TalkSooner - an online prevention resource – is launching a campaign encouraging casual, everyday conversations while enjoying ice cream.
Amy Embury, Prevention Manager for the Lakeshore Regional Entity which powers the TalkSooner program, says these talks shouldn’t be a one-time, high-pressure lecture.
“We want these conversations to feel normal, and ongoing short conversations are perfect.”
Embury says parents shouldn’t wait to bring up the topic.
“It's really never too young to start those conversations and on the TalkSooner website, we have some talking tips for different ages to encourage and give parents ideas.”
One idea; visit a participating ice cream parlor offering flyers with age-appropriate conversation starters plus free take-home ice cream scoopers to keep the talks going.
“When you're doing things, it takes that pressure off and they're more willing to open up. That's my experience with my kids.”
Heather Schmidt is the mother of four and owner of Ruth Ann’s Ice Cream in Muskegon, one of the shops supporting the program.
“Every kid is different - every single one is a little different. Some just love to talk, some don't like to talk at all, so you just have to find ways to get them to open up.”
Participating ice cream shops include:
- Coopersville Creamery, Coopersville, MI
- Frosty Boy of Cascade, Grand Rapids, MI
- Kilwins Ice Cream, Grand Rapids, MI
- Lafayette Creamery, Hopkins, MI
- Ruth Ann’s Ice Cream, Muskegon, MI
- Whippi-Dip, Norton Shores, MI
Free resources and a full list of participating shops are available at TalkSooner.org.
For a weekly dose of news right to your inbox, sign up for the WGVU newsletter.
