Drug culture has existed for generations, but is rapidly changing into something parents might not recognize. Jermaine Galloway, drug and alcohol trend expert, says parents might have a harder time connecting with their child because of these generational ideas, but it's not impossible. 

Jermaine Galloway talks about drug and alcohol awareness, how to create dialogue with your kids about it, and how to create a healthy, safe environment for them.

Generational Changes in Drug Culture
Galloway says parents face unique challenges with their teens in today's drug culture. Everything is stronger and more available. "Higher potency means higher addiction, no matter what drug you're talking about," Jermaine emphasizes the importance of the connection of drugs and addiction.

​How to Approach Drug Culture as a Parent
Studies show that the perception of harm has gone down dramatically in recent generations, making teens feel safer and more comfortable with drugs. Galloway wishes to combat this by 'holding the line' for your child. "It's your job to keep your kids health, safe and aware," Jermaine says. 
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Time to Talk is produced with the Children's Coalition for Northeast Louisiana and BayouLife Magazine.

Child advocacy is speaking out for the best interest of children. Jan Daniels, youth development coordinator of Children's Coalition of Northeast Louisiana, discusses how to be an advocate for children and why it is important. 

Jan Daniels talks with KEDM about being a child advocate.

When To Be an Advocate for Children
Jan Daniels describes advocacy as speaking out for children in the face of obstacles like bullying and strained relationships with authority figures, such as coaches and teachers. Children can run into these problems at school, after-school programs and extracurricular clubs. 

How To Be An Advocate For Children
Advocacy is achieved through persistence. Daniels says, "The best thing you can do is be persistent, be consistent and ask for help." When approaching a situation, make your child's needs clear and known to people who can change and help the situation. 

Daniels advises, when working with educators and a school environment, to start with your child's teacher or the principal.
In the northeast Louisiana area, there are several resources for child advocacy and children. Daniels suggests contacting the Children's Coalition or the Child Advocacy Center in Monroe. 
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Time to Talk is produced with the Children's Coalition for Northeast Louisiana and BayouLife Magazine.

MONROE, La. (KNOE) - State and local leaders are trying to improve access to quality care and education for kids, especially for low-income families. It’s part of Louisiana Early Education Week, hosted by the United Way.

They say 90 percent of brain development happens between birth and age four, so building a solid foundation early can help children later in life.

"We’re no longer looking at early childcare as just a babysitting service. It is part of the educational continuum that actually starts at birth," says Lynn Clark, the executive director of The Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana.

She says it’s important to build an education before kids can even talk.

"It’s important that they’re in environments that are enriched, they're playing, they're moving, they're eating healthy food, they're talking, they're singing. All of those things are part of a quality childcare environment," Clark explains.

Experts say these interactions carry their education throughout life.
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In fact, studies show over 40 percent of Louisiana’s kids are already behind when they start kindergarten, and kids who start behind usually stay behind.

​Lynn Clark from the Children's Coalition joined us in studio to talk about Early Education Week. The event kicks off Monday, February 11th from 10:30 am to 11:30 am.

Congratulations to Damon Nailer, Family Resource Center Parent Educator, for his recent award. He was named Best of the ArkLaMiss Best Motivational Speaker 2nd Place. Damon works with families in our Family Resource Center and leads our Nurturing Fatherhood Program. Congratulations Damon!