Parent to Parent

CTC of Greater Downingtown

Parent to Parent: Real Life TIps to Raise Resilient Kids, is a podcast from Communities that Care of Greater Downingtown. Every other week Chrissie and Bethann will meet with experts and other parents to discuss topics related to raising healthy kids--everything from drug and alcohol use to mental health to supporting independence. Each episode will give listeners concrete, hands-on tips that parents can use in their homes with their families right away. Hosts Chrissie Dziembowski and Dr. Bethann Cinelli have a combined 40+ years experience working in health education with youth, parents, schools and communities. Thank you for joining us! Communities that Care has a Parent2Parent Blog and many online resources and webinars. Please follow us on socials for more tips, resources and support!: Instagram @downingtownctc Facebook @DowningtownAreaCTC Twitter @DowningtownCTC YouTube LinkedIn We would love to hear from you! Please email Chrissie Dziembowski with any questions, comments or other feedback at cdziembowski@dtownctc.org

  1. 04/08/2025

    54. DASD & CTC Parent Speaker Series: Power of Parents

    Today’s episode is the audio from our Spring DASD & CTC Parent Speaker Series focused on how much influence parents really have - even if it feels like we don’t! Join us to learn more about how you have the power to help your child make smarter, safer choices. Your influence can save lives ... perhaps even your child's. Our featured speaker, Beth Bruton from Holcomb Behavioral Health Systems, is sharing MADD’s Power of Parents® program which empowers parents of middle school and high school students to have ongoing, intentional conversations about the dangers and consequences of underage drinking and other drug use. You can also join CTC's Parent to Parent group meeting on Tuesday, May 6th at Marsh Creek 6th Grade Center at 6:30pm to discuss and ask questions about Power of Parents. Register Here.    Things we mentioned in this episode:   Watch the webinar of this presentation HERE.   Please see the presentation slides here   MADD Power of Parents    Middle School Handbook   High School Handbook Parent to Parent: Building Connections Groups are meeting monthly! Join parents with similar-aged students and a trained facilitator to discover techniques, tips, and tricks to tackle common challenges and strengthen connections. Most importantly we’ll interact with other parents who are in the same stage or who have been there and can offer advice. Bring a friend and join the conversation!   You can now follow Chrissie on Instagram @ctc_chrissie or on Facebook /@Chrissie.CTC for info from each episode, Parent to Parent blog updates, and other parent resources. You can also email Chrissie at cdziembowski@dtownctc.org We would love to hear from you!   Communities that Care has a Parent to Parent Blog and many online resources. Please follow us on socials for more tips, resources and support!: Instagram @downingtownctc  Facebook @DowningtownAreaCTC  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeok9Z1R_xkbYmMFlcXjOZw Be sure to Subscribe/Follow us to get new episodes.    Find the episode webpage and previous episodes HERE.

    48 min
  2. 03/19/2025

    53 - Smarter Parents with Deni Tobin

    Talking about sexual health is so much more than just going over how reproduction works. Relationships, safety, personal boundaries, porn (more than half of kids have seen porn by the time they are 13!) and so many other topics are related! That is why we are so thankful to talk with Deni Tobin, the Violence Prevention Education Supervisor at our partner the Crime Victims Center of Chester County. Deni facilitates CVC’s “Smarter Parents” program that empowers parents to talk to their kids of all ages about sexual health and development. Deni shares key points of the program including: how to keep an open connection with your child, safety with strangers especially on the internet, consent, and how to be more comfortable talking about what can feel like a “cringe” topic. We also talk about staying shame free, how to deal with learning about sex online, and SKIBIDI TOILET - if you know you know! Join us!     Things we mentioned in this episode:   It’s So Amazing Book and Series by Robie H. Harris   The report, "Teens and Pornography," found that 73% of teen respondents age 13 to 17 have watched pornography online—and more than half (54%) reported first seeing pornography by the time they reached the age of 13. Read more here from Common Sense Media.   If you are interested in a program or contacting Deni please email education@cvcofcc.org    Follow CVC on FaceBook to stay updated on dates for the next Smarter Parents program and other events!   The Crime Victims’ Center of Chester County, Inc. (CVC) is a nonprofit agency providing free, immediate, and confidential crisis response and compassionate support to children and adults impacted by sexual violence and all other crime. We provide assistance through counseling, advocacy, resources, and education. The Center fosters community awareness and understanding through its comprehensive outreach and prevention programs.   Parent to Parent: Building Connections Groups are meeting monthly! Join parents with similar-aged students and a trained facilitator to discover techniques, tips, and tricks to tackle common challenges and strengthen connections. Most importantly we’ll interact with other parents who are in the same stage or who have been there and can offer advice. Bring a friend and join the conversation!   You can now follow Chrissie on Instagram @ctc_chrissie or on Facebook /@Chrissie.CTC for info from each episode, Parent to Parent blog updates, and other parent resources. You can also email Chrissie at cdziembowski@dtownctc.org We would love to hear from you!   Communities that Care has a Parent to Parent Blog and many online resources. Please follow us on socials for more tips, resources and support!: Instagram @downingtownctc  Facebook @DowningtownAreaCTC  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeok9Z1R_xkbYmMFlcXjOZw Be sure to Subscribe/Follow us to get new episodes.    Find the episode webpage and previous episodes HERE.

