PEP Talks - A Parent Education Program

Let us know how we're doing, or send us an idea!Caleb's story isn't polished, and that's exactly why it matters. As a high school freshman, he started vaping to fit in. What began as a way to feel cool quickly spiraled into substance abuse he couldn't control. But this episode isn't about rock bottom - it's about what happens when a student finds the courage to say, “I don't want to do this anymore,” and someone is there to listen.Told through the voices of Caleb, his mother and his school social worker, this conversation explores addiction, recovery and what it really looks like when a teenager begins to heal...not because of a punishment, but because of patience, presence and unconditional love. It's raw, emotional and real. And it might just help someone else find their own "day one."

Let us know how we're doing, or send us an idea!Gentle parenting has taken over social media — and the opinions are loud. Is it the downfall of discipline, or a modern, thoughtful way to raise emotionally healthy kids? In this episode, we unpack the real why behind the trend with licensed social worker Camielle Howard.From toddlers to teens, we explore the difference between boundaries and permissiveness, punishment and consequences, and how to raise confident, resilient kids who can still express themselves. Whether you're all-in on gentle parenting or raising an eyebrow, this convo might just reframe how you think about what it means to raise strong humans.

Let us know how we're doing, or send us an idea!Grief is a journey no one wants to take, yet it's one we will all face. In this Go First episode, middle school teacher and coach Jennifer Beasley shares her deeply personal story of loss, resilience and healing. From the sudden passing of a close friend to the heartbreaking loss of her twin sister, Jennifer opens up about how grief reshaped her perspective, the challenges of moving forward and the unexpected ways she found strength through faith, community and connection.She reflects on the importance of processing grief rather than avoiding it, the power of honoring loved ones and how vulnerability leads to deeper relationships. Whether you've faced loss yourself or want to support someone who has, this episode offers a raw and hopeful perspective on healing.Jennifer's Recommendations:Healing After Loss: Daily Meditations For Working Through Grief (Book)Huberman Lab (Health Podcast)Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey (Audible Book)

Let us know how we're doing, or send us an idea!Parenting is one of the most rewarding yet challenging roles we take on, sometimes leaving us overwhelmed and stressed. In this episode of Pep Talks, we dive into the reality of parenting stress, recently declared an urgent public health issue by the U.S. Surgeon General. Special guest De'Asia Thompson, founder and clinical director of Rise Counseling, shares practical strategies to combat stress, overcome the pervasive “parent guilt" and carve out time for self-care without neglecting your kids. From creating realistic schedules to learning how to prioritize "me time," this episode offers actionable insights for parents striving to find balance in their busy lives. Resources:U.S. Surgeon General Parenting Stress Advisory

Let us know how we're doing, or send us an idea!In this episode of PEP Talks, we sit down with Steven Richardson, an Arlington parent of a 2024 graduate, to explore the challenges and rewards of guiding a teenager through high school. From balancing academics and extracurriculars to fostering independence and preparing for post-secondary choices, Steven offers practical advice for parents facing this critical phase. He also shares a personal story about how his strong relationship with his child helped them navigate a difficult situation involving online sexual exploitation and extortion, highlighting the importance of open communication. Whether your child is just starting high school or nearing graduation, this episode is packed with insights to help them thrive!

Let us know how we're doing, or send us an idea!In this episode of PEP Talks, Erin & Ja'Neair are joined by special guest, parent and PTA guru Katy Bennett to discuss one of the biggest transitions in a child's life: middle school. From navigating new academic challenges to managing the onset of puberty and the ever-changing social dynamics, middle school is packed with pivotal moments. As a dedicated PTA mom and middle school veteran, Katy shares her experience raising a teen through these years, offering practical tips on staying organized, fostering friendships and managing emotional changes. Whether your child is just starting middle school or is well into their journey, this episode is full of advice to help them thrive. Tune in to hear how involvement, structure and connection can make all the difference during these transformative years!

