The Blog of P.U.R.E. and Sue Scheff

It is that time of the year and teens are excited about their proms and graduation. With this usually comes celebration, but remember, drinking age is usually 21 years-old.  Parents need to encourage their teens to make smart choices.  There is the POWER of PARENTS! Steps you can take at home: Help your son or daughter steer clear of the dangers of underage drinking with these five steps: Step 1: Think of yourself as a coach Your role in preventing underage drinking is similar to coaching. You can help your teen by Sharing information Discussing choices and monitoring behavior Helping your teen anticipate and handle challenging situations Cheering your teen on to make smart, safe choices Step 2: Get busy communicating Begin a series of conversations with your son or daughter—proactively, before he or she gets caught drinking—about how: Alcohol is a drug with serious sedative effects Drinking has health dangers and other risks for young people...

Did you know that more than 50% of prescription drug abusers 12 and older obtain those prescription drugs from family and friends? In fact, some people looking to misuse prescription drugs find an easy source in their friend or family’s medicine cabinet. The good news is that proper disposal of unused drugs is one of the most effective ways to protect your loved ones from misuse. To provide a convenient means of safe drug disposal and help curb abuse, in conjunction with the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy Foundation (NABP) and their AWARxE Consumer Protection Program, the DEA is hosting a Take-Back Day on April 27, 2013. Consumers can safely and legally dispose of any unneeded medications, anonymously and for free. Held from 10 AM to 2 PM on April 27, 2013, the event is one of the few days of the year where residents can drop off expired or unused prescription medications without having to wonder whether they will be accepted—even controlled substances...

Parenting teens in today's society is not an easy task.   Communication with your teenager is key to their success on many levels, however as a mother that raised two teenager, I know it is easier said than done.   Drug and alcohol use among teens is an issue parents need to be aware of.    There are many good kids making some very bad choices.    A common misconception parents make is thinking that a teen that is only smoking marijuana is a phase.   Marijuana and the substitutes for it, such as spice, are more risky and dangerous than years/generations prior.   They can be laced with higher levels of PCP than can literally alter the mind of your teen as well as cause brain damage.  Drug use (substance abuse) is a serious cry for help, and making your teen feel ashamed or embarrassed can make the problem worse. Some common behavior changes you may notice if your teenager is abusing drugs and alcohol are: Violent o...

Early decision - may secure your first choice school. Do you have a high school senior? Are they in the middle of applying to colleges? Do they have a favorite - first choice? Have they considered early decision or early action? Many parents are not aware of the early decision option if your teen has a strong desire for a specific college and believe they are a perfect candidate for them. What is early decision and early action ?  There are slight differences you and your teen need to understand. You should understand the differences between early decision and early action before sending in your applications. Keep in mind that the rules may vary somewhat by college. Check with your counselor to make sure you understand your rights and obligations. Below are some important facts about the types of early-application plan. Early decision plans are binding. You agree to attend the college if it accepts you and offers an adequate financial aid package. Alth...

Partnership at Drugfree.org is marching out their new campaign. Your Are Not Alone! You Are Not Alone , sponsored by The Partnership at DrugFree.org is dedicated to supporting the 11 million American families whose teens need treatment for drug and alcohol abuse - 1 in 7 seven teens! Back to school can mean new friends, new relationships and sometimes new peer pressure that is not positive.  Although many parents believe it is not their teen, the fact is - in many cases it is .  Once a family has accepted they are not alone - there is help out there, the sooner you can get your teen back on a safe and healthy path. With your help, we can lower the barriers families face in getting teens the treatment and recovery support they need. Work on bringing your family back together. Help us transform stigma and isolation into hope and change. Get involved today! Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ partnershipdrugfree Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/YOU_R_ NOT_A...

Guest Blogger, Phillip Lopez , as written an article that many parents will find extremely helpful.  Raising kids and teens today is challenging.  Figuring out how to answer those tough and sensitive questions can be scary and stressful to parents. Phillip Lopez writes for Christian Colleges and Universities . 10 Toughest Questions Kids Ask By: Phillip Lopez If you’re a parent, you’ve undoubtedly discovered that raising children is the most difficult task you’ve ever undertaken. It’s your responsibility to shape their impressionable minds – whether or not they grow up to become productive members of society and successful individuals supposedly hinges on your every move. So go figure they ask the most difficult questions early in the parenting process, when they’re most curious and you’re most clueless. Below are a handful of those questions that make parents cringe. How are babies made? Every parent has inevitably been asked this question in some v...

What is high quality child care? "It is all about interaction" says Parenting Expert, Michele Borba. "Warm supporting caregivers that give good quality cognitive stimulation is part of quality child care providers," she continues. Dr. Michele Borba , Parenting Expert and Author, was featured on Today Show with Ann Curry on the new study just released and breaks down new findings that credit teens' high test scores to the high quality of day care during their younger years. (Watch video below). The federally funded study, which has been tracking more than 1,300 children since 1991, found that obedience and academic problems among those who received low-quality care in their first 4 1/2 years of life persisted through their 15th birthdays, suggesting the potential for lifelong difficulties. These results underscore the importance of interaction between children and their daytime caregivers according to experts. Michele Borba has listed the Top 10 Questions to A...

Motivating students today can be a challenge. Many children are very bright, intelligent and have the ability to get excellent grades, however are underachievers. This can be extremely frustrating to parents as well as teachers. PS Youth Outreach Center located in Lauderdale Lakes, offers Broward County youths an opportunity to learn better study skills, prepare for SAT's, ACT's as well as GED preparation. PS Youth also helps teens and young adults with career development by offering assistance with resume writing, interview tips, filling out applications and computer classes . Paula Scott, President of PS Youth Outreach Center , said they are planning a Summer Camp which will also foster educational growth and retention during the summer months as well as incorporate some fun, educational activities. PS Youth's one-on-one tutoring rate is very low, in comparison to other tutoring and private educational services. PS Youth Outreach Center, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-pro...

Although years ago having at least one parent at home when kids came home from school was common, today it is far from common.  With both parents usually working to make financial ends meet, or many more single parents, it has become almost impossible for some families to have a parent at home when their teen comes home from school.  As a teen, it is assumed that parental supervision isn't necessary, but this is not about babysitting, as much as it is about being a parent.  Recently Connect with Kids posted a very timely and informational article on "Split Shift Parenting."  Take the time to learn more. Source: Connect with Kids Split Shift Parenting “Maybe shoplift or go get high with their friends – there [are] a lot of different things [teens] could be doing after school.” – Dwan, 18 years old The after school hours are prime-time for kids of all ages to get into trouble if there is no parent around. But some families are experimenting with "split-shif...