Upstream Parent - A Parent's Guide to Cortland County Teens

Teen Insights

Substance Use is Down Among Cortland County Teens

BySophia GelardMarch 7, 2022

This year’s 2021 Cortland County Youth Survey is out! Results from this survey look promising for Cortland County teens. This year, we gathered results from every school district in the county, while navigating the challenges of survey administration during COVID-19. Each

Positive Parenting

Parenting is Hard. Parenting Wisely Can Help Make it Easier.

BySophia GelardMarch 4, 2022

Parenting is one of the most difficult jobs out there. But don’t worry; you’re not alone! Let me tell you about a program in Cortland County that can make things easier for both parent and child: Parenting Wisely. Parenting Wisely is a program that helps parents build

Health & Wellness

5 Myths Parents Should Know for Human Trafficking Awareness Month

ByCortland Area Communities That CaresJanuary 4, 2022

Picture Liam Neeson in the movie Taken, the retired CIA agent who has a “particular set of skills” to find the traffickers who kidnapped his daughter. He now has only 96 hours to use those particular set of skills to rescue his daughter from sex-trafficking ring in Paris

Health & Wellness

FAQs for Parents: Narcan (a Lifesaving Medication)

BySara WatrousDecember 28, 2021

Over the past year, you may have heard or seen stories about overdoses happening right here in our own community. Even with reported opioid use low amongst 7th-12th graders in our community, with 0.3% of students reporting heroin use and 2.9% reporting prescription pain

Positive Parenting

Cookin’ with the Kids: Fun Drinks for the Holidays!

ByCortland Area Communities That CaresDecember 21, 2021

In recent months, we’ve all been spending a lot more time at home. Many of us have missed the special energy that comes with sitting in a restaurant care-free on a Saturday night. Throughout the pandemic, we’ve had to find creative ways to make weekends feel fun. Mocktails

Health & Wellness

What Do Rudolph and Harry Potter Have in Common? Using Movies to Discuss Bullying with Your Pre-Teen

ByCortland Area Communities That CaresDecember 14, 2021

Did you know that, in 2019, 50% of Junior High students in Cortland County reported being bullied? Sensitive topics, like bullying, can sometimes be awkward or uncomfortable to bring up with your pre-teen.

Teen Insights

Wondering What Parenting Factors Can Predict Teen Alcohol Use? Check This Out!

ByMargaret BroderickDecember 7, 2021

The only parenting factor that predicted an increase in youth alcohol use and alcohol related problems two years later was perceived availability of alcohol at home

Positive Parenting

Cookin’ with the Kids: 3 Easy Crock Pot Recipes

ByCortland Area Communities That CaresNovember 30, 2021

This is a perfect appliance to teach your teen about in the kitchen. Not only will you be spending awesome quality time together, but they will be able to apply this skill when they move out after high school.

Health & Wellness

Feeling Overwhelmed with all the Letters in LGBTQIA+ Community? Check Out Our Tips for Understanding the “Rainbow”

BySam AdamsNovember 23, 2021

Eight syllables is a lot, and knowing what each letter stands for (plus remembering all the identities that are included in the plus sign) can be a challenge, even for members within the community. The good news is, as a supportive parent, you don’t have to memorize every

Health & Wellness

5 Myths About Underage Drinking in Cortland County (and Beyond) Debunked

ByCortland Area Communities That CaresNovember 16, 2021

Do you know the difference between these myths and facts about underage drinking in Cortland County and beyond? Let’s clear the air. Myth #1: Most kids in Cortland County drink alcohol. Fact Based on the 2022 youth development survey of over 1,900 7th-12th graders in