    53 min
  3. 02/11/2025

    52. What is California Sober? With Be a Part of the Conversation

    What does it mean to be California Sober? Marijuana or cannabis is available in so many forms now: edibles, tinctures, vaping oils, and dry leaf. It is also becoming more acceptable as a substance of use. Today we have Kim Porter and Bob Lamb from our partner Be A Part of the Conversation here with us to talk about this California Sober trend as well as harm reduction, how using high THC products is not the same as marijuana from the past, and the mental health risks that come with cannabis use including an overall sense of apathy. We also talk about how parents can role model responsible use of marijuana if they have a medical marijuana card and the dopamine of it all. We touched on so many topics in this conversation, join us!   Things we mentioned in this episode:   Kim was our first guest on the podcast!   Chrissie’s blog post about the weed coffee mug   Kim talked about the increase in cannabis use   Cannabis hyperemsis syndrome    Dopamine Nation by Anna Lembke  Be a Part of the Conversation  equips families and communities in Pennsylvania with skills and resources to understand substance use, addiction, and related health issues. We provide community programs, foster supportive connections, highlight lived experiences, and challenge stigma.   Parent to Parent: Building Connections Groups are meeting monthly! Join parents with similar-aged students and a trained facilitator to discover techniques, tips, and tricks to tackle common challenges and strengthen connections. Most importantly we’ll interact with other parents who are in the same stage or who have been there and can offer advice. Bring a friend and join the conversation!   You can now follow Chrissie on Instagram @ctc_chrissie or on Facebook /@Chrissie.CTC for info from each episode, Parent to Parent blog updates, and other parent resources. You can also email Chrissie at cdziembowski@dtownctc.org We would love to hear from you!   Communities that Care has a Parent to Parent Blog and many online resources. Please follow us on socials for more tips, resources and support!: Instagram @downingtownctc  Facebook @DowningtownAreaCTC  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeok9Z1R_xkbYmMFlcXjOZw Be sure to Subscribe/Follow us to get new episodes.    Find the episode webpage and previous episodes HERE.

    54 min
  4. 01/09/2025

    51. Meet the DASD Elementary School Prevention Specialists

    Our DASD Helpers are back on the podcast today! This is part two of our two-part series, and Sarah Brooks returns this time with several of her Prevention Specialist staff that work in the elementary school buildings: Erin Connolly, LCSW, C-SSWS, CYT (Lionville and Shamona Creek Elementary); Rena Davis, LSW (Bradford Heights and Pickering Creek Elementary); Laura Sirico, LSW, MEd, HSV, C-SSWS (East Ward and Springton Manor Elementary); and Natalie Martinez, LSW, HSV (Beaver Creek and Uwchlan Hills Elementary). We learn about the role Prevention Specialists play in the K-5 buildings, how they support students and when and for what parents can reach out to them for help. We also discuss trends and real life examples of what it looks like if your child were to work with a Prevention Specialist individually or in a group with their peers. DASD is lucky to have such caring, supportive staff in their schools. Join us to learn more about these amazing helpers! Things we mentioned in this episode:   You can email or call your school’s Prevention Specialist if you are concerned about your child. Find contact information for all Prevention Specialists here.    Erin mentioned the 3 R’s: Regulate, Relate, Reason   SAP-Student Assistance Program   Previous Episodes with Sarah:  Find the DASD Helpers How Our Youth Really Feel About Substances and More: Breaking Down PAYS Data Part 1 Our Kid’s Mental Health Status & Simple Tips for Parents: Breaking Down PAYS Data Part 2   Parent to Parent: Building Connections Groups are meeting monthly! Join parents with similar-aged students and a trained facilitator to discover techniques, tips, and tricks to tackle common challenges and strengthen connections. Most importantly we’ll interact with other parents who are in the same stage or who have been there and can offer advice. Bring a friend and join the conversation!   You can now follow Chrissie on Instagram @ctc_chrissie or on Facebook /@Chrissie.CTC for info from each episode, Parent to Parent blog updates, and other parent resources. You can also email Chrissie at cdziembowski@dtownctc.org We would love to hear from you!   Communities that Care has a Parent to Parent Blog and many online resources. Please follow us on socials for more tips, resources and support!: Instagram @downingtownctc  Facebook @DowningtownAreaCTC  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeok9Z1R_xkbYmMFlcXjOZw Be sure to Subscribe/Follow us to get new episodes.    Find the episode webpage and previous episodes HERE.

