Iberia Parish School District

	ABCs of Vaping and Substance Abuse		In this session, we’ll discuss the growing use of vaping and its negative impact on adolescents’ health. We’ll help parents learn to recognize vaping’s varied forms, including JUUL pods, designed to resemble everyday items. This summary discussion aims to equip parents with the knowledge and tools they’ll need to address possible concerns surrounding substance use, vaping-related health issues, and the potential mental and emotional ramifications.

	Body Image – Nurturing Self-Image		In this session, marriage and family therapy specialist Angel Adams provides insights into the critical topic of body positivity. The discussion highlights how unrealistic expectations can affect children’s physical and mental health, emphasizing the role of parents in fostering a positive body image. Key areas of focus include understanding body image, the impact of social media, and strategies for nurturing self-acceptance. Through practical tools and insights, parents will be equipped to support their children in developing a healthy relationship with their bodies, promoting resilience against societal pressures and encouraging a positive self-view.

	Building Your Child’s Confidence		In this session, we’ll focus on the importance of fostering a healthy identity in children and draw on the extensive experience of Dr. Skinner, who emphasizes the significance of adult behavior and interaction with children.By incorporating key insights, parents and caregivers can create a supportive and nurturing environment that fosters a healthy identity in children. Remember, the most important thing is to be there for your child, offering love, support, and guidance as they navigate the world and discover who they are.

	Bullying – Stop the Cycle		This session, with insights from Dr. Melissa Lopez-Larson, addresses the critical issue of bullying across various contexts, including school, social media, sports, and within the home. It aims to educate parents on identifying and addressing bullying by understanding its key characteristics: power imbalance, repetition, and intentional harm. The session emphasizes the importance of communication, awareness, and empowerment in preventing and stopping the bullying cycle. Parents are encouraged to create a supportive environment, both online and offline, and to actively engage in their children’s lives to foster resilience and positive relationships.

	Compassionate Parenting & Self-Compassion		In this session on Compassionate Parenting and Self-Compassion, with insights from Dr. Ayanna Abrams and Dr. Paul Parkin, we delve into how nurturing self-compassion can significantly impact parenting. The discussion highlights the importance of modeling compassion through positive and consistent interactions with children, rather than resorting to empty threats. Dr. Abrams highlights that how we treat ourselves affects our parenting. Dr. Parkin offers tools for self-compassion, such as visualization, supportive self-talk, and basic self-care. These strategies promote self-kindness and resilience, enhancing empathy and understanding in parenting and caregiving.

	De-escalating Cycles of Conflict		In this session, marriage and family therapist Jenna Riemersma explains how to manage and resolve conflicts in a way that fosters understanding and compassion. We explore the concept of Internal Family Systems, explaining how our core self is surrounded by different parts that get activated during conflicts. We discover practical strategies to help you and your children handle conflicts more effectively, and we discuss the importance of recognizing and naming emotions, using deep breathing and smiling to create positive energy, and modeling calm and constructive behavior. These techniques not only help de-escalate tense situations but also teach your children valuable skills for emotional regulation and conflict resolution.

	Depression- You’re Not Alone		This session with insights from Dr. Kevin Skinner provides insights into depression, emphasizing its complexity beyond mere sadness. Key points included the multifaceted origins of depression, such as stress, genetics, and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). It highlights symptoms to watch for, differences between adult and child depression, and the importance of early intervention. Dr. Skinner stresses the need for both emotional support and professional help. Immediate actions for supporting a loved one with depression include encouraging open communication, engaging in activities together, and creating a wellness toolkit – see below for more ways you can help someone you love with depression. Understanding and addressing depression with patience and effective strategies are crucial for recovery.

