‘Let’s Talk’ an Important Toolkit for Middle and High School Families
Local resource helps families navigate mental health, substance use, and other important topics
Marin County, CA – On August 15, the annual Let’s Talk and Let’s Start Talking toolkit will be released to parents and caregivers of students entering sixth and ninth grade in Marin County schools. Now in its fifth year, the toolkit has become a critical resource for parents and caregivers of middle school and high school students to support them in navigating the complexities faced by local teens and families.
The initiative fosters open communication between parents and teens on challenging subjects such as peer pressure, underage substance use, and mental health. It also educates parents about practicing positive communication, active listening, and connection with their children.
Let’s Talk and Let’s Start Talking have been recognized statewide as innovative approaches to help parents and teens navigate sensitive topics. The toolkits were developed by Marin Healthy Youth Partnerships (MHYP), in partnership with Marin Health and Human Services (HHS), Marin County Office of Education (MCOE), OD Free Marin, and the Marin Prevention Network (MPN).
Key highlights of the Let’s Talk toolkit:
- Evidence-based information: gain access to accurate and up-to-date information about various substances, their potential risks, and the importance of prevention.
- Recognizing warning signs: learn how to recognize early signs of substance use and behavioral changes in children. Timely identification allows parents to intervene and seek appropriate support before the situation escalates.
- Healthy coping mechanisms: discover practical steps for teaching youth healthy coping mechanisms and life skills to navigate challenges and stressors without turning to substance.
- Community resources: explore a list of local and national resources to further enhance a parent’s ability to prevent substance use and seek help if needed.
“Let’s Talk isn’t just a toolkit; it’s a bridge that connects the hearts and minds of parents and teenagers,” said Kathy Koblick, Marin HHS’s Director of Community Health and Prevention. “Our goal is to empower families with proven ways to discuss difficult topics facing today’s youth, while fostering understanding, compassion, and mutual growth – one conversation at a time.”
In an effort to be environmentally sustainable and more accessible, the 2024-25 Let’s Talk and Let’s Start Talking booklet updates will be available digitally in English and Spanish at letstalkmarin.org on August 15. The new format will include easy website navigation to explore content by topic.
Families of incoming sixth and ninth grade students will be notified of this resource via a postcard in the mail in mid-August. Parents are encouraged to bookmark and revisit the digital guides throughout their student’s middle and high school journey.
The Let’s Talk program includes an online community discussion series featuring topic experts and local students. Live Spanish translation is provided. Topics include information on substances used by local youth, the adolescent brain, parenting to support our teens, and mental health in relation to underage substance use. All previous discussions and digital copies of Let’s Talk are available at LetsTalkMarin.org. For more information, please email MHYP.
