Wednesday, July 27, 2016

A tip from the Family Institute at Northwestern on College Drinking


As our college freshmen prepare for the transition to higher education, the Family Institute at Northwestern weighs in on college drinking - "most at risk are incoming freshmen, student athletes, and those involved in fraternities and sororities".  But the good news is that drinking behavior can be influenced by parents".   


With 16 as the average age teens start drinking, this tip of the month offers useful talking points for all parents.

Source: http://www.family-institute.org/about-us/tip-of-the-month/family-tip-of-the-month?utm_source=Tip+of+the+Month+-+Family%3A+July+2016&utm_campaign=ToM+-+July+2016+Family&utm_medium=email

http://files.ctctcdn.com/01550798001/71feb6fd-2fda-4933-802a-dee272ca97ea.png 

JULY 2016

College Drinking
Tell your college-age sons and daughters that more than 1,800 college students die from alcohol-related accidents each year, and nearly 600,000 are injured while drunk.i Tell them that over half a million are assaulted by another student under the influence, and 97,000 are victims of alcohol-related sexual assault or date rape.ii




"College drinking is sometimes still viewed as a harmless rite of passage," says one researcher in the field of campus behavior. "That's particularly dangerous given that research shows this age group is much more impulsive even when alcohol's not involved."iii Most at risk are incoming freshmen, student athletes, and those involved in fraternities and sororities.




The good news is that drinking behavior can be influenced by parents. In one study, those graduating high school seniors and college freshmen who believed that their parents knew and cared about their drinking drank less -- and less often -- than those who thought their parents didn't know or care about their alcohol use.iv Another study found that parental monitoring, parental attitudes toward drinking, and parent-child communication all impacted students' alcohol consumption.v Students whose parents raised the topic of alcohol throughout the college years -- not just prior to freshman year -- drank significantly less than classmates whose parents never raised the subject.vi




Parents who want to be particularly proactive might also:
  • Pose questions that get youngsters thinking (while you listen rather than preach): How can you stay safe at a party with alcohol flowing? What will you do if a drunk friend gets behind the wheel and expects you to climb aboard? How will you decide how much alcohol is enough? How will you handle a roommate who drinks to excess? Do you know your school's rules and consequences for alcohol violations?
  • Let them know that the norm on campuses is moderate -- not abusive -- drinking, so that they don't imagine the only way to fit in is by getting drunk.
  • Acknowledge the force of peer pressure, and how simply holding a glass in their hand -- whether it contains tonic or soda or sparkling water with a slice of lime -- might mollify classmates who want everyone to get plastered along with them.
  • Suggest that adding ice to drinks will dilute alcohol's potency and reduce the likelihood of intoxication.
  • Designate a responsible driver in advance if there's going to be a need for transportation.

With 16 the average age teens start drinking, why wait until the approach of college to begin these conversations?

i Hingson, Ralph W., et al. "Magnitude of and trends in alcohol-related mortality and morbidity among U.S. college students ages 18-24, 1998-2005. Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, 2009 Jul; (16): 12-20.
ii ibid.
iii Dr. James Murphy, quoted in Monitor on Psychology, American Psychological Association, October 2013.
iv Wetherill, R. Fromme, K. "The effects of perceived awareness and caring, family motives and social motives on alcohol use by high school and first semester college students." Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 2007,21, 147-154.
v Turrisi, Robert et al. (2013). "Examining the role of parents in college student alcohol etiology and prevention." In: Interventions for addiction: Comprehensive addictive behaviors and disorders. Elsevier Inc., San Diego: Academic Press, pp. 865-873.
vi Doumas, Diana M., et al. "A randomized trial evaluating a parent based intervention to reduce college drinking." Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, July 2013, 45:1, 31-37.

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Sharing a timely blog post from Liz Repking, Cyber Security Consulting


Is Pokemon Go Safe for Kids?

