Parent-child connection is the foundation of healthy development and family wellbeing. Susan Caso will explore how genuine connectedness protects children from mental health challenges, peer pressure, and the pressures of growing up in a digital world. Attendees will learn practical strategies for fostering clear, connected conversations, creating emotional safety, and cultivating belonging at home and in schools. Participants will leave with tools to strengthen bonds, rebuild trust, and help children feel safe, seen, and supported at every stage of development.

From constant screen time to the pressures of social media, technology is shaping how kids think, feel, and behave. While it can open doors for learning and connection, it also brings challenges that impact youth mental health and daily behavior. Join Dr. Dave Anderson, clinical psychologist at the Child Mind Institute, for a practical conversation on helping kids navigate the digital world. Dr. Anderson will share insights on how screen use and social media affect emotions and behavior, and he’ll offer strategies to set boundaries, encourage resilience, and support positive mental health. Parents will leave with tools to guide their children toward healthier habits and more balanced lives online and off.

In partnership with SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions), Carol Lucio and a SADD youth leader will explore how parents, caregivers, and schools can prepare youth to take the wheel in more ways than one. Driving is often the first big test where freedom and responsibility meet, but the foundation is built long before a license. Through modeling, mentorship, and open conversations, adults can equip young people to make thoughtful decisions not just on the road, but also in the everyday challenges they face with friendships, technology, mental health, and substance use. Everyone will walk away with ready-to-use resources that make it easier to model responsibility, build trust, and encourage smarter choices at every age.

You can be the reason a child never rides with an impaired driver or never drives impaired after they turn 21. Underage drinking and cannabis use are among the most preventable — yet dangerous — risks facing youth today. In this webinar, Dr. Robert Turrisi from the Pennsylvania State University will share evidence-based strategies from decades of research, including insights from MADD’s Power of Parents Handbook. You’ll learn how alcohol and cannabis affect the developing brain, how parenting must evolve as kids grow, and what truly works to reduce risky behaviors.

When children experience trauma—whether from addiction in the family or other stressors—their nervous systems adapt in ways that can disrupt emotional regulation and development. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) can have long-lasting effects, but there are ways to help children heal. In this webinar, author Trish Luna shares how Lambi Learns About Addiction uses evidence-based practices to help children build emotional awareness, resilience, and self-regulation skills. Grounded in neuroscience and trauma-informed care, the webinar introduces tools like mindful breathing and grounding techniques to support healthy brain development and healing. Parents, educators, and mental health professionals will gain practical insights for helping children thrive in the face of adversity. We’re also excited to welcome trauma therapist and childhood grief expert Beth Tyson as a special guest. Beth will share her clinical perspective on how early childhood trauma impacts behavior and development—and how the adults in a child’s life can become powerful agents of healing.

Telling kids to “just say no” isn’t enough - but what actually works? Join Dr. Bonnie Halpern-Felsher from the Stanford REACH Lab for a real, research-backed conversation about youth substance use. Learn why kids and teens take risks, how scare tactics and punishments often fail, and what parents, schools, and communities can do instead. This webinar will give you practical, science-based strategies to help young people make healthier choices while also addressing their mental health and well-being.

Parenting in today’s world means navigating a minefield of addictive temptations—social media, pornography, and substances can pull kids in before they even realize what’s happening. So how do you know when to step in, and how can you help without pushing them away? Join Kriya Lendzion, a counselor and prevention expert with over 30 years of experience, as she shares real-world strategies to help you guide your child through these challenges with warmth, structure, and impact. Drawing from her own journey through teen addiction, Kriya offers insight into what’s really going on beneath risky behaviors and how you can intervene in ways that build trust and lasting change.

Preparing your child for life after high school starts long before graduation. Building independence and confidence in managing their own health and wellness is a process that should begin early—even before high school. Join Dr. Jill Grimes, The College Doc, for a must-watch webinar on how to help your child take charge of their healthcare so they feel ready for life’s next steps. From managing anxiety and homesickness to improving sleep, brain health, and understanding the risks of drugs and alcohol, this session will provide parents with practical strategies to start now—so when the time comes to fly the nest, they’re prepared to soar.

