Amy Morin speaks to GPS on helping young people develop mental strength

On January 19, Amy Morin returned to GPS discussing her latest book  "13 Things Mentally Strong Kids Do".

Adults can struggle with how to best help their children balance everything: homework, extracurricular activities, chores, friendship drama and family. Too often, young people try to look in control, while they may feel unhappy, anxious and insecure on the inside. 

Psychotherapist Amy Morin shared tools to develop healthy habits and the mental strength to overcome life’s toughest challenges. She provided a guide to help young people think, feel and act stronger than ever.

Amy Morin never disappoints. She has an important message that is meaningful for young people and adults alike.   Morin has a gift for communicating insights and inspiration. She leaves her audience with takeaways that can make all the difference in the world.

Morin is editor-in-chief at Verywell Mind, psychology lecturer at Northeastern University and a bestselling author. Her books include “13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do”, “13 Things Mentally Strong Parents Don’t Do” and “13 Things Strong Kids Do.”

Josh Chambers, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources hosted the event and shared the following takeaway:

"Amy Morin shared the tools to help our students' stay flexible, positive and empowered. I appreciated her suggestion to teach children to  treat themselves with kindness -to talk to  themselves the way they would talk to a good friend. 'What would you say to a friend in a similar situation?'  As parents we need to model calm, optimism and stay present in our child's life. We can teach habits of emotional strength and resilience."

Resources

Amy Morin's web site: https://amymorinlcsw.com/

Amy's Verywell Mind Podcast: https://www.verywellmind.com/the-verywell-mind-podcast-5113058

Take 5 videos from Amy's GPS visit on January 29, 2020

GPS Take 5 for Adults: Amy Morin on Raising Mentally Strong Kids https://youtu.be/KI7qndi61sQ

GPS Take 5 - Teen Talk: Am Morin on Be Resilient, Build Your Mental Muscle  https://youtu.be/T3aI6AeFEX0 

Audio: James Altucher Show: 13 Things Strong Kids Do (BUT really for Adults) with Amy Morin

 Video: 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do.

Video: Forbes: Are You 'Mentally Strong'?

Video: 13 Things Mentally Strong People Avoid.

Video: TEDx Talks: The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong | Amy Morin | TEDxOcala .

Video: Good Day: Being a Mentally Strong Parent.

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Lydia Denworth speaks on The Extraordinary Power of Friendships- in the Real & Virtual World

 

On December 7, 2021 the Glenbard Parent Series hosted science journalist Lydia Denworth, the author of "Friendship: The Evolution, Biology and Extraordinary Power of Life's Fundamental Bond." 

Denworth explained how the social brain gets built, the importance of social and emotional learning for healthy development, and how building good friendship skills early in life sets children and adolescents up for a long, healthy, and happy life.

Denworth addressed whether friendships are changing in the age of social media, as well as the effects of the pandemic on young people’s social lives. She provided guidance for parents to help as life gets back to normal.

Lydia Denworth is a contributing editor for Scientific American and writes the Brain Waves blog for Psychology Today. Her work has also appeared in The Atlantic, Newsweek, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Time, Spectrum, and many other publications. She is the author of three books of popular science; Toxic Truth, I Can Hear You Whisper and Friendship. Lydia, her husband, and three sons, split their time between Brooklyn and their sustainable farm in Central New York.

You may view the program at  https://youtu.be/MuDp23MYge0

Former Glenbard East parent Lyle Bohnert shared the following takeaway:

"Denworth shared the science of why even one good friendship will help our children live longer and healthier -- it's about quality, not popularity. Friendships are critical to our ability to succeed and thrive lifelong. Parents need to model it, value it, and make time to teach friendship skills. Help them practice listening and being positive and reliable. Explain that changing friends at the start of middle/high school and college is normal. Helping them bond with others over similar interests or connecting over a keyboard with people may be a great place for them to build their confidence (check in to make sure they are safe). Understand that when teens are with other teens ‘peer presence’ risk taking can happen." 

