YES News--Step-parenting, prescription drugs, anti-bullying program

Youth Eastside Services Lifeline Online

July 2011

The Challenges and Rewards of Step-Parenting a Teen

Adolescents can add extra family stress

"You're not my real parent!" Something that every step-parent dreads hearing. Words are powerful and may even make you question your worth and effectiveness as a parent. Take comfort, you're not alone in this battle and to a large extent, statements like this are a normal by-product of adolescence. For more on step-parenting a teen, click here.

In The News

Important information you want to know

Prescription drugs leading cause of overdose deaths--A newly released King County report notes that prescription drugs were involved in the majority of overdose deaths. For parents this means getting rid of your old medication or locking them up. Click here to read more on prescription drug abuse.

"Bath Salts," the new cocaine--"Bath Salts" are a new class of drug that comes in crystal or powder form under a variety of names. Already this year, the use of these drugs has been tied to violence, including murder. Though outlawed by emergency order in Washington State, they are still widely available in some shops and over the internet. This drug, which is a concoction of chemicals, creates extreme paranoia and anxiety. Click here to learn more.

Mental health issues a leading health problem for kids--A study released last month shows mental health problems are the leading cause of disability among kids and young adults. Researchers found that disorders such as depression, schizophrenia and alcohol use--accounted for 45 percent of the disease burden among those 10 to 24 years old. For more information on this study, click here.

The Ability to Change

How one bully learned new ways

Jacob was known as a bully at his school. His teachers identified him that way, as did many of the kids in his class, and even Jacob himself said "I don't get along with a lot of kids."

He was selected as an ambassador when the YES anti-bullying program,PEACE, started at his school. You might think it's odd that a known bully would be selected to be a leader for an anti-bullying program, but our model calls for blending bullies, victims and those who have witnessed bullying because each brings a different perspective and has unique ways of reaching other kids.

By the end of the school year, teachers reported that Jacob not only had stopped bullying, he had stepped up to some leadership roles and he even helped recruit the next round of PEACE ambassadors. Jacob is off to middle school, but the messages he's learned about bullying should stay with him for a lifetime.

PEACE has shown huge success in its first year in six Bellevue Elementary Schools. The program is offered free of charge thanks to the support of donations. If you'd like to support education and prevention programs like PEACE, please click here to make a donation.

Summer has finally arrived and with it more freedom and outside play for kids and families. But summer can be a dangerous time as well. Teen experimentation with drugs, alcohol, sex and other activities increases with lack of adult supervision. And younger kids are at greater risk for injuries from cars and outdoor activities. There are definite steps we can take as parents to protect our kids. Click here for some pointers.

Be sure to take time to enjoy the summer with your family. Attend an outdoor concert, plan a picnic by the lake, or take a family vacation. Studies show that family time helps kids make better choices in life.

Stay safe!

Sincerely,

Patti Skelton-McGougan

Executive Director