By Aidan Mortensen | KOAL News
Recovering from substance use disorder is a challenge on its own, let alone without the added challenge of trying to raise a child while recovering. Luckily, within the Castle Country, Utah State University Extension – HEART looks to make this tall task easier through their Empowering Parents in Recovery dinner.
Health & Wellness Prevention Coordinator Josie Hatch called the KOAL newsroom to explain the event and its grander purpose in recovery.
“So this is going to be a presentation for parents who are in recovery from substance use. And we want to teach these parents and give them ideas and strategies for how they can talk to their kids about substance use and prevent their kids from using substances,” said Hatch. “We know this might be a sensitive topic for them, and they might not know how to approach these conversations. They can be awkward for parents of any background to talk about. And so we want to empower people with skills and resources to have these conversations with their kids.”
Hatch elaborated on what parents can expect from this class: “We’re going to talk about how you can have age-appropriate conversations. We’re going to give you tips for creating a home environment that is safe and emotionally safe for kids. We’re going to talk about how important it is to have clear rules and expectations, and we’re going to help you develop your own values and how you want to talk to your kids.” Hatch continued,” And then we’re going to talk about how you can use your own lived experience to spark these conversations and use that as a prevention with your kids.”
Speaking on the benefit of attending, Hatch shared,” What I’m excited about is that we’re not going to try to tell you that you’re wrong or your family’s bad. We want to use your own family experiences and help you develop your values and strategies.” She added,” We’re going to give you tips. We’re going to provide you with pointers, but we’re going to have a lot of interactive activities where you’re just really going to clarify your values and decide how you want to approach this with your kids.”
Dinner attendees can also expect to receive swag and door prizes just for showing up. The event will also feature an opportunity drawing for a plethora of prizes.
“I hope that you feel welcome to come, that this is for anybody,” said Hatch. “The national statistics are that there’s about one in four children who are growing up in homes with substance use disorders. So there are a lot of people to whom this applies, and we would just love to have you feel welcome coming. We hope you can come.”
USU Extension – HEART’s Empowering Parents in Recovery dinner will be held on Monday, June 30 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the USU Eastern Alumni Room. The event will come to Emery County on Monday, July 14, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Emery County Administration Building. Registration is available for both of these events on Eventbrite. Questions can be directed to Hatch at josie.hatch@usu.edu.