Let us know how we're doing, or send us an idea!PEP Talks returns for Season 2!In our first episode this school year, hosts Ja'Neair Johnson and Erin Williams sit down with Dayle Sutphin, an Arlington parent of both a kindergartner and a fifth-grader, to discuss the challenges and joys of managing big transitions for young students. Dayle shares her personal journey, offering insight into how routines, early preparation and positive reinforcement can help ease the anxieties that come with starting kindergarten and moving through elementary school. Whether you're a parent sending your child off for the first time or guiding them through their final elementary year, this episode is packed with relatable stories and practical tips. Tune in for advice on how to create a smooth, supportive environment for your child—and for yourself—during these pivotal school moments.

Join Erin and Ja'Neair for the season finale of PEP Talks as they journey through some of the most memorable moments of our first season. They revisit some of the most impactful and deeply resonant conversations that truly highlight the essence of PEP Talks: spreading awareness of mental health issues impacting school-aged children today. From expert advice on tackling anxiety and depression to candid discussions on  the influence of social media, Erin and Ja'Neair reflect on the importance of these topics and the incredible insights shared by our guests. Don't miss this wrap-up filled with reflections, a little bit of laughter and a renewed commitment to our mission of fostering a mentally healthy community for our students. Thank you for being a part of our journey! We'll see you back in the new school year in August 2024!

Join us for an enlightening conversation on PEP Talks, where Ms. Tabetha Banks, a soon-to-be-retired administrator and educator with 31 years of invaluable experience, shares her wealth of knowledge and compassionate approach towards supporting faculty, staff and students' mental health.Ms. Banks discusses the importance of recognizing when staff members require additional support, emphasizing the foundational principle of mental health in maintaining productive work environments and nurturing relationships.Drawing from her extensive background, she sheds light on the evolution of education's response to dysregulated behaviors, transitioning from disciplinary measures to trauma-informed approaches. Her personal experiences and continuous learning journey have shaped her empathetic stance, inspiring her to connect with students on a deeper level with patience and understanding.Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights from Ms. Banks' journey and learn how her legacy will leave a lasting impression on Arlington Community Schools. PEP Talks Episodes Mentioned in Today's Show:Understanding DepressionInsights on ADHD from a Professional and MomGo First: Navigating Adoption with Ja'Neair Johnson

Warning: This episode discusses child abuse and child sexual assault. In a shocking statistic, Shelby County, Tennessee doubles the national average in child abuse reports, with nearly two out of 10 children becoming a victim of child sexual abuse before they reach the age of 18. Conversations about child abuse can be challenging for families. Where does a parent begin?Kris Crim, The Director of Operations with the Memphis Child Advocacy Center, discusses the organization's community-wide approach to combatting the alarming trend and has some recommendations for parents on both prevention and intervention. Throughout this conversation, Crim recommends a direct approach to prevention through age-appropriate conversations with children. He describes interventions for families and one place they can receive every support a child might need, the Child Advocacy Center. Erin and Ja'Neair further discuss age-appropriate conversations with children, and encourage parents to get immediate support, when warranted.Resources:NCAC Book RecommendationsResources for ParentsInterested in supporting the Child Advocacy Center of Memphis? Individuals or organizations can host a stewards of children training, volunteer, host a bear drive, or give to the wishlist. Need help on how to report abuse? Click here.