/in  /by 
Source: http://www.cybersafetyconsulting.com/cyber-safety-tips-and-lessons/(Liz Repking will speak on Teen Tech Trends at our December 8 GPS event, noon at CCSD District 93)
It is an understatement to say that Pokemon Go is popular. It is off the charts crazy! My children are regularly exiting the house saying “Going to find some Pokemon. Be back soon.” Additionally, I have received numerous texts and emails asking things like “What is Pokemon Go?” “Is Pokemon Go safe for my kids?” and “What should I be concerned about with Pokemon Go?” All great questions. So here is a quick tutorial for you.
What is Pokemon Go?
Pokemon Go is a free-to-play location-based augmented reality mobile game developed by Niantic. It was released worldwide on July 6, 2016 for both iOS and Android devices. Augmented reality means a view of reality is modified by the computer. When someone is looking for a character in Pokemon Go, he views his surroundings via the device’s camera, the reality, and imposes a digital image of a Pokemon characterI into the reality. The user can then capture the character by launching the Pokeball at the character. According to Survey Monkey, this is the ‘biggest mobile game in US history’.
What are the upsides of Pokemon Go?
Like most apps, there are some great benefits to this widely popular game.
  1. It gets kids outside and moving. Before I realized what was happening, my 17 year old son kept leaving the house in 15 minute increments. I asked him what he was doing, and he would tell me that he was going for a walk. The child has never voluntarily gone for a walk! I was immediately suspicious. My mind wandered to places that I did not want it to go. That same day, I noticed 2 boys outside my house on bikes, stopped on the sidewalk for about 2 minutes, staring at their phones. I asked my son what he thought about these two boys. He smiled and said that they were probably hunting for Pokemon! I laughed and he fessed up to his ‘walks’.
  2. It gives kids another way to socialize. My sons have spent time with their friends hunting Pokemon. Clearly, there is trouble galore that 15 and 17 year olds can easily find on a boring summer night. Pokemon has given kids a purpose to hanging out together. Additionally, I see kids of different ages playing together. We have a 4 year old neighbor who comes to our door multiple times a day looking to play with my oldest son. The other day, my son took the neighbor out to find Pokemon! They were gone for over an hour in the neighborhood. It was a thing of beauty to see these two boys, who are 13 years apart, sharing an activity that brought them both an hour of entertainment and fun.
  3. It’s free! During the summer, I feel like a human ATM machine. There is a lot of time to fill and so many things that kids want to do cost money. This is not only a free app to download from both the App Store and Google Play, but it is free for the kids to go out and explore. Depending on the age of the child, the child may hop on a bike, a scooter or simply walk the neighborhood to play.
  4. Poke Stops can be educational. Poke Stops are places where players can collect valuable rewards. Poke Stops are placed in important areas connecting them to historic places or land marks. Take the opportunity to go with your Pokemon Trainer and teach them about the location.
What are the downsides of Pokemon Go?
  1. It’s still a screen! Have we taken a few steps back in the battle to have conversation when doing simple things like riding in the car? I find myself asking my children to put the phone down and talk to me. The common response is “But Mom, I can catch some more Pokemon as we drive.” I know I am not alone in this increased addiction to technology and social media. A friend of mine recently posted on Facebook, when speaking of his son: “His nose is in the phone continuously with Pokemon Go!” The question remains, do we wave the screen limits because the game is getting them out of the house, moving, and being social or do we recognize that kids have found another addictive online game?
  2. Predators go where kids are hanging out. There are a lot of kids roaming neighborhoods looking for Pokemon. Most are completely absorbed in the game and aren’t paying attention to their surroundings. As they congregate in common areas, they may feel a false sense of camaraderie with strangers they meet who are also ‘hunting Pokemon’.  Additionally, people can place a lure in a real-life location. The lure will attract Pokemon to a specific location and will be in effect at that location for 30 minutes. Predators use lures to make a specific more attractive to kids hunting for Pokemon. Talk to your kids about strangers, the people they meet while playing, and then take the time to go with them on the hunt.
  3. Like most online games, there are In-App purchases available. As described bypokemongo.com, players can ‘enhance their Pokemon GO experience’ by purchasing certain items and features. Make sure that you have In-App purchases disabled on your child’s device.
  4. Be aware of data usage and battery drain when playing. Depending on what part of the game is being used, data usage can range from 2MB to 8MB of use per hour. This usage can be reduced if your Pokemon Trainer, i.e. your child, plays in areas that have Wi-Fi. Also, make sure that the apps and updates to the app are only downloaded when the device is on Wi-Fi. Similarly, the game can quickly drain the device’s battery. There is a battery saver mode that can be enabled. Open up the Pokemon Go app, and then tap on the “Setting” button on the top-right corner of the screen. Scroll down the menu until you see ‘Battery Saver’. Tap it to select it (a tick will appear), and then you can turn your phone upside down, which will dim the screen. This will save precious battery life. Turning off sound effects, music and vibration will also help keep the battery from draining too fast.
Most importantly, take time to talk to your children about both the fun things they can do with Pokemon Go as well as the things that they should be aware of as they enjoy the app. I went on one of my son’s ‘walks’ with him and asked him to show me how the app works. He was happy to have me go with him and loved showing me how it works. The obsession with it is enough to drive me crazy at times, but I also look at it as an opportunity to get involved with my kids and spend some time with them doing something they are enjoying.


