Helping Kids Stay Substance-Free This Summer
With spring ending and summer beginning we’re here to welcome warmer days and meaningful milestones for kids of all ages—graduations, end-of-year celebrations, and long days filled with freedom and fun. While we know this is a time of year filled with celebration, it also marks a time of increased substance-use, particularly first-time use. We’ve written before about tips to keep your kids safe and substance free through the summer, but this year, we want to focus on some newly developed tools that will help you put research into action.
Our MHYP Summer Toolkit pulls insights from all of our programs and is packed with everything parents need—from easy party planning ideas and friendly alcohol-free invite wording to helpful scripts for talking with other parents and eye-opening facts that clear up common myths. We’re here to support you in setting healthy boundaries that keep your kids safe and substance-free, all while keeping the connections with other families positive and stress-free.
Dispelling Myths About Parent Modeling
Ever heard things like “They don’t even notice we’re drinking” or “We need to show them how to drink responsibly”? You’re definitely not alone. Head here to discover what the research really says about parent modeling—and get tools to help you talk with other parents when these myths come up. It’s all about clear facts and confident conversations.
How to Invite Guests to an Alcohol-Free Event
Planning a graduation, birthday, or summer party but unsure how to let guests know it will be alcohol-free? We’ve created simple, friendly invitation wording you can use to share your plans without awkwardness. Keep the vibe positive, clear, and welcoming—so everyone feels good about keeping the focus on the kids!
Uppers, Downers, All Arounders
This guide from Our Let’s Talk program offers parents an up-to-date overview of substances including stimulants, depressants, and hallucinogens. It provides insights into why teens might use these substances, the associated health risks, and signs to watch for.
Ready to host a safe and fun substance-free party? Our guide walks you through the best practices—from setting ground rules to staying present—and helps you to understand how you’re making a difference in your community.
Keeping Teens in Your Home Substance-Free
Wondering why it’s so important to create strong boundaries about teen substance use in your home? Dive into the latest research from Be The Influence that explains how strong boundaries protect teens. It’s science-backed advice to help you feel confident in your choices.
“But They’ll Just Rebel!” And Other Myths
Worried that setting firm rules will just make your teen push back? Or think that supervised drinking at home might actually be safer? You’re not alone—many parents wrestle with these same questions. This section is here to help all of us understand the facts, clear up common myths, and provide thoughtful language you can use when talking with other parents. Together, we can support each other in sticking to values that help teens make safer choices and build stronger trust over time.
This guide helps you start open, honest conversations with your teen about substance use—before problems arise. Learn how to listen, set expectations, and keep the dialogue going.
Learn about local Social Host Ordinances that hold adults responsible if minors use alcohol or drugs on their property. Knowing these laws can help you protect your family and neighbors—and why hosting substance-free events matters more than ever.
Taking the pledge means committing to creating a safe, substance-free environment for teens in your home and community. When you sign up, you’ll receive helpful resources, tips, and support to guide you in keeping this promise. Together, we’re building a stronger network of parents dedicated to protecting our kids and helping them thrive.
As summer approaches, it’s natural to want our kids to enjoy every moment—celebrations, freedom, and fun included. But with that comes the responsibility to keep them safe and supported, especially when it comes to underage substance use. We hope these resources offer you practical ideas, confidence, and a sense of community as you navigate this important time. While it may feel sometimes like you’re the only parent thinking about these things, we can assure you, you are not alone. Here’s to a summer full of memories, milestones, and meaningful connection!