The Rumson School District Parent Academy offered parents some insight on how to talk to their kids about substance abuse with 15-Minute Child Break, a program offered through the state’s Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey.

The organization is run as a collaborative effort between the Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse and the NJ Department of Human Services.

On Dec. 7 at 7 p.m., Rumson parents got together at the Forrestdale School Media Center to talk about how they are the key influencers in the prevention of substance abuse and learn how to effectively talk to their children about drugs and alcohol and their potential for destroying lives.

More than 40 parents attended the session hosted by Superintendent John Bormann, Forrestdale School Counselor Jenn Crow, and Deane Porter School Counselor Jessica Piernik.

The program is supported by research on substance abuse from Middle School Foundation of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey. This research shows that kids who communicate regularly with their parents about their daily activities — for as little as 15 minutes — are 67 percent less likely to be involved in substance abuse than those who have little or no communication.

The 15-Minute Child Break theory supports and empowers today’s parents with the assurance that they are still the strongest influences in their children’s lives.

The presentation covered the following topics:

• Talking to Your Kids About Drugs and Alcohol;
• Influence of Media and Pop Culture;
• Effects of Specific Drugs;
• Keeping Your Kids Drug-Free;
• Strengthening Parenting Skills;
• Utilizing Teachable Moments.

Additional information about the program can be found under “Child Break” at www.drugfreenj.org.

Information on upcoming Parent Academy presentations can be found on the Rumson School District website at www.rumsonschool.org.

— Edited press release from the Rumson School District