    40 min
  5. 12/03/2024

    50. Meet the DASD High School Prevention Specialists

    We have more DASD Helpers on the podcast today! The first of a two part series, Sarah Brooks returns with several of her Prevention Specialist staff that work in the high school buildings: Matt McFadden, MSS, LCSW (Downingtown West High School), Jocelyn White, MEd, LPC,  (Downingtown West High School) and Jennifer Stull, MA, LPC (STEM). We learn about the role Prevention Specialists play in their buildings, how they support students and when and for what parents can reach out to them for help. We also discuss trends they are seeing in students and how they help students during the school day. DASD is lucky to have such caring, supportive staff in their schools. Join us to learn more about these amazing helpers! Things we mentioned in this episode:   You can email or call your school’s Prevention Specialist if you are concerned about your child. Find contact information for all Prevention Specialists here.    SAP-Student Assistance Program   MTSS - Multi Tiered System of Support   Signs of Suicide Prevention Program that is implemented in DASD   Previous Episodes with Sarah:  Find the DASD Helpers How Our Youth Really Feel About Substances and More: Breaking Down PAYS Data Part 1 Our Kid’s Mental Health Status & Simple Tips for Parents: Breaking Down PAYS Data Part 2   Parent to Parent: Building Connections Groups are meeting monthly! Join parents with similar-aged students and a trained facilitator to discover techniques, tips, and tricks to tackle common challenges and strengthen connections. Most importantly we’ll interact with other parents who are in the same stage or who have been there and can offer advice. Bring a friend and join the conversation!   You can now follow Chrissie on Instagram @ctc_chrissie or on Facebook /@Chrissie.CTC for info from each episode, Parent to Parent blog updates, and other parent resources. You can also email Chrissie at cdziembowski@dtownctc.org We would love to hear from you!   Communities that Care has a Parent to Parent Blog and many online resources. Please follow us on socials for more tips, resources and support!: Instagram @downingtownctc  Facebook @DowningtownAreaCTC  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeok9Z1R_xkbYmMFlcXjOZw Be sure to Subscribe/Follow us to get new episodes.    Find the episode webpage and previous episodes HERE.

    42 min
  6. 11/14/2024

    49. Cultivating Happiness with Selena Morresi

    How can we increase our happiness? Selena Morresi, from Caron Treatment Centers, is here with us today to talk about where we are with our baseline happiness, the barriers to getting happy and ways to support increasing our happiness levels. Selena explains to us what “miswanting” is and how it impacts happiness–and the things that make us miswant. We also discuss the hedonic baseline and helper’s euphoria (what now?!), the universal love of Costco, and ways to cultivate happiness FOR REAL in our daily lives. Join us!     Things we mentioned in this episode:   Previous Episodes with Selena: Vaping Myths and Facts Part 1 and Part 2 and All Thing Vaping: Essentials Parents Need to Know   The Happiness Lab Podcast with Laurie Santos   World Happiness Report 2024   Blue Zones around the world    CTC has monthly in person parent group meetings - Parent to Parent Building Connections   Caron’s mission is to transform lives impacted by drug and alcohol addiction through proven, evidence-based, comprehensive, and personalized behavioral healthcare. Caron also offers prevention and education programs for schools and communities.    Parent to Parent: Building Connections Groups are meeting monthly! Join parents with similar-aged students and a trained facilitator to discover techniques, tips, and tricks to tackle common challenges and strengthen connections. Most importantly we’ll interact with other parents who are in the same stage or who have been there and can offer advice. Bring a friend and join the conversation!   You can now follow Chrissie on Instagram @ctc_chrissie or on Facebook /@Chrissie.CTC for info from each episode, Parent to Parent blog updates, and other parent resources. You can also email Chrissie at cdziembowski@dtownctc.org We would love to hear from you!   Communities that Care has a Parent to Parent Blog and many online resources. Please follow us on socials for more tips, resources and support!: Instagram @downingtownctc  Facebook @DowningtownAreaCTC  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeok9Z1R_xkbYmMFlcXjOZw Be sure to Subscribe/Follow us to get new episodes.    Find the episode webpage and previous episodes HERE.

