Issue link: http://uwashington.uberflip.com/i/106618
Pre-Teen Health (cont'd) STRENGTHS •This is an important/good time to strengthen cultural teachings. •We have cultural teachings from ancestors. •The resilience, innovation of our families and communities. •Revitalization of culture, creating new traditions where old ones were stolen. •Traditional ceremonies, naming, potlatch. •Rich history. •Programs that keep youth busy after school, weekends, holidays. •Sovereignty of federally recognized tribes. •Natives achieving undergraduate and graduate degrees and working in urban clinics and reservation settings. •Community raising the children — communities are full of aunties and uncles so youth know they will be supported for good choices and that there will be consequences for negative choices. •This is a good time to support youth as they explore their passions and skills — they are budding artists, dancers, musicians, etc. We can support these things in them. •"The other thing that's really neat about that age is they're not quite to that embarrassment stage yet and so they're really open to like listening and learning. And they … they're curious, so they want to know this information." NEEDS •Keep pre-teens connected to culture, community and activities. •Education, mentoring and support for parents to improve parenting skills for this age group. •Need service providers that can help and support families with children with mental health and behavioral issues like ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder), ODD (Oppositional Defiance Disorder). •Clear, respectful sex education. •Good resources to help parents/families talk with pre-teens about difficult and personal topics. •Positive role models — especially if they don't have parents as positive role models. SUGGESTIONS •More cultural activities and community events. •Integrate culture into evidence-based practices/programs. •Clear, respectful communication about appropriate age for dating. •Collaborate and cooperate with schools as they often spend more "awake" time with students. Develop good academic skills and habits early — mentor. •Pass on cultural teachings to youth — sense of belonging, identity, strength and pride. •Pre-teens need clear and consistent boundaries. •"Practice" talking with your pre-teens about interesting and neutral topics — this might make it easier to discuss the more challenging topics. •Parents/families should stay informed about who their preteens are getting information from (about sex, drugs, etc.) and what kind of information they are getting. Will help adults know better how to approach the topic and correct misinformation. •Educate pre-teens about appropriate boundaries, healthy intimate relationships, computer safety, communication, leadership skills, being a role model. •For difficult/challenging conversations that pre-teens and/or parents might feel nervous or uncomfortable about — rather than having "face-to-face" discussion, have "side-to-side" discussions e.g. riding in the car, walking. Also, having a 16 discussion while "doing something with your hands" like beading, fishing, etc. may help set everyone at ease. •Develop Youth Councils to mentor for leadership. •Youth need financial planning — especially for per capita communities. •Community can hold each other responsible — step in when children are at risk, help parents identify what needs to be changed. •Raise expectations for youth in the community. •Bring back traditional practice of serving others, giving back to the community. •Important that parents talk with youth and teach them. Parents may need support and skills to do so. •Educate youth, families and community about basic safety such as water safety, sports safety, etc. •Expose youth to positive role models early and often. •Help them explore what they are passionate about — support and encourage them. Develop programs to support these activities (music, art, dance, baking, etc.) even if it requires volunteer staffing. •Offer programs that group youth under 13 years old and over 13 years old — needs are different. •Use media like Facebook and texting to implement prevention/intervention. There are evidence based programs doing this already. Washington Tribes & Recognized American Indian Organizations (RAIOs) Health Priorities Summit