RESOURCES

Adolescence is an Age of Opportunity By Lydia Denworth | May 2021 | Scientific American

TedTalk Archives: The science of friendship | Lydia Denworth May 22, 2018

Armchair Expert Pod Cast: Dax Shepard with Lydia Denworth March 26, 2020

Interview with Dr. Robyn Silverman "How to Talk to Kids about the Lifechanging Benefits of Friendship" with Lydia Denworth September 21, 2021

Lydia Denworth's web site

Katie Hurley presents Positive Thinking for Teens: Tools to Improve Mood, Build Self-Esteem, and Inspire Motivation

On December 1, 2021, the Glenbard Parent Series hosted Katie Hurley LCSW  author of "The Happy Kid Handbook"  in events titled "Positive Thinking: The Tools to Improve Mood, Build Self- Esteem and Motivation". 

Katie Hurley, LCSW, and child and adolescent psychotherapist, spoke on how parents and educators can identify the symptoms of stress and anxiety and understand how to help when teens struggle. Hurley's presentation helped adults understand the role personality type plays in how young people interact with the world around them, process stressful situations, and cope with obstacles. 

Katie is also a parenting educator, public speaker, and writer. She is the author of the award-winning No More Mean Girls: The Secret to Raising Strong, Confident, and Compassionate Girls; The Depression Workbook for Teens: Tools to Improve Your Mood, Build Self-Esteem, and Stay Motivated; and The Happy Kid Handbook: How to Raise Joyful Children in a Stressful World. Hurley covers mental health, child and adolescent development, and parenting for The Washington Post, PBS Parents, Psychology Today, Everyday Health, PsyCom, and US News and World Report

Glenbard North Principal Dr. John Mensik co-hosted the program and shared the following takeaway:

“Katie Hurley shared useful tips, for teens and adults, to combat negative thought patterns and reframe mindsets to positive, productive thinking. With empathy, support and validation, adults can help students check in with their emotions, disrupt anxious thinking and learn the tools for adaptive coping strategies. 'Our teens are experiencing something we, the adults, have never experienced'. With connection, and communication, and by encouraging self-care, we can empower students to tap into their individual strengths and interests to find confidence, and courage. As Hurley reminded us- we are all a work in progress."

Click here to view the program:  https://youtu.be/o77w4scEICga

Video of Katie Hurley Student Q&A https://youtu.be/7HUHZuNLrPg

Resources

Katie Hurley's web site https://practicalkatie.com/about-me/

Link to PBS/WTTW for Parents articles by Katie: https://www.pbs.org/parents/authors/katie-hurley-lcsw

U.S. News article by Katie Hurley: 6 Things to Know About Childhood HERE

Dr. William Stixrud & Ned Johnson speak to GPS on their book What Do You Say? How to Talk with Kids to Build Stress Tolerance, Motivation, and a Happy Home

On Nov. 17 the Glenbard Parent Series hosted Dr William Stixrud and Ned Johnson in programs based on their most recent 

book,  "What Do You  Say: How to Talk with Kids to Build Motivation, Stress Tolerance, and a Happy Home". 

In their first book The Self-Driven Child, Dr. William Stixrud and Ned Johnson shared the tools needed to enhance a child’s drive, confidence, and healthy decision-making to move children of all ages from powerlessness to purpose. They also provided the action-steps needed to help students improve academic performance, enhance career success, and support positive emotional well-being. Stixrud and Johnson, who have 60 years combined experience talking to young people one-on-one are back to teach us “What Do You Say?” in order to help turn these concepts into action.

In their latest book, Johnson and Stixrud explains how to engage in respectful and effective dialogue, beginning with defining and demonstrating the basic principles of listening and speaking. They also teach new ways to handle the thorny topics that usually end in parent/kid standoff such as; delivering constructive feedback to kids; discussing boundaries around technology; explaining sleep and their brains; the anxiety of current events; and family problem-solving.

William R. Stixrud, Ph.D., is a clinical neuropsychologist and founder of The Stixrud Group, a lifespan neuropsychology practice. Dr. Stixrud holds a doctorate degree in School Psychology from the University of Minnesota.  Ned Johnson is the president and founder of PrepMatters. Since 1993, Mr. Johnson has devoted in excess of 35,000 hours in one-on-one test prep for nearly the entire alphabet of tests. His experience includes work with all ages and abilities in preparation for SSAT and ISEE to ACT and SAT to GMAT, GRE and LSAT.

Melissa Creech, Glenbard Executive Director of Teaching and Learning welcomed the speakers and shared the following takeaway: 

"A teen's strong connection with a parent is key! Without judgement, with understanding and empathy, validate their feeling to foster closeness. Teens need a sense of autonomy. Move to the role of consultant/manager and mentor rather than monitor. 'I can't make you do this. I have confidence in your decision-making.'  It's essential for the adults to manage their own stress and anxiety first-calm is contagious."

