One conversation can make a difference.
Families Talk. Listen. Learn. is a practical, parent-focused way to start conversations about mental health and substance use.
You don’t need to have all the answers. What matters most is being present, curious, and willing to talk.
Talk
Starting conversations that keep the door open
- Choose a calm, low-pressure moment
- Ask open-ended questions
- Listen more than you speak
- Stay curious, not confrontational
Listen
What your teen may be trying to tell you
- Notice patterns, not one-time changes
- Stay calm—even if what you hear is hard
- Reflect back what you’re hearing
Learn
Understanding today’s risks
- Mental health & substance use connect
- Focus on support, not fear
- Early conversations lower risk
Pick the conversation you need
Each topic includes guidance to help parents start conversations, understand risks, and know where to turn for support.
The Family Brochure
A quick, friendly overview of the initiative — the mission, the topics, common warning signs, and where to turn for help. Easy to print, hand out at school events, or share with another parent.Resources & Support
You’re not expected to do this alone.
Trusted local and national resources are available to support families and connect you to help when you need it. Each Conversation Guide includes specific resources for each conversation topic. Below are some local resources we would like to recognize for their support of the Dublin Wellness Alliance.
Dublin City Schools – Student Wellness
Provides school-based supports focused on student mental health, wellness, and safety, including counseling services, prevention education, and connections to additional resources.
Dublin City Schools – Press Pause: Finding Balance in a Digital World
Press Pause is a Dublin City Schools initiative designed to help families build healthier relationships with screen time and digital habits. Through short podcast episodes, local educators and community experts share practical guidance on topics such as sleep, stress, social media pressure, and setting healthy boundaries with technology.
Dublin City Schools – Parent Mentor
Provides guidance to families which have a child who, due to a disability, may qualify for a 504 Plan or Individualized Education Program (IEP) within the school district, connects families to community resources, and offers support to parents/caregivers from a unique lens of being a fellow parent.
Dublin ACT Coalition
A community coalition focused on preventing and reducing youth substance use through education, collaboration, and local prevention initiatives that support families and young people.
Kids Mental Health Foundation
Provides free, research-informed tools to help parents and caregivers start conversations with children and teens about mental health and substance use.
Nationwide Children’s Hospital
Offers pediatric healthcare services, including mental health support, substance use treatment, and family-centered care for children and adolescents.
Syntero
Provides counseling, prevention, and early-intervention mental health services for children, teens, adults, and families across Central Ohio.