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TEENAGE ROMANCE

9/25/2017

 
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With homecoming last week, romantic relationships are a hot topic at
Westlake High School.  As a parent it is hard to know how involved you should
be – Is it better to lay down the rules? Or mind your own business?

Talking about romance with teenagers can be embarrassing for everyone
involved. However, teenagers look to adults for guidance and we can have more of an impact than we realize.

The Child Mind Institute provides some helpful relationship DOs and DON’Ts
parents can share with their kids.

Do look for someone you feel comfortable with. ‘Comfortable’ has different
definitions for everyone, but it can mean:
            -You can be yourself with this person
            -You can have different opinions on something, and know that it’s okay.
            -You trust each other when you’re not together
            -You aren’t pressured to do things you don’t want to do.

Don’t forget your friends. Some people get so wrapped up in their
relationships that they drop all their friends. While this isolation may be
unintentional, it’s important to have a social life outside your boyfriend or
girlfriend.

Do be your own person. It’s normal to share interests with your significant
other. However, it is important to keep developing an identity outside of that
person. Keep thinking about what you like and what you need.

Don’t hide from problems. A problem in your relationship doesn’t automatically mean it’s doomed, but they will get bigger if you hide from them. It’s better to
admit when something is wrong, talk about it together, and try to fix it together.

Do know the difference between good and bad conflict. Conflict is not
always a bad thing and can bring a couple closer together if handled
appropriately.

Do know the signs of an abusive relationship. According to Love is Respect, here are some warning signs of dating abuse:
            -Checking your cell phone or email without permission
            -Constantly putting you down
            -Extremely jealousy or insecurity
            -Explosive temper
            -Isolating you from your family or friends
            -Making false accusations
            -Mood swings
            -Physically hurting you in any way
            -Possessiveness
            -Telling you what to do
            -Pressuring or forcing you to have sex

The above relationship DOs and DON’Ts are a great place for parents to start
when talking with their teenagers about romantic relationships. It’s important to
listen and communicate with your teen and try to avoid looking squeamish! And do your best to lead by example and model these values in your own
relationships, too.

Stay Healthy, Chaps!

Kristi, Katie and Elizabeth

Happy, Safe Homecoming!

9/20/2017

 
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Fall in Texas means football and football means homecoming and homecoming means mums (which did you know are primarily aTexas thing?). Homecoming also means dresses, dinner reservations, party buses/limos, and parties (both pre-graming and the after party). We want to make sure that parents are educated in providing a fun but safe homecoming experience for their teenagers! 

Did you know that when a teen admits to drinking, they aren't admitting to drinking the same way an adult drinks? Teens chronically are binge drinking. Binge drinking is much more dangerous than casual/social drinking. This article explains the dangers of binge drinking and how to talk to your child about their drinking habits!

What's a parent to do? SAMHSA recommends to "Talk. They Hear You.", with the following goals in mind:
  • Voice your Values.  Over 80% of kids 10-18 say parents have the biggest impact on their decision on whether to drink, so decide upon your family values and communicate your expectations to them. Keep in mind this can also include clever ways to help them get out of tricky peer pressure situations as discussed in this article!
  • Show you care.  Keep calm and neutral while stressing the short-term consequences on your child's growing brain, social standing and academic performance.
  • Show you are informed. Teach them about alcohol and how it affects their growing body. Read below for some good info to share with your student.
  • Help them resist peer pressure.  Agree on a word or phrase he or she can use to have you pick them up, no questions asked. Come up with 5 excuses they can use to refuse a drink. This article has some excellent suggestions!

Three Things To Remind Your Students About Alcohol: 
  1. Alcohol affects you, even if you don't feel it. How fast alcohol affects you is influenced by many things, including your weight, how much you've eaten, how fast you drink and even changes in your hormones that happen during the month. Even if you aren't slurring your words or stumbling, alcohol is causing changes in how you act and react.
  2. The only thing that will sober you up is time. Coffee, cold showers, exercise or other "cures" will not speed up how fast your body gets rid of the alcohol. Know this when your friends want to do shots or play drinking games. It takes one hour for a 100 lb. girl to metabolize 1 oz. of alcohol.
  3. Have a plan. Remember that some of your friends may want to say no, too - support them. Ideas: Offer to be the designated driver. Carry the same drink around all night; pouring some down the bathroom sink. Have Fasten or your parents ready to call for a ride.

Don't be a afraid to talk to your kids - they are listening and they DO want your support!

Often times an easy location to binge drink is on the party bus/limo ride over to dinner, the game, or the after party. Here are some tips on what to look out for if your child is celebrating with a party bus!

We also want to remind parents (and their teens) about services like Uber, Lyft, Fasten, Yellow Cab, and BeMyDD because there is no "good" reason to drink and drive OR be a passenger in a car when someone else has been drinking! 

Homecoming CAN be an amazing, memorable, fun, and safe time. Make sure you are talking with your teen so that they can enjoy this homecoming and future events too! 


Go Chaps!
Kristi Waidhofer and Katie Bryant

It’s National Suicide Prevention Week! Help Us #StopSuicide

9/12/2017

 
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#StopSuicide

Everyone plays a part in suicide prevention. A simple, ‘I am concerned about how you are feeling’, can make all the difference.

This week (September 10-16) is National Suicide Prevention Week. Each year over 44,000 Americans die by suicide. Every single day there are over 5,000 suicide attempts by young people grades 7-12. Four out of five teens who attempt suicide have given clear warning signs. Knowing how to recognize these signs is the first step in taking action that could save someone’s life. 

Suicide Warning Signs
  • Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself
  • Looking for a way to kill oneself, such as searching online or buying a gun
  • Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
  • Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
  • Talking about being a burden to other
  • Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
  • Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
  • Sleeping too little or too much
  • Withdrawing or feeling isolated
  • Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
  • Displaying extreme mood swings

If you have noticed these warning signs in a friend or child, or just need to talk, please utilize the resources below.

1. Be prepared! We encourage everyone to print this card and carry it with you at all time

2. Text for help! Crisis Text Line - Text “HELLO” to 741-741

3. Call for help!

National Suicide Hotline
800-SUICIDE (784-2433)
800-442-HOPE (4673)
 
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
800-273-TALK (8255)
 
The Trevor Lifeline
866-4-U-TREVOR (488-7386)
 
MCOT – Mobile Crisis Outreach Team
512-472-HELP


In addition to the resources listed above, we recommend that all Westlake students and parents download the
A Friend Asks app. This user-friendly app provides information on the warning signs of suicide, mental health illness, and how to access help.




​​Remember
you can be the one to help #StopSuicide!  

Finally, just a reminder that there is lots of support at school.  We are lucky to have a clinical intern from UT joining us all year, Elizabeth Sterling. Contact us at any time! 

Stay Healthy, Chaps!
Kristi, Katie, and Elizabeth 

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