To view the program go to: https://youtu.be/aYMFZPgovA0

Resources

What Do You Say? by William Stixrud, PhD and Ned Johnson, read by Ned Johnson, PRH Audio 

The Case for the Self-Driven Child, Scientific American, by Gareth Cook on February 13, 2018

William Stixrud and Ned Johnson, "The Self-Driven Child"Mar 28, 2018, Politics and Prose YoutTube

Notes on this event with Dr. Stixrud and Ned Johnson, courtesy of Agnes Knott, Hersey High School

Ned Johnson's PrepMatter's website: https://prepmatters.com/

Glenbard Parent Series program addresses youth suicide, anxiety and depression

 On Sept, 28 the Glenbard Parent Series hosted mental health advocate Ross Szabo and clinical psychologist Jason Washburn Ph.D. in a program titled "Behind Happy Faces: Suicide, Let's Talk About it".

Ross Szabo is an award-winning pioneer of the youth mental health movement and the CEO of the Human Power Project.  He is the author of Behind Happy Faces: Taking Charge of Your Mental Health and A Kid’s Book About Anxiety.  He has spoken to more than 1 million students about the importance of mental health and provided a positive example to empower them to seek help.

Dr. Jason Washburn joined us to help provide an understanding of common mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression and their individual differences, is licensed clinical psychologist.  Dr. Washburn spoke on suicide myths and facts, suicide contagion, risk factors, as well as warning signs, and provided prevention tips for parents and students. He is the Director of the Center for Evidence-Based Practice at Amita Health, a Professor at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine where he is the Director of Graduate Studies for the MA and PhD programs in Clinical Psychology, and Director of Research in the Center for Childhood Resilience at Lurie Children’s Hospital.

Assistant Superintendent for Student Services, Janet Cook shared remarks following the program and this  takeaway:

"Normalize mental health, seeking help is a sign of strength, and the earlier, the better.  Educate your child about their family history, and  yourself on the warning signs.  Empower your child, don't enable them. Turn confrontation into conversation-always leaving the door open to talk.  Ask open-ended questions.  Check in regularly, do not fear asking directly about suicide, it saves lives: remain clam, nonthreatening, respond with empathy, reassurance and validation, letting them know you care, and that help is available. Help them prioritize the positives, model healthy coping strategies and self-care. The schools are engaging in the worked needed to support mental health and will keep moving forward in this area."

RESOURCES

Hear a brief recap of Ross Szabo's presentation and view the entire message from Dr. Jason Washburn (YouTube)

Ross Szabo's web site

Take 5: Parent Preview - Ross Szabo on Teen Mental Health

Visit the Center for Childhood Resilience web site (Dr. Jason Washburn)

NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness: Kids, Teens and Young Adults

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Hours: Available 24 hours. Languages: English, Spanish. Learn more
800-273-8255

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Dr. Lisa Damour returns to GPS to discuss Stress, Anxiety and Parenting Under COVID

On September 23, New York Times best-selling author Lisa Damour, Ph.D. returned to the Glenbard Parent Series in an event titled “Stress, Anxiety and Parenting Under COVID” as part of its September Suicide Awareness Month programming.  She examined the science of stress and anxiety and offer practical tools to best manage emotional overload. Her insights offered an approach that allows each of us to keep pressure manageable during these difficult times.

Glenbard North  parent Rebecca Elmore shared the following takeaway: 

"Dr Damour offered important insights for us to share with our children. We need to rethink stress, it is necessary for growth building. Life will bring sadness sometime-good mental health is having the right feeling, at the right time. Discover the coping strategies that  work for you-breathing techniques,  healthy  distractions to step away from the issue, and protect periods of rest. Help your teen name the emotion they are feeling. Then, it's our job to listen without interruption, 'Is there anything I can do that won't make this worse'?  Offer empathy, validate, remain clam- to  help collect their emotional trash."

A recap of the Question and Answer session of this event can be found here

Resources

WGN Radio interview with Dr. Lisa Damour on September 16, 2021

GPS Take 5: Parent Preview – Dr. Lisa Damour on The Epidemic of Stress and Anxiety in Youth (YouTube)

Lisa Damour on CBS Evening News: How to Manage Stress and Anxiety Amid the Coronavirus Outbreak  (YouTube) Mar 18, 2020

Lisa Damour website

Browse Damour’s “Ask Lisa” podcast archive.