	Eating Disorders		In this session, Dr. Abrams and Angel Adams provide crucial insights into understanding eating disorders. Dr. Abrams, a licensed clinical psychologist and founder of Ascension Behavioral Health, alongside Angel Adams, an expert in family wellness, delve into the complexities of eating disorders. The discussion covers risk factors, symptoms, and the importance of early intervention. This session aims to equip parents and caregivers with the knowledge needed to recognize signs of eating disorders and seek appropriate help, emphasizing the role of professional support in effective treatment

	Effects of Screen Time & Your Child’s Mental Health		This session, with insights from family therapist Kevin Skinner, explores the impact of screen time on children’s mental health, emphasizing the rise in anxiety and depression linked to excessive digital use. It highlights the importance of setting boundaries, fostering solitude, and maintaining open communication with children about their screen habits. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to model healthy digital behavior and engage in screen-free family activities like cooking, hiking, and reading together – look below for 10 fun family activities. The session also stresses the need to cultivate a growth mindset in children, helping them develop resilience and balance in a technology-driven world.

	Emotional Regulation – Part 1: Recognizing What’s Wrong		This series equips parents with tools to help their children master emotional regulation, emphasizing the importance of maintaining balanced emotional energy to avoid anxiety, anger, or depression. You’ll learn key tools to help you and your child recognize and manage stress and anxiety. Understanding and managing energy levels helps parents guide their children toward balanced emotional regulation.

	Emotional Regulation – Part 2: Interrupting Negative Emotions		In this session, licensed clinical therapist Brett Williams discusses strategies for interrupting negative emotions and promoting emotional regulation in children. Key techniques include early intervention by recognizing signs of distress, using distraction and physical movement to shift focus, and altering the environment for a calming effect. Parents and caregivers should model calm behavior, engage in joyful activities, and practice deep breathing. Encouraging emotional labeling and positive visualizations helps children manage their feelings. Establishing routines, using comfort items, and allowing scheduled breaks also support emotional stability. Overall, implementing these tools can help disrupt negative emotional patterns and foster a more positive emotional environment for children.

	Emotional Regulation – Part 3: Strategies to Replace Negative Emotions		In this session, marriage and family therapist, Brett Williams, explores key strategies for managing children’s emotions. Emphasizing rewards over punishment encourages positive behavior and reduces resentment. Using neutral, nonjudgmental language supports healthy self-esteem and better self-assessment in children. Incorporating regular quiet time helps children decompress and reflect, aiding in emotional regulation. By implementing these approaches—rewarding positive actions, maintaining supportive communication, and scheduling quiet moments—parents can foster a more constructive and balanced environment. These methods not only enhance emotional management but also build a stronger, more positive connection with your child.

	Establishing Healthy Boundaries		In this session, therapist Jenna Riemersma provides insights into establishing healthy boundaries in parenting with the end goal in mind. Jenna likens parenting to pitching a ball: timing and direction are crucial to success. She emphasizes the authoritative parenting style—warm yet demanding—as the most effective, urging parents and caregivers to be both physically and emotionally present for their children. This session highlights the risks of over-parenting and under-parenting, stressing the importance of balance. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to guide their children with love, allowing them to experience setbacks and build resilience, while always keeping the ultimate goal of raising capable adults in mind.

	Everyday Happiness		In the Everyday Happiness session with insights from licensed clinical therapist Brett Williams, participants explore how understanding brain functions and patterns can facilitate positive change. The session highlights the brain’s natural negativity bias and emphasizes the importance of consciously shifting towards positive thinking. Key concepts include recognizing and altering thought patterns, creating enjoyable and simple routines, and using positive energy to reinforce good memories. Participants are encouraged to avoid comparisons, practice new habits consistently, and ensure the change process is enjoyable. The goal is to integrate positive changes effectively by understanding brain patterns and embracing repetition and enjoyment.

	Grief – The Healing Process After Loss		This session, with insights from Dr. Abrams and Dr Wiard, two licensed clinical therapists, explores the multifaceted nature of grief, emphasizing that it extends beyond the loss of life to include various types of personal losses and transitions. Key points include the non-linear progression through the five phases of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. The session highlights the importance of acknowledging and validating emotions, practicing self-care, and maintaining open communication. The session addresses the unique grieving processes of children, stressing the need for tailored support and routine, emphasizing that grief is a lifelong journey, and urging patience and compassion as individuals and families navigate their healing paths.

