The Press-Dispatch
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/1429961
YOUTH FIRST TODAY Teens and substance abuse By Valorie Dassel Youth First, Inc. From day one as parents, we strive to nurture our children and protect them from all foreseeable dangers. As they grow and become more independent, it is our job to give them skills to protect themselves. We must also grant them just the right amount of independence to nur- ture that growth. The teenage years seem to be the most challenging for both parents and teens. A sense of newfound autonomy, combined with the risky situations many teens face, makes this time period very daunting from a parent's perspective. Addressing substance use can be dif- ficult for parents. We want to open the conversation and create a very safe space for open communication, but we must al- so be very clear while expressing family values and expectations. Communicate with your teen that you want to sit down and talk with them about vaping, drugs, and alcohol in advance of the actual sit-down. This helps avoid the defensiveness you may encounter if it is an impromptu conversation. By asking your child to "make good choices" or "be smart," you are leav- ing room for interpretation. Instead, be very clear about your expectations and the potential consequences if your teen makes the choice to use these substanc- es. Say you expect them not to use any substances and clearly outline what the consequences will be. Always encourage your child to use these consequences as an excuse if they don't feel comfortable just saying no. In addition, some professionals rec- ommend drug/alcohol testing your child randomly. This holds them more account- able as drug use/vaping can sometimes be difficult for parents to detect. It can al- so serve as a great tool for them to use in saying no to the pressure. Be sure you are listening to your child as well as helping them understand your expectations. It is important to make an agreement that your child can always call you if they find themselves in a bad sit- uation. Communicate to them that there will not be yelling or confrontation at the time, but the next day you will sit and talk about their choices and how to be safer. A roadblock parents often encounter during these years is your child feeling that you are a hypocrite for your current behavior or your own choices in your youth. There are several approaches that can be helpful. A parent can meet ques- tions about their teen years with prefac- ing the conversation by sharing that it is our job as parents to guide them and help avoid things that may result in regret. Another approach is to be honest while being extremely cautious not to glamor- ize your experiences. The important piece to the conversation is to be clear about your expectations while also cre- ating a safe space for your child to come if there are pressures or situations they need to talk to about. Youth First's website, youthfirstinc. org, offers great articles and resources for further education on this topic and many other youth-related issues. Valorie Dassel, LCSW, LCAC, is a Youth First Social Worker at Mater Dei High School in Vanderburgh County. Youth First, Inc. is a nonprofit dedicat- ed to strengthening youth and families. Youth First provides 78 Master's level so- cial workers to 105 schools in 12 Indiana counties. Over 60,000 youth and families per year are served by Youth First's school social work and after school programs that prevent substance abuse, promote healthy behaviors, and maximize student suc- cess. To learn more about Youth First, vis- it youthfirstinc.org or call 812-421-8336. MEALS IN Monica's Thanksgiving MINUTES SEE PAGE D-8 The Press-Dispatch Wednesday, November 17, 2021 C-1 HOME LIFE TO ADVERTISE: Call: 812-354-8500 Email: ads@pressdispatch.net Visit: 820 E. Poplar Street, Petersburg Deadline: 5 p.m. on Monday To enter the Birthday Club, email your name, ad- dress, phone number and birthdate to birthdayclub@ pressdispatch.net or fill out the form at www.pressdis- patch.net/birthday. Only the person's name, town and birthday will appear in the paper. As an added bonus, one lucky person each month will re- ceive a free three month Press-Dispatch subscription. This month's birthdays have a chance to win a $25 gift certifi- cate from Oakland City Hometown IGA. BELATED BIRTHDAYS Tyson Thomas .......................... Petersburg ........ 11/12 THIS WEEK'S BIRTHDAYS Donnie Stephens ......................... Winslow ........... 11/19 Mary E. Wheatley ...................... Petersburg ......... 