Talk, They Hear You
Parent & Caregiver Resources
Check out these “Talk. They Hear You.”® campaign resources to help you start—and keep up—the conversation about the dangers of drinking alcohol and using other drugs at a young age.
Parent Podcast
SAMHSA’s “Talk. They Hear You.” campaign podcast, “What Parents Are Saying — Prevention Wisdom, Authenticity, and Empowerment,”provides a platform for parents and caregivers to get informed, be prepared, and take action by having open and honest conversations with their kids about substance use and mental health. Hosted by Debbie Berndt, Director of Parent Movement 2.0, the podcast features discussions with parents, caregivers, and nationally recognized experts lending their unique perspectives and experiences on how to navigate conversations around these important topics.
Disclaimer: This podcast is brought to you by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, also known as SAMHSA. The views expressed here are not necessarily those of SAMHSA or the US Department of Health and Human Services. For questions or comments about this podcast, please contact WhatParentsAreSaying@gmail.com.
Download the Mobile App!
SAMHSA’s new “Talk. They Hear You.” campaign mobile app helps parents and caregivers prepare for some of the most important conversations they may ever have with their kids. It shows them how to turn everyday situations into opportunities to talk with their children about alcohol and other drugs, and equips them with the necessary skills, confidence, and knowledge to start and continue these conversations as their kids get older. The app also helps prepare communities to implement and promote the campaign locally and educators to engage student assistance professionals, school leaders, and families in supporting the needs of students who may be struggling with substance use, mental health, or school-related issues. The “Talk. They Hear You.” campaign mobile app is available on the App Store, Google Play, and the Microsoft Store.
Military Families
As a military family, you and your children have many unique and positive qualities, including grit, strength, and determination. These qualities can help you adjust to the intense and, at times, complex nature of military life and culture Although military youth are raised in a culture of strength and resilience, it is important to know that some military youth are at risk for mental health difficulties and substance use. The Dinner Table Project is a great way for military families to reconnect after drill weekends, trainings and deployments.
Kentucky Purple Star Award Program
The Purple Star Award designation is a state-sponsored recognition for individual schools’ dedication and support of military-connected youth. Our mission is to instill a sense of connection and strengthen resilience within Kentucky’s military- connected youth. Schools must complete four requirements to receive the Purple Star Award. Schools awarded the Purple Star designation lets military-connected students and families know, whether they are active duty, National Guard, Reserves, or Veterans, that their school is dedicated to helping their child gain the educational and social-emotional skills necessary to be college-, workforce- and life-ready.
Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC)
MCEC supports all military-connected children by educating, advocating, and collaborating to resolve education challenges associated with the military lifestyle.
Children's Books
"We hope to encourage children to reach out for help and to engage in the people and activities around them that lift them up when they are going through difficult times. Who do you turn to when you need help? What can you do to make yourself feel better? How can you connect those in need to help? When we start encouraging help-seeking behaviors today, we build resiliency for tomorrow.”
Chandler Greenwell, Certified Prevention Specialist at Pennyroyal Regional Prevention Center, created this children's book to educate and encourage children to seek help when they need it. If you are interested in reading it, we have both digital and physical copies available for free!
"Military children are a powerful force, and oftentimes "The Why" behind a soldier's answer to call of duty. Being military connected, I have attended many military events, and Veteran's Day programs in support of my Dad's service. I now get to attend Purple Star Award programs dedicated to the young people that walk the same path I walked, and celebrate their strengths. I urge you to give voice to the character, experience, and contribution that military kids have exhibited by overcoming unique challenges, adapting to constant change, and navigating intense uncertainty. It is crucial that we recognize, thank, and support their benevolence." - Alli Cly Turner, Prevention Specialist, LifeSkills Regional Prevention Center
Additional Resources
Food and Nutrition for Kids
Ways to Keep Active Together
Ways to Keep Active Together
Developed by the Smithsonian Science Education Center, the app Pick Your Plate! A Global Guide to Nutrition helps young people ages 9-12 learn about meal planning, budgeting, culture, and nutrition with eats from all over the world.
Ways to Keep Active Together
Ways to Keep Active Together
Ways to Keep Active Together
Healthier Generation and Kohl's Healthy at Home are collaborating with the President's Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition, GoNoodle®, and Griffin Middle School to share quick and simple ways for families to increase physical activity through play.
Social-Emotional Well-Being
Ways to Keep Active Together
Social-Emotional Well-Being
Young people of all ages can learn to manage their feelings. Developed by Sesame Workshop for children ages 2-5, Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame includes breathing exercises and other activities that help them build important social-emotional skills, like problem solving and self-control.