Today’s marijuana is stronger and more dangerous than ever, with products like dabbing concentrates and delta-8 THC posing serious risks to adolescent brain development and mental health. Laura Stack, founder of Johnny’s Ambassadors, shares her powerful personal story of loss and sheds light on how high-THC marijuana can lead to addiction, anxiety, psychosis, and even suicide. Backed by science and her own experience, Laura’s heartfelt presentation will empower parents to understand the risks and start essential conversations with their kids.

The face of vaping has changed significantly since they first emerged about a decade ago: vapes are bigger, stronger, and distributors have developed new methods to appeal to youth and evade FDA regulations. Join Dr. Weiner for an in-depth look at the evolving vaping landscape, the hidden risks to physical and mental health, and practical tips to help you have informed, impactful conversations with your child.

Students juggling activities, leadership roles, and athletic commitments face unique pressures that can challenge their wellness. This webinar, led by Tina George of Caron Treatment Center’s Education Alliance, delves into how stress impacts students physically and mentally, while highlighting the importance of healthy coping strategies. Learn about the risks of different substances from caffeine and workout supplements to over-the-counter medications and opioids. Walk away with practical tools to support students in managing stress, maintaining balance, and staying substance-free.

Join Dr. Crystal Collier, therapist and author, and Jake White, founder of Vive18 Youth Prevention, for practical strategies to guide young people toward healthier choices. Dr. Collier will share her expertise in neurodevelopment and prevention programming, offering tips for parents to shape decision-making skills and for schools to implement a cohesive prevention approach. As a youth prevention speaker, Jake White will provide insights on encouraging a drug-free lifestyle and making prevention messaging more engaging and memorable for today’s youth at school and at home. Learn age-appropriate ways to help students build confidence, resist peer pressure, and avoid high-risk behaviors.

Talking to your kids about impaired driving, underage drinking, alcohol, and cannabis can be tough, but it's vital for their safety. Join Tess Rowland, a Traffic Safety Liaison, traffic crash survivor, and former National President of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), as she shares practical prevention strategies to help parents navigate these conversations. Tailored for different age groups—from young kids to teens—this webinar will cover essential topics like health risks, legal consequences, and peer pressure. You'll also gain access to helpful resources, including educational tools and activities, to reinforce safe driving habits.

Join Dr. Mandakini Sadhir, Chief of Adolescent Medicine at the University of Kentucky, as she shares her frontline experiences of helping families manage digital life. Drawing on her work with kids, teens, and parents, Dr. Sadhir will offer practical strategies to overcome challenges while highlighting what really works when it comes to fostering healthy tech habits. She will also spotlight valuable resources from the American Academy of Pediatrics, giving you evidence-based guidance to make your home a healthy digital environment.

Social media has a powerful grip on almost everyone, especially our kids. That’s why The Mediatrician, Dr. Michael Rich, is going to dive into its profound impact. He will cover how virtual connections are affecting real-life relationships, the toxicity of social media influencers, and how all those perfect images are harming body image and self-esteem. He will also discuss the role social media plays in promoting risky behaviors like vaping and drinking. Gain practical, actionable steps to help your family navigate these challenges and foster a healthier, more balanced digital lives.

Navigating the tween and teen years can be a stressful time for kids, parents, and educators alike. This period of change, pressure, and uncharted territory can feel overwhelming. Join Phyllis Fagell, a school counselor and acclaimed author, as she shares practical strategies to help kids develop essential skills for managing social complexity, academic challenges, and intense emotions. Drawing from her extensive counseling experience and research, Phyllis will provide insights on self-regulating emotions, building confidence, recovering from setbacks, and making informed decisions about friendships, and substances. This webinar offers valuable tools to support children through these critical years and foster their growth and resilience. Join Phyllis Fagell and Operation Parent and start your school year off right!