THE ROAD MAP

In this newsletter, you’ll find:

🚦 First stop (Galaxy Gas misuse)

🛤️ Site-seeing at mylemarks.com (Freebie: Staying Focused)

📡 On the Radar (Frequent apologizing, music therapy, and more)

📊 Results are in (Poll results from the last edition)

✍🏽 U(r)-Turn (Let’s hear from you)

🤗 Sharing is Caring (spread the mylemarker love and earn)

Let’s go!

FIRST STOP

🌌 Galaxy Gas Misuse Among Young People

You've probably heard of "whippets" or laughing gas – a quick high achieved by misusing nitrous oxide. Unfortunately, this trend is on the rise among young people, often using whipped cream chargers like those from Galaxy Gas. These chargers are meant for making whipped cream, not getting high. But a growing number of teens are using them to inhale nitrous oxide, putting their health at serious risk.

So, what's driving this behavior? Dr. Gail Saltz says it's a mix of curiosity, peer pressure, and social media exposure. Platforms like TikTok are making it easier for teens to discover and share info about substance misuse. And despite efforts to limit access, many videos still slip through.

The risks are real and scary. Inhaling nitrous oxide can lead to loss of consciousness, seizures, nerve damage, and even death. That's because it essentially replaces oxygen intake, causing potentially devastating consequences.

Galaxy Gas has taken action, halting sales of their whipped cream chargers and emphasizing responsible use. But parents also play a crucial role. Dr. Saltz advises having open, honest conversations with kids about substance misuse – starting early, before high school. Watch for warning signs like empty canisters or sudden mood swings. Being informed and vigilant can help protect children from the dangers of nitrous oxide misuse.

SITE-SEEING at mylemarks.com

Freebie: Staying Focused

The "Staying Focused" worksheet is a great tool to help kids learn how to stay on task and avoid distractions. It guides them through thinking about what kind of environment helps them focus best, like a quiet room or soft music, and what usually pulls their attention away. It also encourages them to come up with a plan for what they can do when they get distracted, like taking a break or moving to a quieter spot. This simple activity helps build important skills like self-awareness and self-regulation, which are key for improving focus and getting things done more efficiently.

💡 Check out these other NEW Executive Functioning resources you might enjoy!

ON THE RADAR

🙏🏽 The Hidden Meaning Behind Excessive Apologizing

Excessive apologizing can be a subtle yet revealing symptom of childhood parental trauma. Individuals who experienced trauma or neglect in their formative years may develop a pattern of frequent apologizing as a coping mechanism. This behavior serves as a way to maintain a sense of safety and avoid conflict, often stemming from a deep-seated fear of rejection or abandonment. By apologizing excessively, people with a history of childhood trauma may attempt to diffuse tension, seek approval and validation or avoid feelings of guilt and shame. This pattern can also be a way to maintain control in relationships or replicate familiar dynamics from their past.

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🚨 Black Girls Face Harsher Discipline in Schools, Report Finds

A recent report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) has found that Black girls face more frequent and severe discipline in public schools than girls from other racial backgrounds. The report, which took nearly a year-and-a-half to complete, found that Black girls had the highest rates of "exclusionary discipline," such as suspensions and expulsions, and received nearly half of these punishments, despite making up only 15% of girls in public schools. The study also found that the discipline rates for Black girls grew even larger when they had a disability. Factors such as school poverty levels, the percentage of girls facing disabilities, the number of new teachers, and the presence of a school resource officer were also found to contribute to increased discipline for girls.

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🎵 Music Therapy Provides Outlet for Teens' Emotions

As the mental health crisis among teenagers continues to grow, music therapy is emerging as a valuable tool to help them cope with their emotions and find healing. Research has shown that music therapy can have a positive impact on mental health, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, and improving mood and self-esteem. Music therapists are using techniques like songwriting, improvisation, and music-assisted relaxation to help teens process their emotions and experiences. By providing a creative and supportive outlet for expression, music therapy is helping teens navigate the challenges of adolescence and build a stronger foundation for mental health.

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🤸 The State of Play: How Kids Have Fun in 2024

Children’s play has undergone a significant transformation since the 1980s. Gone are the days of carefree, unstructured outdoor play. Today, screen time dominates, and research suggests this shift has far-reaching consequences, including decreased physical activity, social skills, and cognitive development. Despite this, children's imaginations remain vibrant, and with our help, they can still thrive. Cities can play a crucial role by implementing traffic calming measures and creating pedestrian-only streets, making neighborhoods safer for kids to explore. Moreover, laws mandating daily recess can ensure children have ample time to play outside, fostering essential life skills. Ultimately, adults must strike a balance between safety and freedom, allowing children to play without excessive supervision or screen time.

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🏡 The Rise of Lighthouse Parenting

Parenting trends come and go, but the latest approach, "Lighthouse Parenting," offers a refreshing balance. This method provides guidance while giving children the freedom to grow and learn, preparing them for life's challenges. Unlike helicopter or tiger parents, lighthouse parents are stable, reliable, and non-controlling. However, some experts caution that trendy terms like "lighthouse parenting" can contribute to parental stress and information overload. Additionally, this approach may not be suitable for all children, particularly those who require more structure and guidance. Despite these potential downsides, lighthouse parenting resonates with parents seeking a middle ground between authoritative and gentle parenting.

RESULTS ARE IN

In the last edition of the mylemarker, we asked, What do you think about the actions Instagram is taking to improve teen safety? from our feature article from CNN. See the results and a few responses below!

U(R)-TURN

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