Would you like to have a topic for meaningful conversation with your daughter over the Christmas break? The Co-Curricular Team at St. Margaret's has an important and timely subject -- and help to get you started. During the week after Thanksgiving, St. Margaret's students were fortunate to meet daily with Michelle Kriebel of Jeff Wolfsberg and Associates, a nationally recognized substance abuse prevention program.
Ms. Krielbel received rave reviews from students following her first visit last year. This year, she conducted four intensive sessions with the freshmen and juniors and held one session for seniors to give them timely reminders as they prepare to leave the St. Margaret’s community.
Students were introduced to theories of brain development and to facts about what alcohol is and how it affects the brain. They learned concrete information about the strength and sizes of drinks and short-term risks like alcohol poisoning. They also addressed long-term risks and theories of addiction. “It was really refreshing to know the girls were so engaged about a topic that is normally very unpopular with many teenagers. Many girls stopped by my office simply to tell me how they loved the presenter,” said Anna Jordan co-curricular assistant. Antinnea Skipwith ’09 said, “There were no scare tactics, they just told us the truth. It was nice that they were so straightforward with us.”
We hope you, as parents, will help us continue this important conversation. Below are questions, provided by the Wolfsberg program. We invite you to use them in conversation with your daughter. Both parents and also teens should answer each question:
• What are your current beliefs about teen drinking? Where do these beliefs come from?
• What is your biggest concern about teen drinking and drug use? How are your concerns similar? How are they different?
• What are some topics or issues on your mind now regarding alcohol and other drugs?
• Share what you’ve come to understand as your parents’ stance on teen drinking.
• What support do you need from your parents at this age? Be specific.
• Who are other adults in your life supporting you regarding this topic and other issues?
• While we’re talking, is there anything else on your mind you’d like to bring up?
The Ubuntu program at St. Margaret’s challenges each member of the community to be purposeful in evaluating and improving their physical, emotional, social, intellectual and spiritual health. We hope you will help us to continue this good work over the holiday!
To learn more: www.sms.org/wolfsberg
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