Issue link: https://fredparent.uberflip.com/i/1483128
16 Fredericksburg Parent and Family • November 2022 Parents are among the unsung heroes of the COVID-19 pandemic. From schooling at home, to maintaining jobs without access to reliable childcare, to trying to keep household members safe from the virus, parents and care- givers have shouldered an enormous load during the past three years. By "parent," we are referring to anyone who cares for a child, grandchild, fos- ter child, niece, nephew, friend or neighbor on the journey to adulthood. If that's you, take a moment right now to celebrate the important support you have provided over these past few difficult years. Now take a deep breath. Remind yourself how capable you are, because our children need us now more than ever. Study a er study con nues to show that children's mental health is suffering, leaving them at heightened risk for ad- dic on, suicide, self-harm and other dangerous behaviors. Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (RACSB) staff members are out in the community ge ng a first-hand look at the risks today's youth face. Our observa ons of those risks prompted us to put together this guide. Parents have enormous power to influence children's lives. It doesn't take a luxury vaca on to make an impact. Your ev- eryday presence in your child's life—the conversa ons you have, the games you play, the jokes you share, the problems you help your child solve—has a strong and las ng impact on your child's development. "Parent" isn't just a noun—it's also a verb. Part of parent- ing is equipping your child with the tools to confront the threats they will face in today's world. This means having inten onal conversa ons about topics such as suicide, self-harm, substance abuse, addic on, gambling and other important topics. These conversa ons don't have to be scary, and they can build your rela onship with your child in a way that will make them more likely to come to you should problems arise in the future. The following pages are intended to educate you on some of the most prevalent risks today's youth face. They also include conversa on-starters meant to make it easier to broach these topics with the children in your life. You'll also find resources to help you learn more about specific topics. let's talk! Parents have the power to make a tangible difference in kids' post-pandemic lives. Be informed. Be direct with children when talk- ing about these topics. And be accessible should they come to you with ques ons or concerns about themselves or their friends. When you need help, please reach out to RACSB. You are not alone. We are here to help.