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Parent And Community Connections is a group of committed parents and community members who want to build strong relationships among parents within our community. Together we can build our youth to be healthy, safe, and responsible. As kids mature, we want to make sure that they have the tools to make good choices. As parents, we know that if we join together with other adults and take a united stand, we will feel empowered to do the right thing and make choices that keep our kids safe. Simply knowing that other parents are on the same page helps us to build a network of other parents who are committed to setting healthy boundaries for youth. We can feel comfortable communicating with other parents about what youth are planning to do in their free time, so that we know they are safe…kind of like the good ‘ole days when all parents felt a responsibility to speak up and guide kids in the right direction. When we feel supported by others, it’s much easier to say “no” to our youth. We will be working together to find ways to develop the assets that our kids are lacking. If you want to get involved with our efforts, please contact Kelly Felton at 218-330-8129 or kelly@workingtogethercoalition.org.

Believe it or not, the teen years are good years! There is no one way to parent teens- each teen is unique. The Working Together Coalition is here to help you find strategies that may work well for you. You know your teen best. The information here can affirm your wisdom, as well as provide you with support as you guide your teen into young adult hood. Remember that teens want you in their life and you need to be there. The resources here are designed to give you the tools and help you may need. Articles formatted for Adobe Acrobat Reader. Download the latest free version here.

Each month we feature a page from our Parent Tool Kit (see full kit on left panel).
This month we are highlighting: "Should I Let My Teen Attend a Party?"

Follow your instincts as well as consider these guidelines... click for more

Don't be a party to teenage drinking. Many well-meaning parents think that it is enough to take away car keys at their teen's parties so the teens can't drink and drive. Parents provide the alcohol or allow alcohol to be consumed based on the false belief that it's a rite of passage, especially at prom and graduation parties. It is illegal to serve alcohol to anyone but your own child! You could be charged with a Gross Misdemeanor for providing alcohol to a minor. Click here to view the Minnesta State Laws regarding alcohol use.

Talk to Your Kids A guide to starting conversation with your kids about drug and alcohol dangers.
How to Hold Crucial Conversations about Drugs with Your Teenagers Specific skills parents can implement when tackling the topic of drug use with their teens.
Do You Speak Teen? How much do parents really know about their teen’s world, especially as teens adapt to new technolgies so quickly?
What Do You Know? How in tune are you with your teen’s world? Test your knowledge with this short pop culture quiz.
Dealing with Peer Pressure What parents and caregivers can do to help children face negative peer pressure.
Time to Talk Kit Provides easy-to-use guides and tips to help you have ongoing conversations with your kids to keep them healthy and drug-free.
Preventing Drug Abuse Among Children and Adolescents These principles are intended to help parents, educators, and community come together on prevention programs in their community.
What Americans Need to Know About Marijuana Important facts about our nation's most misunderstood illegal drug.
Teen Marijuana use Worsens Depression An analysis of recent data showing "self-medicating" could actually deepen teen depression.
Energy and Sports Drinks Read the facts and health concerns about these popular drinks.
Alcoholic Energy Drinks Article outlining the deceptive "alcospeed" drinks marketed to the youth.
Poison Vapors The truth about inhalant abuse and it's destructive health effects.
Helpful Websites:

Countering Tween Drinking The facts are startling for alcohol and tweens - children between ages 9–13 (fourth through eighth grades)...
Warning Signs Learn the signs indicating your child might be having problems with drugs or alcohol.
Teen Driving Fact Sheet Discussion of teen driving risks and precautionary advice for parents.
Parenting Teen Boys Short note with some sobering facts.

Click here to view local resources for:

Emergency Care
Crisis Lines
Drug Testing
Detox Centers
Family Centers
Support Groups
Chemical Dependency Assessments