Informed Families/The Florida Family Partnership

Our children are watching.

They are not only listening to what we say. They are watching how we live, how we handle stress, how we celebrate, how we relax, and how we make decisions.

As parents, grandparents, caregivers, and community members, our words matter — but so does the environment we create.

When we talk to young people about alcohol, drugs, va**ng, peer pressure, and healthy choices, those conversations are important. But our message becomes even stronger when our actions reflect the same values.

This is especially important during the summer months, when family gatherings, celebrations, holidays, and boating events often include alcohol. Children notice who is drinking, who is driving, who is making safety decisions, and whether adults are modeling responsibility.

Prevention is not about being perfect. It is about being aware.

It is about asking:
What message is my child receiving from my actions?
What does our home environment communicate?
What do our celebrations model?
How do I show healthy ways to handle stress?

Small changes can make a meaningful difference. We can create homes where connection matters more than busyness. We can create gatherings where fun does not have to revolve around alcohol. We can show children that joy, rest, and celebration do not require risky choices.

This summer, let’s slow down, be present, and be mindful of the example we are setting.

Our children are watching. Let’s give them something healthy, steady, and strong to follow.

Read Peggy B. Sapp’s full President’s Message at the link in our bio.

Informed Families is proud to attend the 12th Annual Mothers Fighting for Justice Walk for Justice, Back to School Drive & Gun Violence Awareness Resource Fair on Saturday, July 25, 2026.

This free community event brings families together for school supplies, resources, food, giveaways, healing, unity activities, and support around gun violence awareness.

We look forward to connecting with families and sharing prevention resources that help strengthen and support our community.

📍 Resource Fair: 11350 SW 216th St., Goulds, FL 33170
🕒 Resource Fair Time: 3:00 PM
🚶 Walk Time: 2:00 PM

Families, mark your calendars! 🎉

Miami Kids Magazine Family Fest is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a free, family-friendly event at Regatta Park in Coconut Grove.

Enjoy entertainment, giveaways, train rides, educational booths, prizes, and community fun for all ages — even your pups are welcome! 🐾

📍 Regatta Park | 2700 S Bayshore Dr, Miami
🗓 Saturday, June 13
⏰ 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
🎟 Free event — RSVP on Eventbrite

At Informed Families, we love seeing families come together for positive, healthy, and connected community experiences. We hope to see you there!

Would your child call you if they were in an unsafe situation?

Trust is built before the moment of pressure. This blog shares how parents and caregivers can create open conversations, build a safety-first plan, and help children feel confident reaching out when they need help most.

Read more: https://www.informedfamilies.org/catalyst/would-your-child-call-you-building-trust-before-the-moment-of-pressure

Would Your Child Call You? Building Trust Before the Moment of Pressure Learn how parents and caregivers can build trust before moments of peer pressure, helping children feel safe calling for help when they need it most.

Building stronger communities starts with connection. 🤝

Our team was proud to participate in the Good Neighbor Day America 250 Resource Fair, an event that brought together organizations, families, and community members to celebrate service, kindness, and civic engagement as part of the nationwide America250 initiative. Through volunteerism and community partnerships, Good Neighbor Day America encourages people across the country to come together through acts of kindness and service.

At Informed Families, we know prevention happens when communities are connected, informed, and supported. Events like these provide valuable opportunities to share resources, build relationships, and connect individuals and families with programs that promote health, wellness, and drug-free lifestyles.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our table, asked questions, and learned more about the resources available in our community. Together, we’re creating a safer, healthier future for all.

Parents are facing a changing landscape when it comes to youth substance use, from va**ng and THC products to social media influence and counterfeit pills.

Our latest blog breaks down what families should know heading into summer and why prevention-focused conversations matter before problems start.

Read the full blog here: https://www.informedfamilies.org/catalyst/youth-drug-trends-2026

What Parents Should Know About Youth Drug Trends in 2026 Learn what parents should know about youth drug trends in 2026, including va**ng, THC products, social media, and prevention conversations.

Summer brings more freedom, but kids and teens still benefit from simple routines that support mental wellness, healthy choices, and family connection.

A little structure can help reduce stress, improve sleep, encourage positive habits, and create more opportunities for meaningful conversations at home.

Read our latest blog for practical ways families can create a healthy summer balance.

Why Summer Structure Matters for Kids and Teens Help kids and teens stay mentally well this summer with simple routines that support sleep, connection, healthy choices, and family communication.

Informed Families was grateful to visit Start Off SmartTeen Afterschool Program at The Healing Sanctuary in Homestead.

During the visit, teens learned about the dangers of drinking and driving and participated in an interactive impaired goggles activity. The activity brought a lot of smiles and laughter, while also helping students better understand how impairment can affect balance, awareness, and decision-making.

A special thank you to Start Off Smart for sharing this kind message: “Thank you to Informed Families for a great presentation on the dangers of drinking and driving!!!”

Joel Mesa looks forward to visiting again this fall for Red Ribbon Week.

Talking with teens about mental health does not have to feel overwhelming.

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month and National Prevention Week, we’re sharing simple ways parents, caregivers, and trusted adults can start meaningful conversations about stress, anxiety, peer pressure, and emotional wellbeing.

Small check-ins can make a big difference. Read the full blog for approachable conversation starters and prevention-focused tips.

https://www.informedfamilies.org/catalyst/how-to-talk-to-teens-about-mental-health

How to Talk to Teens About Mental Health Learn simple ways to talk with teens about stress, anxiety, peer pressure, and emotional wellbeing during Mental Health Awareness Month.

This Memorial Day, Informed Families honors and remembers the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

May we pause with gratitude, reflect with respect, and remember the families and loved ones who carry their legacy forward.