Connecting with Teens
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Building Healthy Relationships with Media: Skill-Building Activities for Children
These activity cards include fun skill-building activities and games that parents can use to engage younger children in discussions about media use. Activities include Scam Finder, Pop-up-Ad Whack-a-Mole, and Digital Disengage Challenge. In Spanish and English. Source: Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health Tarjetas de actividades en español
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7 Substance Use Trends Parents Need to Know in 2025
This video and article break down the key trends for 2025—no scare tactics, just real information to help you guide and support your teen. Source: Partnership to End Addiction Teen substance use trends are always changing, and staying informed can help parents have better conversations with their kids. The good news? Teen substance use is
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Linn County Teen-Approved Conversation Starters
Need ideas for getting teens talking about the risks of alcohol and other drug use? Try these suggestions from Linn County high school students. In Spanish and English. Versión en Español
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How to Tell if Your Child is Drinking Alcohol or Using Other Drugs
Although the following signs may indicate that your child has a problem with alcohol or other drugs, some may also reflect normal growing pains. Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
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150 Ways to Show Kids You Care
150 Ways to Show Kids You Care is a wonderful tool for nurturing connections with the children in your life. Keep the list handy and try something new each day. Source: Search Institute
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The Teen Brain: 7 Things to Know
Did you know that big and important changes happen in the brain duringadolescence? Here are seven things to know about the teen brain. Source: National Institute of Mental Health
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Technology Conversation Starters for Families of Tweens and Teens
This resource provides ideas and examples that parents and guardians can use to frame conversations around common scenarios involving technology, social media, and video games. Source: Center for Excellence, Social Media & Youth Mental Health, American Academy of Pediatrics and SAMHSA
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Family Conversation Starters
Print, cut, and start great family conversations Linn Together’s conversation starter cards offer a fun way to engage your family in discussions. Simply print and cut the conversation card sheets to create an activity where each member draws a question to answer, or selects someone else to respond. In Spanish and English. Versión en Español
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Helping Children and Adolescents Cope with Traumatic Events
Every year, children and adolescents experience disasters and other traumatic events. Family, friends, and trusted adults play an essential role in helping youth cope with these experiences. Source: National Institute of Mental Health