Monday, June 27, 2016

Michele Borba - "Unselfie" Follow Up and Resources



The response from participants at the Glenbard Parent Series event with Dr Borba last week were some of our strongest ever.
Here is a take- away from parent Shannon Younger of Naperville:

"Dr. Michele Borba was a gifted speaker who provided parents with exactly the information we need to do a better job of teaching our kids about empathy. She explained what empathy is, shared what the research says about how to encourage it, and it made it very clear why it is so critical our kids and our society to learn to be empathetic. I was very grateful that she shared easy, actionable tips on how we can make empathy a focus. She was so riveting that no one moved when she was finished, and no one wanted to leave. Thankfully we have Borba's book, "UnSelfie," to continue guiding us as we raise kids who are focused on being kind and helping others."




"Bring Borba Back" was the consensus of many in attendance. This is the book I am giving this year.




Resources


 Michele Borba Web Site

 Discussion Guide to Borba's book "Unselfie"



Chicago Media Coverage of Michele Borba's Chicago visit


WGN Midday News
Windy City Live
Chicago Tribune
Chicago Now Blog

Glenbard Parent Series Family Read


Our students have their summer reading assignment, and parents should join in as well.   
Please consider being a part of our Glenbard Family Read, the Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.
  
In this fascinating book author Rebecca Skloot tells the story of a young black woman, Henrietta Lacks, who died of cervical cancer in 1951 and left behind an inexplicably immortal line of cells known today as “HeLa.”  These HeLa cells, harvested without Henrietta’s   knowledge or consent, have contributed to many scientific advancements including the creation of the polio vaccine, treatments for cancers and viruses, in-vitro fertilization, and have been the backbone of the entire biotech industry, generating billions of dollars. The story is also about Henrietta Lacks’ family legacy. Her children and grandchildren have never benefited from their mother’s cells and who, today, cannot even afford health insurance. Part detective story, part scientific odyssey, and part family saga, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lachs raises fascinating questions about race, class, and bioethics in America.   



This book is recommended reading for many Glenbard students. Then join us when we welcome author Rebecca Skloot on August 25 at 7pm at Glenbard West








Other books by GPS authors and the schedule of their appearance:




“Different ...Not Less” by Temple Grandin 
Sept. 21 at Glenbard East 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm




“How to Raise an Adult; Break Free of the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Child for Success” by Julie Lythcott-Haims 
Nov .16 West 7:00pm and (Nov 17 noon Marquardt Admin Center)








“Beautiful Boy: A Father’s Journey Through His Son’s Addiction” by David Sheff 
Jan. 24 Glenbard East 7:00 pm (and Jan 25 noon Marquardt Admin Center)











“Far From the Tree: Parents, Children and the Search for Identity” by Andrew Solomon 
April 11 COD/ MAC Arts Center 7:00pm

Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Advice from LEAD on the Orlando Shootings and our Children


In response to the Orlando Nightclub shooting, the National Child Traumatic Stress Network has developed resources to help families and communities respond.  We have chosen a select few below that we thought would help you make sense of this tragedy with your own children.


