“Listen with curiosity. Speak with honesty. Act with integrity. The greatest problem with communication is we don’t listen to understand. We listen to reply. When we listen with curiosity, we don’t listen with the intent to reply. We listen for what’s behind the words” Roy T. Bennett Our loved ones will only communicate with us…
Read More
According to the 2018 Oklahoma Prevention Needs Assessment, about two-thirds of children reported that they have not talked with their parents about the dangers of drug use and they do not perceive drug use to be risky. This makes them more likely to begin using alcohol and other drugs at a later time. It is…
Read More
According to the Oxford Dictionary, validation is defined as the “recognition or affirmation that a person of their feelings or opinions are valid or worthwhile.” So why is validation an important tool for parents and caregivers? Your validation shows your child that they and their feelings or opinions are important for you to listen and…
Read More
Do you know about Common Sense Media? This non-profit rates media in terms of its appropriateness for children. You simply go to their website and look up almost any movie, tv show, video game, book, and more. The site will give you a recommendation for what age a child should be in order to view.…
Read More
Verbal and nonverbal effective communication is the foundation of all relationships and it helps us when we interact with other people. Effective communication fosters our relationship with loved ones and it positively fulfills our need for connectivity. Not only effective communication is very important for children to achieve their need for connectivity, but it also…
Read More
If someone you know tells you they’ve been thinking about suicide, don’t forget to take the last step and #BeThe1To follow up with them to see how they are doing. Leave a message, send a text, or give them a call. This type of contact can continue to increase their feelings of contentedness and can…
Read More
Two out of three Oklahoma youth report that their parents have NOT spoken to them within the last 12 months about alcohol.* When it comes to talking with your children, the key is frequency. It doesn’t have to be an hour long lecture. One important way is to help youth interpret the messages our culture…
Read More
Research suggests that one of the most important factors in healthy child development is a strong, open relationship with a parent. It is important to start talking to your children about alcohol and other drugs before they are exposed to them. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s “Talk. They Hear You.” Underage Drinking…
Read More
In honor of #SuicidePreventionMonth, OKPTA Cultivate will be sharing #BeThe1To’s 5 action steps that you can take to help your friends and family in a suicidal crisis. Visit http://www.bethe1to.com to learn more about the campaign message for National Suicide Prevention Month. If you think someone might be considering suicide, take the first step and #BeThe1To…
Read More