Watch Damour’s January 1, 2021 CBS This Morning segment with Gayle King on teen mental health during the pandemic.

Read Damour’s April 28, 2021 New York Times article, “Eating Disorders in Teens Have ‘Exploded’ in the Pandemic.”

Download Damour’s PDF, “When a Teenager’s Friend is in Crisis.”

Watch/Listen to Rich Roll’s 2019 podcast interview with Damour, “Teens Under Pressure.”

Read Damour's NYT article November 15, 2017 "Why Your Grumpy Teenager Doesn’t Want to Talk to You"

Read/print/download Lisa's Free Mental Health One-Sheets:

HAVE A QUESTION? - info@drlisadamour.com

 

Frank Palmasani shares how to navigate the college admissions process

On Wednesday, Aug 25 GPS hosted author Frank Palmasani at a Financial Aid presentation titled Conquering the Challenge of College Costs. Navigating the college admission process can be difficult, however, finding valuable options at a great price is possible.  Frank Palmasani, author of Right College, Right Price and creator of the Financial Fit online program can help make that happen.

Frank Palmasani has been dedicated to helping families find affordable college options for more than 30 years.  He started learning about the college financial aid process in 1976, his first year as a high school counselor.  In 1981, he moved to the college level, eventually becoming a director of admissions. He has since returned to the high school arena as a guidance counselor, a job he continues to enjoy today.  Out of these experiences, Palmasani created the Financial Fit program to reverse the trillion-dollar student debt problem—a problem that had no proven solution before now. His ideas have already helped more than 200,000 families keep college affordable, making it possible for students to graduate without excessive debt.  He is a member of NACAC, IACAC, and the College Board.  Palmasani has been featured in the Boston Herald, the Chicago Tribune, Yahoo Finance, WGN-TV, WTTW-TV, CBS’s Monsters and Money in the Morning, and is the author of Right College, Right Price.

Glenbard South parent Steve Friedman shared the following takeaway: 

"Make sure you are openly communicating with your child's college representative to determine the best method to support your child's unique financial aid package, before counting out a college because of the sticker price. Don't assume help is not available. Early, proper planning is key to finding the best financial fit for students and their families."

The link to the program can be found HERE

RESOURCES

Handouts for this event (PDF)

Conquering College Costs 2021 presentation slides (PDF)

Website for Frank Palmasani/College Countdown

Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) 

FAFSA form

GPS hosts Drs. Christopher Thurber and Hendrie Weisinger for a program about positive parental approach

On August 19, the Glenbard Parent Series hosted authors Dr. Chris Thurber and Dr. Hank Weisinger in a program titled "The Unlikely Art of Parental Pressure: A Positive Approach to Pushing Your Child to Be Their Best Self."  

Hendrie Wesinger (left)
and Chris Thuber

Dr. Christopher Thurber is a thought leader in positive youth development. He has dedicated his professional life to improving how caring adults teach and lead young people, and to enhancing the experience of adventurous young people who are spending time away from home.   A graduate of Harvard University and UCLA, Dr. Thurber has served as a psychologist and instructor at Phillips Exeter Academy since 1999.

Hendrie Weisinger, Ph.D. is a world-renowned psychologist trained in clinical, counseling, school, and organizational psychology.  He is the originator of Criticism Training, an expert in the application and development of Emotional Intelligence, and the creator of the emerging field of Pressure management.  In addition to The Unlikely Art of Parental Pressure, Dr. Weisinger is the author of Performing Under Pressure: The Science of Doing Your Best When It Matters Most, and The Power of Positive Criticism.

Parent Ami Chambers shared this takeaway after the program:

“I appreciated the suggestions to reframe comments I make to my son because even if well-meaning, they may not be received how I had hoped. The reminder to focus on effort rather than outcome is always helpful. The psychologist suggested that  parents should have reasonable and customized expectations specific to the child’s interests, abilities, and personality. To summarize, it’s ok to have high expectations as long as the focus of encouragement is on effort and personal best, rather than competition and perfection”.