Emotional Intelligence, or EQ, is the ability to monitor our own and other's feelings and emotions and use that information to guide our thinking and action. EQ helps us express our emotions, develop and maintain relationships, cope with challenges, and make effective decisions.Growing up, we're all made aware of the importance of having a high IQ, but as Erin and Ja'Neair discuss, EQ may be just as important in society today. They discuss how to know if someone lacks emotional intelligence and give practical strategies to help children build emotional intelligence specific to social awareness, self-awareness, and self-regulation and relationships skills.We're peeling back the layers on children's EQ in a heartfelt conversation that promises to leave you with actionable insights. Check out these resources:Improving Emotional Intelligence15 TED Talks on Emotional IntelligencePEP Talks Callback: Setting Boundaries in the New Year (an important step for having high EQ!)Interested in another topic? Let us know what you'd like to hear more about at peptalks@acsk-12.org

This week on PEP Talks, Erin and Ja'Neair speak with a local mother and community advocate for connectedness, Liz Brock. Liz shares about her desire through her faith convictions to connect with other women in the community and how it led her to create “Craving Far More,” a weekly coffee shop meet-up for women to connect and discuss life together.As the group discusses connectedness and the importance of belonging, they are reminded of the importance of resilience and being uncomfortable in order to achieve connection and community. Erin and Ja'Neair talk with Liz about the integral role parents play in modeling social relationships for their children.Resources: Mental Health America: Connect with OthersMindwise: The importance of Social ConnectionCheck out Liz Brock's Far More podcast

This week on the PEP Talks Podcast, our Go First series returns with our very own Ja'Neair Johnson, who shares her personal journey with adoption. Ja'Neair discusses  her childhood experience, when she found out she was adopted, navigating the experience through adulthood and finally when she finally found her biological father. She talks about her own identity, and the desire to know who and where she came from. Ja'Neair encourages those who have the desire to know to their biological families to go and look for them, as she feels this helped her in her own identity and healing. She also provides tips to parents who may need support with helping their adopted children.Want us to explore certain topics? Reach out to us at peptalks@acsk-12.org.

This week on PEP Talks, Erin and Ja'Neair meet with a licensed professional counselor to gain insights on trends within mental health. Misty Smith, NCC, LPC-MHSP, has been counseling families since 2007, using an integrated, holistic approach specific to the unique needs and goals of her clients.  Throughout the conversation, Misty discusses mental health trends, based on her clinical experience with families, adolescents and children. She gives insights on anxiety and depression and discusses tips and recommendations to assist families. Misty tells families the most important key factor in finding the right therapist is identifying one who connects with their child or teens. Misty's Recommended Resources:Signs Your Child Should See a TherapistHow to Find the Right TherapistThe Power of Showing Up: How Parental Presence Shapes Who Our Kids Become & How Their Brains Get Wired (a book by Dr. Daniel J. Siegel & Dr. Tina Bryson)Additional Resource Mentioned in the Show:99 Coping SkillsWant us to explore certain topics? Reach out to us at peptalks@acsk-12.org

On this episode of the PEP Talks Podcast, Ja'Neair and Erin welcome Dr. Carren Marvin and her lovable puppet, Merv, to talk all things Self-Control. Parents with elementary students may want to turn this episode on with their kiddos as Merv struggles with his self-control throughout the episode. In this conversation, Erin and Ja'Neair explore self-control with Dr. Marvin, what she is seeing in the elementary school, and why it's important for all ages. Dr. Marvin discusses the potential long-term implications of lack of impulse control on adolescents and adults, and the connection to later addiction. However, the group is quick to remind parents not to get discouraged, as they discuss it's never too late to teach these life skills. Dr. Marvin encourages parents to support their children and gives practical ways to do so in whatever stage they are in. Did you enjoy this episode? Let us know at peptalks@acsk-12.orgResources from Dr. Marvin & Merv:Parental Guidance for Teaching Self Control (especially for teenagers)12 Tips for Teaching Self Control

Welcome back PEP Talkers! Erin and Ja'Neair ring in the new year with a conversation with Erica Peyton about setting boundaries. Erica Peyton, Arlington High School Counselor and advisor for the Arlington High Collegiate Academy, chats about how to set boundaries for our children in a way that allows thems to develop self-management skills and further encourage autonomy and development, all while building empathy. Erica emphasizes modeling desired behavior and setting boundaries as an adult. Ja'Neair and Erin reflect on setting boundaries, and discuss what boundaries might look like for elementary, middle, and high school students. Erica's Recommended Resources:Teaching Kids about EmpathyHow to Set Healthy Boundaries with KidsHow to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will TalkBoundaries with Kids: How Healthy Choices Grow Healthy ChildrenThe Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing MindOther:Setting Boundaries Worksheet (by Therapist Aid)Follow the @theconsciousparentinghub on Instagram for tips and strategies for speaking to your children, discipline strategies, etc.  

