Balancing the Ride

Balancing the Ride is a community driven campaign aiming to support Lyme-Old Lyme and other local families in finding their unique balance.   This digital and fast-paced world is ever changing-  creating an environment that has never been more challenging for families to raise children.
Balancing the Ride offers a place for resources, educational events, and support to families as they navigate their intentional road map towards wellness and balance.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Social Media Trends for Parents
Wednesday, October 18, 2023, 7:00 p.m.
IN PERSON at LOLMS
Zoom option CLICK HERE

PREVIOUS EVENTS

Weed Inc: The Impact of Legalized Cannabis on Our Youth and Our Community
> March 29, 2023, 7:00 p.m. on Zoom
>REGISTER
>OUR PODCAST with BEN CORT
>MORE INFO & BIO

Addiction Inoculation, with Jessica Lahey
> February 15, 2023, 7:00 p.m. on Zoom
> REGISTER
> INFO & BIO

The Tech Savvy Parent, with Adam Dodge
> January 19, 2023, 7:00 p.m. on Zoom
> FLYER
> INFO & BIO

Helping My Anxious Child, with Alicia Farrell, Ph.D.
> November 9, 2022, 7:00 p.m. on Zoom
> RECORDING & RESOURCES from the webinar
> FLYER

Chasing Childhood documentary 
> September 28, 2022, 7:00 p.m. on Zoom
> FLYER

Internet Safety for Parents, with Scott Driscoll
> October 17, 2022, 7:00 p.m. on Zoom
> FLYER
> Follow up resources

RESOURCES

> Resolve to Be a More Balanced Parent
From Psychology Today – Steps to bring more balance to your family.

> Let Grow
When adults step back, kids step up.  Making it easy, normal and legal to give kids the independence they need to grow into capable, confident, and happy adults.  Be sure to check out their webinars including, “Someone Called 911 Because My Kids Were Outside!” and “Free Play vs. Little League

>The Family Dinner Project
The “magic” of family dinners is grounded in research on the physical, mental and emotional benefits of regular family meals. 

> Alicia Farrell, PhD
A local psychologist and LYSB workshop facilitator.  Her website offers great info to support our children  (and ourselves!) in today’s busy world.

Each month we record a conversation related to all topics important to our youth, families, and community. Topics cover parenting, substance use, prevention, raising families in CT, collaborating as a community, etc.

COMING THIS FALL…

Family Conversation Cards & Pizza Box Stickers
Research has shown that regular family meals offer a wide variety of physical, social-emotional and academic benefits.

Look for our Family Conversation Cards at upcoming fall school and LYSB events, or stop by our office.  We are collaborating with local pizza restaurants to place stickers on pizza boxes, with fun family conversation starters.

RESOURCES, Continued

> Why American Teens Are So Sad
From The Atlantic – Why is every measure of teen mental health getting worse?

> Parent Handbook on Childhood and Teen Depression
From Erica’s Lighthouse – A wealth of information about youth and mental health.

> Talk, They Hear You
From SAMHSA – Family is a major protective factor for substance abuse prevention.    Talk often and early!

> Jordan Porco Foundation
Challenging stigma around mental health and help-seeking, creating open conversations about the prevalence of suicide and mental health issues in the young adult population, and saving lives.

> The Highly Sensitive Person
Most of us feel overstimulated every once in a while, but for the highly sensitive person, it’s a way of life. 

> A Comprehensive Guide for Parents Talking to Their Teenagers About Cannabis
Marijuana usage and popularity continue to increase as it becomes more widely legal and socially acceptable. What is the impact on teens? young brains? addiction?

Visit our Prevention Coalition Page with resources and information for families about youth drug and alcohol use, including survey results, meetings, and events.  Parents, youth, and community members are welcome (and encouraged) to join anytime!  For more info, contact LYSB Prevention Coordinator Alli Behnke abehnke@lysb.org

Lyme-Old Lyme Prevention Coalition Meetings
On Zoom

October 4, 2022 at 7:00 pm
November 1, 2022 at 7:00 pm
December 6, 2022 at 7:00 pm
February 7, 2023 at 7:00 pm
March 7, 2023 at 7:00 pm
April 4, 2023 at 7:00 pm
May 2, 2023 at 7:00 pm