We hope you find these to be helpful.  If there is anything LEAD staff can do for you or your family, please let us know.  If you have any additional resources that you have found to be helpful, please let us know and we will add them to our website.


 Source:


Monday, June 6, 2016

Glenbard Parent Series Announces 2016-2017 Events



Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2016
Parent and Athlete Meeting
Defining Character On and Off the Field: Who Are you When No One is Watching?
Glenbard North  6:00pm
Glenbard South 7:30pm

Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2016   
Parent and Athlete Meeting
Defining Character On and Off the Field: Who Are you When No One is Watching
Glenbard East  6:00 pm
Glenbard West  6:30pm

Thursday, August 25, 2016
Common/Family Read The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
Speaker: Rebecca Skloot
Glenbard West   7:00pm  Auditorium

Thursday, September 15, 2016
Coping Strategies to Regulate Anxiety: An Introduction to Distress Tolerance
Speaker:  Laura Koehler PhD Linden Oaks Behavioral Health
CCSD District 93 Administration Center    noon

Wednesday, September 21, 2016
Different ...Not Less
Speaker: Temple Grandin, PhD
Temple may be the most famous person with Autism; Advocate/Author/Animal Rights Activist
Glenbard East  3:00pm and 7:00pm   Auditorium

Wednesday, September 28, 2016
Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive (and Survive) in Their Digital World/ Raising Digital Natives
Speaker: Devorah Heitner PhD
Glenbard West   7:00pm Auditorium

Monday, October 10, 2016
Pre -Meeting 6:30pm Columbus Day Holiday Dinner
Motivating Teens
Speaker: David Yeager PhD  Auditorium
Practical Strategies to Navigate the Anxieties, Moods and Emotions of Young People
Speaker: Stephen Feifer EdD  Little Theater
Glenbard South  7:00pm

Wednesday November 16, 2016 and Thursday, November 17, 2016
How to Raise an Adult; Break Free of the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Child for Success by Julie Lythcott-Haims
Speaker:  Julie Lythcott-Haims
Glenbard West   7:00pm (November 16) Auditorium AND
Thursday, November 17 Marquardt Administration Center noon

Tuesday, December 6, 2016
Develop Executive Functioning Skills to Plan, Organize, and Self-Monitor for School Success
Speaker: Sarah Ward
Glenbard South 7:00pm  Auditorium

Thursday, December 8, 2016
Tweens,Teens and the Tech Trends of Today: Creating a Safe Digital Culture
Speaker: Liz Repking Cyber Safety Consulting and
Melissa Hemzacek LCSW Illinois State's Attorney's Office
CCSD District 93 Administration Center   noon

Tuesday, January 24, 2017  and Wednesday, January 25, 2017
Beautiful Boy: A Fathers Journey Through His Sons Addiction by David Sheff
What happened to My Beautiful Boy
Speaker: David Sheff
Glenbard North 7:00pm Auditorium  AND
Wednesday, January 25, 2017  Marquardt Admin Center noon

Thursday, February 2, 2017
Social Emotional Learning and Restorative Justice: Teaching our Children the Skills of Building Peer Relationships for a Safe School Climate
Pamela Randall-Garner, EdD
Senior Staff Advisor at CASEL:The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning
CCSD District 93 Administration Center  noon

Wednesday, February 22, 2017
Life Life Well Week Speaker  
Everyday Leadership: Celebrating the Simple Actions that Improve Each Other's Lives
Drew Dudley
College of DuPage MAC Arts Center 7:00pm

Thursday, March 2, 2017
Special Order: Discovering what Provides Academic Success for Your Unique Child
Speaker: Carol Ann Tomlinson PhD
Glenbard West  7:00pm  Auditorium

Wednesday, March 22, 2017
Tough Teen Topics: Anxiety, Parties and Depression
Hon.Judge Chris Stride, who presided over the landmark Hutzell case
Patrick McGrath PhD, Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital
Justin Wolfe, Linden Oaks Behavioral Health
Glenbard South  7:00pm  Auditorium