Making tough choices is hard. Sometimes parents are unsure about where to start in helping their student with tough choices. You aren't alone, parent! In this episode of PEP Talks, Ja'Neair and Erin discuss where to begin with supporting students with difficult decisions by exploring six simple skill building strategies. The strategies referenced throughout this conversation are part of a social emotional learning curriculum by the Counselor Chelsey and are a CASEL aligned tool for responsible decision making. The strategies discussed include:Waiting until you are calm,Thinking about all the options,Making a pro and cons list,Thinking about past decisions,Thinking about how you will feel later, andTalking with someone. Resources:Counselor Chelsey's Social Emotional Learning ResourcesWhat is CASEL?Social Emotional Learning at the State LevelBooks about Responsible Decision MakingHow did we do? Let us know your thoughts. Email us at peptalks@acsk-12.org

PEP Talks brings you a new series where guests "Go First" in talking about their own experiences with an adversity or mental health challenge. In our inaugural Go First episode, PEP Talks co-host Erin Williams describes  her experience with lifelong anxiety. What began in childhood has continued throughout her life, as a professional, daughter and even in motherhood as she deals with postpartum anxiety.Erin gives her go-to tools for in-the-moment anxiety and practical preventative measures she uses to proactively regulate herself, such as deep breathing, talking with safe people, therapy, journaling and managing her lifestyle through exercise, sleep and nutrition. She also discusses simple tools for "checking in" and ways parents can validate and reassure their anxious children.Erin's Personal Recommended Resources for Anxiety:Building a Non Anxious Life (Book)The Body Keeps the Score (Book)Breathing TechniquesTherapist Approved Natural Remedies for AnxietyRecommended Tools & Strategies for Children:Coping Skills for Kids on Calming Anxiety: Strategies, Skill Building, and Books10 Grounding Activities by Counselor Keri39 Journal Prompts for Teens with AnxietyLet us know what you thought about our Go First series! Email us at: peptalks@acsk-12.org

Erin and Ja'Neair speak with an expert on Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD). Temetric Reeves, owner of Accent ADHD Services, LLC, discusses all things ADHD and gives insight and wisdom from her personal experience as a mother and from her expertise in her work as an occupational therapist, licensed social worker, and ADHD Coach. Throughout this conversation, Temetric describes ADHD from a strength perspective and both encourages and educates parents on how to help their students thrive with ADHD. Ja'Neair and Erin reflect on early intervention, and remind families it is never too late to get support for their students.Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Accent ADHD ServicesCHADDUnderstood.OrgAttention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA)ADDitude MagazineTemetric Reeves' Chaos Free Family

In this conversation, Dana Viox, RN,BSN, Coordinated School Health & Nursing Supervisor with Arlington Community Schools, discusses how physical activity plays a role in child health. Erin and Ja'Neair talk with Dana about unstructured play and breaks and the many benefits of movement related to physical health and beyond, including increased executive functioning skills, emotional regulation and social skills, and decreased disruptive behaviors.  Dana encourages parents and families to model movement and exercise within their home in order to promote healthy habits and lifelong practices. We hope you enjoyed this podcast! Let us know how we did, or what you would like to hear more about at peptalks@acsk-12.org Resources: Research Benefits of BreaksFamily FitnessActivities & Games for KidsActivities for FamiliesHealthy Parks, Healthy PersonActivity CalendarBenefits of Student Physical Activity Breaks Power of PlayActive Students, Active LearnersCSH 22-23 Physical Education/Physical Activity Annual ReportInfluence of Parents' Role Modeling Behaviors and Perceptions of their Child's Competence  