    48 min
  7. 10/24/2024

    48. How to Be Ok When Our Loved Ones Are Not

    You are only as happy as your happiest kid, the saying goes–this quote came up in this conversation and we discussed why this is a terrible quote! Today we have Maggie Burchill with us from Caron Treatment Centers to discuss strategies to be ok when we have a partner, child or other family member or friend going through a difficult time like substance use disorder or mental health challenges. Maggie shares with us what family recovery is and looks like, and how addiction is a disease and every family member plays a role–whether they realize it or not. We also discuss how recovery for everyone is not a “one and done” thing and this work is lifelong. We also discuss ways to find peace and ease–our collective favorite mantra. Join us! Things we mentioned in this episode:   The book Codependent No More by Melody Beattie   Peaceful Barb on instagram - a great follow!   The book The Craving Mind by Dr. Jud Brewer   The book Atomic Habits by James Clear   Alanon Support Groups Caron has free support groups for Parents   CTC has monthly in person parent group meetings - Parent to Parent Building Connections   Caron’s mission is to transform lives impacted by drug and alcohol addiction through proven, evidence-based, comprehensive, and personalized behavioral healthcare. Caron also offers prevention and education programs for schools and communities.    Parent to Parent: Building Connections Groups are meeting monthly! Join parents with similar-aged students and a trained facilitator to discover techniques, tips, and tricks to tackle common challenges and strengthen connections. Most importantly we’ll interact with other parents who are in the same stage or who have been there and can offer advice. Bring a friend and join the conversation!   You can now follow Chrissie on Instagram @ctc_chrissie or on Facebook /@Chrissie.CTC for info from each episode, Parent to Parent blog updates, and other parent resources. You can also email Chrissie at cdziembowski@dtownctc.org We would love to hear from you!   Communities that Care has a Parent to Parent Blog and many online resources. Please follow us on socials for more tips, resources and support!: Instagram @downingtownctc  Facebook @DowningtownAreaCTC  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeok9Z1R_xkbYmMFlcXjOZw Be sure to Subscribe/Follow us to get new episodes.    Find the episode webpage and previous episodes HERE.

    58 min
  8. 09/25/2024

    47. Nothing That Isn't Yours! Opioids & Fentanyl Use in Chester County

    We are excited to welcome our friend and colleague Kathy Collier to the podcast to share with us what is happening in Chester County regarding opioid and fentanyl use–both intentional and accidental use. We discussed what opioids are, how the overdose epidemic is still happening, and how the drug landscape is MUCH different than when we were teens. Kathy also explained how to talk to your kids about opioids, fentanyl, and xylazine, and how it is showing up in other substances that are NOT opioids. This conversation was empowering in providing ways to stay safe and realistic–and the golden rule: no pills and powders and nothing that isn’t yours! Join us! Things we mentioned in this episode:   Kathy works for the Chester County Department of Drug and Alcohol Services.    We talked about Narcan and how it is available through the county.   Chester County Information and Resource Line 1-866-286-3767   24/7 PA get help now 1-800-662-HELP Parent to Parent: Building Connections Groups are meeting monthly! Join parents with similar-aged students and a trained facilitator to discover techniques, tips, and tricks to tackle common challenges and strengthen connections. Most importantly we’ll interact with other parents who are in the same stage or who have been there and can offer advice. Bring a friend and join the conversation!   You can now follow Chrissie on Instagram @ctc_chrissie or on Facebook /@Chrissie.CTC for info from each episode, Parent to Parent blog updates, and other parent resources. You can also email Chrissie at cdziembowski@dtownctc.org We would love to hear from you!   Communities that Care has a Parent to Parent Blog and many online resources. Please follow us on socials for more tips, resources and support!: Instagram @downingtownctc  Facebook @DowningtownAreaCTC  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeok9Z1R_xkbYmMFlcXjOZw LinkedIn:  Be sure to Subscribe/Follow us to get new episodes! Find the episode webpage and previous episodes HERE.

    52 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Parent to Parent: Real Life TIps to Raise Resilient Kids, is a podcast from Communities that Care of Greater Downingtown. Every other week Chrissie and Bethann will meet with experts and other parents to discuss topics related to raising healthy kids--everything from drug and alcohol use to mental health to supporting independence. Each episode will give listeners concrete, hands-on tips that parents can use in their homes with their families right away. Hosts Chrissie Dziembowski and Dr. Bethann Cinelli have a combined 40+ years experience working in health education with youth, parents, schools and communities. Thank you for joining us! Communities that Care has a Parent2Parent Blog and many online resources and webinars. Please follow us on socials for more tips, resources and support!: Instagram @downingtownctc Facebook @DowningtownAreaCTC Twitter @DowningtownCTC YouTube LinkedIn We would love to hear from you! Please email Chrissie Dziembowski with any questions, comments or other feedback at cdziembowski@dtownctc.org