	Helping Your Child Succeed		In this session featuring insights by marriage and family therapist Dr. Kevin Skinner on “Helping Your Child Succeed – Three Parenting Styles,” we delve into the three critical dimensions of parenting: Parental Warmth, Behavioral Control, and Psychological Control, offering practical insights and reflective exercises to enhance your parenting approach. We explore how Parental Warmth fosters your child’s social and emotional development, the balance needed in Behavioral Control to effectively guide without overstepping, and strategies to minimize Psychological Control, ensuring your child feels respected and supported. Dr. Skinner’s expertise and research-backed guidance will help you navigate these dimensions, fostering a nurturing and balanced relationship with your child.

	How to Motivate Your Child		With insights from marriage and family therapist Brett Williams, this session focuses on strategies to motivate children, emphasizing the importance of starting early. It highlights the benefits of positive reinforcement over negative reinforcement, encouraging parents to praise effort, set clear goals, and allow children to face challenges. The discussion covers the use of reward systems, consistency in behavior modification, and fostering self-motivation by aligning activities with children’s natural interests. The session also provides practical tips, such as balancing schedules, encouraging reflection, and modeling positive behavior to help children develop a growth mindset and resilience.

	Mindfulness for Improved Mental Health		In this session, Thomas McConkie, a global authority on mindfulness and transformation, offers valuable insights into incorporating mindfulness into daily life. This session covers essential strategies for parents to practice mindfulness, including creating family routines, modeling behavior, and using check-in questions. McConkie’s expertise highlights how mindfulness can enhance emotional well-being, manage stress, and improve family dynamics. The session provides practical tips for fostering a mindful environment, supporting both personal growth and family cohesion. Embracing these practices can lead to a more balanced and harmonious home, benefiting everyone involved.

	Navigating Divorce when Children Are Involved		This session offers essential guidance for supporting children through divorce, featuring insights from Dr. Ayanna Abrams and Dr. Kevin Skinner. The discussion covers how to communicate effectively with children about family changes, manage the emotional impact, and foster a stable environment. Key topics include addressing feelings of guilt, ensuring children feel loved and supported, and avoiding common pitfalls like triangulation and negative talk. Emphasis is placed on creating a supportive atmosphere that respects the child’s relationship with both parents and provides consistent routines. Strategies for navigating these challenges are explored to help ease the transition for children.

	Parenting Through Anxiety and Depression		This session, with insights from marriage and family therapist Brett Williams, focuses on parenting through anxiety and depression. With rising rates of these issues among children, understanding emotional regulation and its impact is essential. Brett explains how to guide children through emotional challenges by addressing the influence of technology, the importance of mapping emotions, and strategies for managing stress. The session will provide practical tools and insights to help parents foster resilience and emotional well-being in their children, drawing on expertise and real-world experiences.

	Recognizing Child Abuse		The session “Recognizing Child Abuse,” with expert insights from Dr. Amy Lindstrom, covers the various forms of child abuse, including physical, sexual, emotional, and neglectful abuse. Dr. Lindstrom, a specialist in trauma recovery and victim advocacy, will discuss the impact of abuse on behavior and common signs of abuse. The session includes interactive elements, resources for further learning, and practical strategies for recognizing and addressing abuse. Emphasis is placed on understanding adverse childhood experiences, recognizing warning signs, and the importance of intuition in safeguarding children. Participants will learn about protective measures and resources such as the Protect Yourself Rules and the National Sexual Assault Hotline.

	School Avoidance		In this session, Brett Williams, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist at Addo Recovery Clinic, provides guidance on the complex issue of school avoidance. We’ll explore how to initiate meaningful conversations with your child, uncover the underlying issues they may be facing, and emphasize the importance of trusting your parental intuition while leading with empathy. School avoidance, or school refusal, is when a child consistently avoids or refuses to go to school, often due to anxiety or other emotional challenges. Understanding the true reason and learning how to support your child effectively is crucial. Let’s dive in and learn more from Brett Williams about how we can help our children navigate and overcome school avoidance.