In today's episode, Ja'Neair is joined by co-host Tyler Hill, ACS Director of Communications, as they continue exploring The Social Media Brain Drain. What is it, and how should we think about social media use in today's digital world?This week, they speak to Jason Winkler, an Instructional Technology Supervisor who specializes in technology curriculum and instruction, about the role social media plays in our teens' lives. Jason talks about the importance of modeling good Digital Citizenship and gives parents tips on how they can strike a balance on technology use. As he shows us, it all begins with a plan.Resources:Catch up on The Social Media Brain Drain Part I where Ja'Neair and Tyler interview a high school student panel.Social Media & Mental Health: The US Surgeon General's Advisory (Pages 17 and 18 are especially beneficial for parents and students)American Psychological Association: Health Advisory on Social Media Use in Adolescence Social Media, Social Life InfographicHelp Kids Balance Their Media LivesFamily Tech PlannersKeeping Teens Safe on Social Media: What Parents Should Know to Protect Their KidsYouth Engaged Channel: Tip Sheet on Social Media Use & Mental Health

In today's episode, Ja'Neair is joined by co-host Tyler Hill, ACS Director of Communications, who is filling in for Erin. The Social Media Brain Drain: What is it? What's the impact of social media on our teens, and what can we do about it to ensure the experience is positive?In part one of this two-part series, Ja'Neair and Tyler go to the best source to explore the topic: teenagers. Listen as they dive into the world of social media with four high school students who are actively engaged on social platforms.Resources Mentioned:Teens and Social Media: Key findings from Pew Research Center surveys

Today on PEP Talks, Erin and Ja'Neair chat about an important tool for managing big feeling moments; coping skills. They discuss how each coping skill needs to fit the situation and the child. As they discuss their favorite coping skills to teach, they remind families coping skills do not fix a problem long-term but rather assist them in getting through those tough moments.  What coping skills work for you or your child? We want to hear from you! Reach out to us at: peptalks@acsk-12.org Resources Mentioned on the Show: Coping Skills For KidsMind Yeti- MindfulnessFreezing/Melting Strategy99 Coping Skills

In this PEP Talks, Erin and Ja'Neair interview Kayla White, MA, CCLS II, about grief and loss. As a Certified Child Life Specialist with Methodist Lebonheur Hospital, Kayla describes loss from a unique perspective as she supports children and families with death and dying. She provides practical tools for parents and expands on community resources available to families. Ja'Neair and Erin reflect on the impact of loss for students and are reminded grief doesn't end when a student walks through the school doors.Have recommendations on topics or guests? Reach out to us at peptalks@acsk-12.org.Resources: Methodist Lebonheur Bereavement ServicesCamp BraveheartRecommended Books:In My Heart: A Book of FeelingsIf Nathan Were HereThe Memory Box: A Book About GriefThe Invisible String

In this PEP Talks, Erin and Ja'Neair  discuss six prompts, recommended by Kind Minds Therapy, you can use to connect with your children and teens in hard moments. They talk about the importance of allowing children the freedom to express feelings without “rescuing” them or casting judgement.Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to diagnose or treat any mental health condition. If you need further support or treatment, reach out to your family doctor, or a licensed mental professional in your area.  Some topics may be sensitive and are not suitable for children.Reach out to us at: peptalks@acsk-12.org Resources:Kind Minds Therapy Check out Kind Minds Therapy on Instagram for more tips

Erin Williams and Ja'Neair Johnson chat about depression and the signs and symptoms at the elementary, middle and high school levels. They discuss supports for families in the “everyday.” Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any mental health condition. If you need further support or treatment, reach out to your family doctor, or a licensed mental professional in your area.  Some topics may be sensitive and not suitable for children. Reach out to us: peptalks@acsk-12.orgResources: Erika's Lighthouse Try the Calm App