Parenting adolescents isn’t easy. This is especially true when it comes to keeping our kids away from alcohol and drugs. In 2016, the Monitoring the Future Survey reported that 3% of 8th graders, 10% of 10th graders and 16% of 12th graders admit to binge drinking. The survey noted that self-reported marijuana use was 9% […]
Legal Does Not Mean Safe
Marijuana is in the news daily. While only a few states have legalized marijuana for recreational use, many others, including Illinois, permit its medical use. These new laws have caused many young people to believe that marijuana is safe. To make informed decisions about marijuana use, parents and young people should understand the facts. Many […]
Train Your Brain for Happiness
In our culture, the word “stressed” is too often used to describe how we’re feeling. One in five 9-17 year olds are diagnosed with an anxiety disorder each year. How can we become calmer, more positive, even happier people, and help our kids to be happier as well? According to Shawn Achor, professor of Positive […]
Programs to be Taught 100% In-Schools
In the Fall of 2017, The Robert Crown Center for Health Education (RCC) will shift to 100% in-school delivery and discontinue the “field trip” model that was once part of the RCC tradition. This change comes as a result of customer feedback and the organization’s commitment to providing cost-effective, science-based health education to the greatest […]
Spring Trip Tips for Talking to Teens about Everything
Families look forward to spring break activities (or the relaxing lack thereof) as opportunities to enjoy one another’s company and shake off the stress of school and work. A multitude of bonding opportunities—air or car travel, beach days, shared meals, books and movies – offer moments for quality conversation without the distraction of school responsibilities. […]
Parents Can – and Should – Play a Key Role in Preventing Teen Substance Abuse
Substance abuse takes varied forms and affects individuals of all ages in our community. Because of the heightened coverage and devastating effects, let’s focus on opioids: heroin and prescription pain pills and the impact on young people. From the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids: One in four teens reports having abused a prescription drug at least […]
Guest Presentations Benefit Students and the Bottom Line
As school budgets have tightened, teachers and administrators have been pressed to do more with less time and money. Enrichment activities meant to supplement school curriculum are as important as ever, but delivery of those activities had to be streamlined to fit neatly into the precious little space allotted for them. In recent years, many schools […]
PUBERTY I-UNDERSTANDING CHANGES – Grades 4-5
Take a look at a short video for an overview of our new puberty programming: This SEL infused class is taught through storytelling and age-appropriate scenarios and is designed to help students understand puberty. It introduces the physiological changes that occur during adolescence, including a study of reproductive anatomy. In this first program in the […]
PUBERTY II-NAVIGATING CHANGES – Grades 5-6
Take a look at a short video for an overview of our new puberty programming: This class picks up where Understanding Changes leaves off, focusing on the effects of the changes that occur during puberty. With additional information on both the male and female anatomy, students will explore the concept of respect for themselves and others. Difficult topics such as […]
TEEN SEXUAL HEALTH II – Grades 7-8
This entirely new program picks up where Teen Sexual Health I left off. In Teen Sexual Health II, students explore the far reaching impact of sexting, the importance of setting boundaries in relationships, the warning signs of an unhealthy relationship, the impact of alcohol or other drugs on sexual decision making, and the impact of […]