Hour-long program for 15-min. kid breaks

By Mary Ellen Zangara Special Writer
   MANVILLE — Spending just 15 minutes talking to your kids each day can reduce the likelihood of them using drugs — especially if you know how to communicate with them. And to help parents do that, the Manville High School Parent Teacher Student Association is hosting a free presentation called “15 Minute Child Break” on Monday.
   The program, offered as part of the upcoming Red Ribbon Week focused on preventing drug and alcohol use, is a successful parenting program that will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, in the high school auditorium.
   ”We did a study that showed parents who have a 15-minute conversation every day with their children are 67 percent less likely (to have children) get involved with drugs,” said Jeanniene Brown, program coordinator for the Millburn-based Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey.
   Ms. Brown added the conversation doesn’t have to be about drugs. “It can be about anything, it doesn’t matter.”
   The hourlong program by the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey is designed to help parents build better communication with their children. The Partnership notes the program is “an interactive multimedia presentation that informs, encourages and empowers parents, caregivers, and educators to effectively communicate with their children about the dangers of drugs and alcohol.”
   Jamielee Smith, a volunteer presenter from the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey, will cover such topics as talking to your kids about drugs and alcohol, the influence of media and pop culture, keeping your children drug-free, strengthening parenting skills, and utilizing teachable moments.
   After the presentation, there will be a question and answer session with local materials and resources available.
   The program is very popular throughout New Jersey and has been hosted by companies for their employees and by PTA’s and parenting groups in every county of the state. Parents, community members and educators are invited to attend (educators attending can receive 1.5 hours professional development credit).
   For more information or questions about the program, e-mail the [email protected].