Tuesday, April 11, 2017
An Evening with Andrew Solomon: Love No Matter What
Speaker: Andrew Solomon
College of DuPage MAC Arts Center 7:00pm

Thursday , April 27,  2017
 Educating for Happiness: A Blueprint for Schools
Speaker: Susan Engel PhD
Glenbard East  7:00pm  Auditorium

Wednesday, May 3, 2017 and Thursday, May 4, 2017
Film Screening Screenagers
Followed by a discussion with Delaney Ruston MD movie producer/director
Glenbard North 7:00pm Auditorium  AND
Thursday, May 4, 2017  Marquardt Admin Center  noon

GPS Navigating Higher ED


Saturday, Sept 17, 2016
Frank Palmasani - Conquering the Challenges of College Costs in English
Ercilla Jonas,   Illinois Student Assistance Commission in Spanish
Glenbard West  10:30-noon Library

Monday Oct 17, 2016
FAFSA  (Bring Necessary Forms) Spanish and English
 Financail Aid Completion Assstance
6:30pm-8:30pm comp lab, faculty cafe, Little Theater

AND Study Skills Seminar and Strategies to Succeed:
The 4 Key Study Skills for School Academic Accomplishment
7:00pm-8:30pm
Patrick Donohue, Little Theater  in English
Janet Reece  Faculty Cafe in Spansh
Glenbard North

Saturday, October 22, 2016
FAFSA  (Bring Necessary Forms) Spanish and English - computer lab
10:30am-1:30pm
AND The College Admission Test: Tips to Prepare For the New SAT   
10:30am-noon
Library in English,
Large study hall room in Spansih
Glenbard East

FUSE Families United for Students Excellence/African American Parent Committee

Thursday, August 25, 2016  
Kick-Off for School Success Family Picnic
Young People Have the Power to Succeed
David Swope, College of DuPage
Glenbard West  6:15pm cafeteria

Saturday, November 12, 2016
Celebrating Our Gifts and Talents: Holiday Party
Ray McElroy
Glenbard North  11:30am-1pm  Faculty Cafeteria

Saturday, March 18, 2017
Secrets to High School Victory
Ray McElroy
Glenbard South  11:30am-1pm  Library


GPS Programs in Spanish with Dr. Lourdes Ferrer

Friday  October 14, 2016 - Parents
In the Drivers Seat
6:30-8:00pm Parents
Glenbard East Library

Saturday, October 15, 2016 - Students
Grooming for Excellence Academy and SAT Review
10:30am – 3:00pm
Glenbard East Library

Friday, April 7, 2017 – Parents
In the Drivers Seat
6:30- Parents
Glenbard East Library

Saturday, April 8, 2017 – Students
Grooming for Excellence Academy and SAT Review
10:30am – 3:00pm
Glenbard East Library


Mental Health Series in Spanish with Mariana Proske

Wednesday, November 30, 2016
How to Talk to Your Teen About Healthy Adolescent Dating Relationships
Glenbard East Library

Thursday, January 19, 2017
The Special Education Process Step by Step: Practical Guide to Special Education: Everything Parents Need to Know
Glenbard East Library

Wednesday, April 19, 2017
A Survival Guide to Parenting Boys :Raising a Healthier Generation of Boys and Young Men
Glenbard East Library

Thursday, June 2, 2016

Glenbard Parent Series Announces Upcoming Events   


Wednesday, June 15
Dr. Michele Borba
Unselfie: The Empathy Advantage the Real Secret to Success
7 pm at Glenbard South  






Thursday, August 25
Rebecca Skloot
Common Family Read: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lachs
7pm at Glenbard West Auditorium




Wednesday, September 21
Temple Grandin
The Autistic Brain Helping Different Kinds of Minds Succeed
3pm and 7pm at Glenbard East
Glen Ellyn Public Library Book Discussion Thursday, August 18, 2016 
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

The Glen Ellyn Public Library has partnered with  Glenbard Parent Series.  Discussions are held at the Glen Ellyn Public Library, 400 Duane Street, Glen Ellyn IL.  All are welcome.

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