 

A recording of the student directed question and answer session can be found here: https://youtu.be/ZRzXwUQ1xA0

 

A recording of the entire program can be found here: https://youtu.be/fM6rLASaPlE

RESOURCES

Dr. Thurber's website HERE

Dr. Weisinger's website HERE

Parental Pressures Twitter account HERE

Poadcast: The Many Faces of Parental Pressure: Psychologist POV, Jul 24, 2021 HERE

How to Raise a Drug-Free Teen: A look at steps parents can take to support their teen in a making a drug-free choice

 A recent virtual town hall hosted by suburban Chicago area coalitions provided tips and resources for substance use prevention. The presenters encouraged caregivers to talk early and often with their teens about alcohol use. For example, 60, one-minute conversations will be much more successful than one 60-minute discussion. Check out the recording of the town hall at this link. 

One of the best ways to prevent substance use is for adults to educate themselves to have an informed talk with their teen. Substance use is significantly lower among teens who believe their parents strongly disapprove. Adults can find more tips and tools from the DuPage County Prevention Leadership Team.

 

The event was presented in partnership with Reality Illinois, the Teen Advisory Board to the DuPage County Health Department. The group, which is open to all DuPage teens, advocates, participates in service projects and assists with awareness campaigns. For more information on the Reality Teen Advisory Board, click here. The group meets weekly during the summer and monthly during the school year. For more information, or to join, contact Gilda Ross, Glenbard student and community projects coordinator, at this email or 630-942-7668.

Jessica Lahey speaks on her latest book Addiction Inoculation: Raising Healthy Kids in a Culture of Dependence on May 4 and 5, 2021

On May 4 and 5 the Glenbard Parent Series hosted best-selling author of the "Gift of Failure "Jessica Lahey at a  program titled, “Addiction Inoculation: Raising Healthy Kids in a Culture of Dependence” which is the title of her most recent book.

Jessica Lahey’s THE ADDICTION INOCULATION, draws on the her personal experience and professional background teaching teens in rehab, and incorporating the latest scientific research to offer an accessible, evidence-based prevention program for raising addiction-resistant kids.

Jessica Lahey is a teacher, writer, and mom. Over twenty years, she’s taught every grade from sixth to twelfth in both public and private schools. She writes about education, parenting, and child welfare for The Atlantic, Vermont Public Radio, The Washington Post and the New York Times.

Jordan Esser the Coordinator of the Prevention Leadership Team of the DuPage County Health Department participated in the event on May 5 and shared the following takeaway: 

"Open communication,  role modeling  and monitoring are the cornerstone of healthy families. Talk to your children honestly about  their 'adverse childhood experiences' -the ACEs /risk factors, that might lead to substance use disorder. Delay, delay, delay as time is an important protective factor.  A rapid, unaccounted for change in behavior should be of concern- intervene early.  Be aware of your messaging around alcohol like 'this helps me relax', and heightened risk times like summer and the transition to high school. Give your kids self -efficacy, and the belief that they can succeed and make their lives better. Love the child in front of you - not just their performance.  Start the conversation early,  be prepared with data, don’t lecture, and listen even when you disagree."

A recording of the student and school staff directed question and answer session can be found HERE

 Resources mentioned by Lahey in her presentation

Jessica Lahey's Web Site

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) from CDC 

Parenting in Place Masterclass

Partnership to End Addiction

SAMHSA (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration)

Books mentioned by Lahey in her presentation

Fostering Resilience and Well-Being in Children and Families in Poverty: Why Hope Still Matters by Valerie Maholmes

The Deepest Well: Healing the Long-Term Effects of Childhood Adversity by Dr. Nadine Burke Harris

Recovering my Kid by Joseph Lee MD 

Clean by David Sheff

High by David & Nic Sheff

Interviews with Lahey

Link to a WGN radio interview with Jessica Lahey on May 4 HERE

Rachel Steinman Podcast Dear Family with Jessica Lahey as guest HERE

People Magazine, April 14, 2021: Author Jessica Lahey Turned Her Alcoholism Into Mission to Protect Kids From Substance Abuse HERE

Drug Free Coalitions in partnership with Glenbard Parent Series (click for details)

DuPage County Health Department's Prevention Leadership Team

Kids Matter

Deerfield Parent Network

Parent Community Network

Link Together Coalition

Bensenville Youth Coalition

Stand Strong Coalition

City of Elmhurst Commission on Youth

360 Youth Services

Prevention and Treatment Resource Links

Please click HERE for a list of local/community-based organizations focused on the mental health and substance use issues of youth.  Contains contact details of these providers.