CARMEL – With summer now in full swing, a partnership has been formed between the Carmel School District, the Prevention Council of Putnam, and the Carmel Communities That Care Coalition to educate and empower parents and caregivers with accurate, practical information to help keep children safe and healthy.
Prevention Council of Putnam Executive Director Kristin McConnell described graduation and summer as “exciting milestones, but also higher-risk times for alcohol, substance use, and unsafe decisions. Parents are one of the strongest influences on teen behavior.”
McConnell urged parents to communicate with their children. “Talk early and often. Small, frequent conversations are more effective than one ‘big talk.’ Keep conversations open, calm, and nonjudgmental to build trust and make expectations clear. There will be no underage drinking or drug use,” she said.
McConnell encouraged mom and dad to set clear rules and curfews. “Stay involved and check in regularly and encourage supervised activities such as sports, jobs, volunteer work and camps,” she said.
She also reminded parents Monday to watch out for sudden behavior changes, secrecy, new friend groups or mood swings, sleep patterns or overall health.
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