11/19 Carol Smith .................................. Benton ............ 11/19 Donnie Stephens ......................... Winslow ........... 11/19 Joann Cook ............................... Petersburg ......... 11/21 Debra J. Nail ............................ Washington ........ 11/23 THIS MONTH'S SPONSOR HOMETOWN IGA 122 W. Morton Street, Oakland City 812-749-3072 Eddie Boyd, Principal Broker Kay Helfen Associate Broker 812-582-1145 Addey Boyd Associate Broker 812-354-5599 Keith Shoultz Associate Broker 812-664-6640 Adam Boyd Associate Broker 812-582-2486 602 E. Main, Petersburg | www.BoydRealtyCo.com | Phone: 812-354-8893 SIAR REALTY & DEVELOPMENT LLC BOYD For personal service, chse Introducing a 2 bedroom 1 bath that has been completely updated and ready for its new owner. This home features a new roof, wiring, plumbing, and vinyl flooring. A large eat in kitchen with updated cabinetry is sure to please. The back porch would be excellent for grilling and entertaining. The front porch is very spacious and excellent spot to relax. This home has a lot to offer! Sale Price $89,900. MLS# 202137282 3 bedroom 2 bath mid-century modern style home with a 2-car attached garage. The open concept design is centered around the custom designed kitchen with a waterfall island. The master bedroom has a spacious closet and master bath. This renovation included a new high efficiency gas furnace, A/C unit, vinyl flooring, electrical and plumbing. The driveway has new concrete and a modern designed sidewalk. New gutters. New paint inside and out. Quiet subdivision with plenty of mature trees. This house is yours at closing! Sale Price $239,900. MLS# 202141560 This multi-house property is set up and ready for you to enjoy. The first house features a 3 bedroom, 1 bath with custom rock tile shower with two shower heads. The second house features a 1 bedroom, 1 bath with custom tile shower. Both have tile work throughout the bathroom floors. Relax and recharge with views of the White River. The outdoor kitchen and gazebo make this perfect for entertaining. Whether you're looking for a fishing cabin or family getaway this property is sure to please. Currently set up as a high end summer camp that can easily be converted to a long term stay. Looking to get into the short term rental game this would be a great property for VRBO or Airbnb. Marked down to $159,000. MLS# 202137183 1 bedroom, 1 bath home sitting on a very established lot in the town of Otwell. This home is being listed As-Is. Only conventional or cash buyers. With a little handy work on the wood exterior siding, this home is a diamond in the rough. The upstairs attic has potential for added sq. ft. Lots of character and architectural detail make this listing stand out. The various gardens, bamboo, and mature trees make this lot very picturesque. Price Reduced to $53,000. MLS# 202137288 PRICE REDUCED! CR 150 N – 20 acres parcel with approx. 15 acres of tillable acres. Sale Price $130,000. MLS# 202135044 CR 150 S – Great time to buy. Looking for an additional farm ground or just a parcel of ground to own as a cash rent income investment? Price $260,000. MLS# 202135046 Collins St. STORAGE UNITS $60/Month 812-354-8893 Very clean 1-owner, 3 bedroom brick ranch with full walkout finished basement with 2-car garage in Newburgh. Beautiful 0.53 acre landscaped lot carpeted with Zoysia grass, in-ground pool surrounded by new vinyl fencing including grass carpeted patio area. Sale includes side-by- side refrigerator, electric range, built-in dishwasher, bar stools and all pool equipment. Newer dimensional roof, new 200 amp electric service and high efficiency HVAC. Replacement windows are under warranty and home is under termite contract. Sale Price $229,900. MLS# 202142291 SALE PENDING! SALE PENDING! NEW LISTING BACK ON THE MARKET Comm. building built in 1987 and was used as a retail hardware store until 2018. Approximately 4,448 sq. ft. The building is all open and has free span trusses that make the area open to any kind of use. Open fenced area in rear, with a 24'x86' open three-sided storage building. The main building had a new roof installed in 2016, along with new gutter and new metal siding on the east and west gable ends. New Price $75,000. MLS# 202046722 PRICED LOWERED TO $75,000 Two bedroom, 1 bath home with a two-car detached garage. This home features a full basement and a second sitting room or a great space to entertain. This home is being sold as-is. Sale Price $40,000. MLS# 202147357 SALE PENDING! 11/17/21