Resources

Why self-care?
You matter, and you need to treat yourself like you matter. Making time to take care of yourself physically and mentally leads to better overall health, and it allows you to model healthy behaviors and coping skills for your children.

Self-care can come in many forms. It may be as simple as singing along to a favorite song as you drive home from work, or it may require you to take an hour to get some exercise before going home for the day. You get to decide what works for you. The key is making the time and taking the time. If you don’t care for yourself, who will?

Boundaries
Defining and communicating your boundaries helps yourself and others know what is expected.

Examples of physical boundaries are personal space or a closed door for privacy, and emotional boundaries relate to separating your own feelings from another person’s feelings. If you take responsibility for someone else’s feelings or sacrifice your own needs for another person, you may be allowing others to violate your emotional boundaries. It’s not selfish to put your own needs, feelings, and goals first.

Your child needs a strong parent to become a strong adult. It’s okay to say “no” to your child or to another person. You don’t have to say “yes” to everything. Delegate tasks to take pressure off yourself.

Examples for setting boundaries with kids:
Clearly communicate house rules to your kids and the consequences if those rules aren’t followed.

Provide predictable structure for meals, homework, bed time, and family and friend activities.

Special Needs Children
If your child has a mental health disorder or learning disability, it can be even more stressful on you and your family. Visit the Child Mind Institute to find guides on numerous topics: https://childmind.org/topics-a-z/guides/

For teens attending a party

A responsible parent will set ground rules before the party, maintain visibility and awareness at the party and ensure guests do not consume alcohol beverages while attending the party. Your presence will allow you to meet your teen’s friends and properly supervise them in your home.

Take the following steps for a fun and safe teen party.

• Set party ground rules with your teen before the party.
  • Let your teen know what you expect and agree to the rules.
  • Select an area in the house where guests will be comfortable and proper supervision can be maintained.
  • Tell your neighbors about the party in advance.
• Limit attendance and hours.– Specific hours and a smaller group are easier to manage.
  • Agree to a guest list prior to the party.
  • Establish a starting time and ending time so parents will know when to expect their teens to return home.
  • Send invitations or have your teen call each guest personally.
  • Be available for parents of guests to contact you for information.
  • Discourage guests from leaving and returning during the party.
  • Be aware of problem guests and be prepared to ask them to leave.
  • Do not accept party crashers.
• Provide entertainment
  • Have snacks and non-alcoholic beverages available
  • Play movies or party games (Pictionary, Taboo).
  • Play dance music.
  • Have plenty of places to sit and talk.
• Never provide alcohol to guests under 21. – It is illegal to offer alcohol to guests under 21 or to allow guests under 21 to use alcohol in your home.
  • Be alert to signs of drug or alcohol use.
  • Ask any teen who tries to bring alcohol or drugs to the party or who does not comply with party rules to leave. Notify the teen’s parents.
  • Call the police if unwanted guests refuse to leave or if their parents cannot be reached.
  • Never let anyone drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Spontaneous, open parties are more difficult to control than planned parties. If things get out of hand, be ready to call other parents or the police department for assistance.

Samhsa.gov
Onechoiceprevention.org
Nevada211.org