	Social Media – Protecting Your Child		This session discusses how to understand and manage your child’s social media use. As parents, navigating the digital world can be challenging, especially with nearly half of teenagers admitting they feel addicted to their smartphones. This session aims to equip you with essential tools and strategies to guide your child in using devices responsibly. We’ll explore the impact of screen time, introduce parental control apps, and discuss how to foster meaningful connections with your child while setting healthy boundaries. By the end, you’ll feel empowered to safeguard your child in our ever-evolving digital world.

	Supporting Your Child After Trauma		This session, with insights from clinical mental health counselor Dr. Amy Lindstrom, explores how to support children through trauma. Parents and caregivers can gain insights into the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on emotional and physical development. Dr. Lindstrom provides practical strategies for recognizing trauma responses, fostering a safe environment, and modeling healthy coping mechanisms. The session aims to equip caregivers with tools to support their children’s resilience and emotional growth, offering guidance on how to create a supportive and understanding atmosphere for healing and connection.

	Understanding Loneliness in Children		This session delves into understanding and addressing loneliness in children, with insights from licensed marriage and family therapist Dr. Kevin Skinner. It highlights the role of play, teamwork, and open communication in fostering connections, both within families and communities. Dr. Skinner offers practical insights into recognizing signs of loneliness, promoting empathy, and creating meaningful relationships. The session equips parents with tools to strengthen bonds with their children, emphasizing the importance of social interaction and professional support to combat loneliness and enhance emotional well-being.

	Understanding Video Game Addiction		The session, with insights from marriage and family therapist Angel Adams, explores the complexities of video game addiction, also known as internet gaming disorder. It aims to help parents identify signs of problematic gaming behavior and understand its impact on mental and physical health. The discussion includes recognizing when gaming shifts from a hobby to an addiction, understanding the brain’s reward system, and implementing strategies to manage and mitigate excessive gaming. With insights into both the benefits and risks of gaming, this session provides tools for promoting a balanced approach and fostering healthier gaming habits in children.

	What Parents Need to Know About Suicide Prevention		In this session, parents will gain an understanding of the dynamics surrounding suicide, including its underlying reasons, warning signs, and appropriate responses. We’ll explore what to say, what not to say, and where someone who might be contemplating suicide can go to seek help. By addressing suicide openly and empathetically, parents can de-escalate suicidal ideation and guide their children toward appropriate support and intervention. Unwavering support and understanding are essential in helping children navigate life’s challenges.

	Why Our Children Self-Harm		In this session with insights from marriage and family therapist Jenna Riemersma, she discusses how to support a child who is self-harming. Parents should approach the situation with understanding and empathy. Key actions include creating a safe space for open communication, seeking professional help, and developing a safety plan together. Parents learn to educate themselves about self-harm and its triggers, remove potential self-harm tools from the home, and encourage healthy coping mechanisms like hobbies or exercise. Monitoring your child’s emotional state, fostering positive relationships, and staying connected are essential for ongoing support. Building a strong support network and promoting self-care routines can also help in managing and reducing self-harming behaviors.

	Your Active Child – ADHD		This session provides essential strategies for managing children with ADHD, featuring insights from marriage and family therapist Dr. Kevin Skinner. The session covers recognizing ADHD symptoms, the importance of early diagnosis, and considering genetic factors. Effective management of symptoms through medication, therapy, and behavioral strategies will be explored. Dr. Skinner emphasizes the importance of collaborating with teachers, establishing home routines, and promoting a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, the session discusses the benefits of positive reinforcement and the critical role of advocacy in securing necessary support in educational and medical settings. These insights empower effective support for a child’s success.

	Your Child’s Anxiety		This session focuses on supporting your child’s mental health. Many parents share concerns about their child’s happiness and anxiety, yet often feel unsure about how to help. This session is designed to equip you with effective tools and strategies to address these challenges. We’ll explore Jenna Riemersma’s “Move Toward” method, focusing on the steps of Notice, Notify, and Need to better understand and manage anxiety. Through practical guidance and research-backed insights, you’ll learn how to foster meaningful connections with your child, ensuring they feel supported, understood, and safe in navigating their emotions.

Mental Health Series

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