decisions Using Simple Strategies
• Build their Courage to Suck At Something New
• Enlist the Most Effective Support for Your Teen's Journey