Jessica Matheson, 2022 SHAPE America National Health Education Teacher of the Year, provide some practical tips that will help you stay optimistic and forward thinking throughout the school year.

It’s time to get kids back to school! Helping your kids transition from their “summer-selves” to their “student-selves” involves using their summer experiences to shape the ways they move forward.

Parents are the number one influence on their kids’ decision to drink—or not drink—alcohol, and this influence goes beyond just having those important conversations about the dangers of underage drinking. As kids develop and learn to make decisions for themselves, what they see from parents, caregivers, and other trusted adults matters. Explore these ways to model responsibility with your kids if you choose to drink.

Whether on a road trip or running errands, there’s something different about conversations with your kids that happen in the car. Here are some tried-and-true strategies for car talks with your kids.

This Fourth of July, don’t just spark fireworks, but also spark short and meaningful conversations about celebrating responsibly with your kids.