Brown Girl Gumbo

Growing up in the late ‘80s and ‘90s, I remember tuning in to “very special episodes” of popular sitcoms like “Family Matters” and “Full House.” These family-centric TV shows would take a break from their typical comedic storylines and swap them for hard-hitting issues like drug abuse and underage drinking. Thankfully, new shows like Disney Channel’s “Raven’s Home,” continue to address serious subjects that are relevant to kids and their families today.

In fact, this Sunday, March 1, the popular series geared towards kids and teens ages 6-14, brings attention to the risks associated with vaping among youth. Starring veteran actress Raven-Symoné, this episode will give children and parents the opportunity to speak openly about this sensitive, yet important topic.

In the special episode, entitled “What About Your Friends,” Booker’s new friends pressure him to try vaping, but he turns them down and warns them about the dangers. They don’t listen and when Coach Spitz finds a vape pen, the boys all claim it belongs to Booker and he is suspended. While a disappointed Raven seeks to understand what’s going on with her son, Booker sets out to clear his name.

This episodes touches on peer pressure and the importance of being truthful and keeping the lines of communication open and honest with parents. Young viewers will walk away from the episode with valuable lessons that will hopefully help them navigate through their own journey through adolescence.

The “What About Your Friends” episode was developed in partnership with Hollywood, Health & Society, who brought in experts from USC and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Read on to learn more on how to talk with your kids about the dangers of vaping and e-cigarettes (excerpts from National Institute on Drug Abuse and CDC):

Here are some facts about vaping and e-cigarettes:

*The use of e-cigarettes is unsafe for kids, teens, and young adults.

*Nicotine is highly addictive and can harm brain development, which continues until about age 25

*A new e-cigarette shaped like a USB flash drive is being used by students in schools.

*Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine. Nicotine is highly addictive and can harm adolescent brain development, which continues into the early to mid-20s.

*E-cigarettes can contain other harmful substances besides nicotine.

*Young people who use e-cigarettes may be more likely to smoke cigarettes in the future.

Before you start the conversation, make you sure you have the facts about vaping so you can speak calmly and confidently from a place of knowledge.

Find the right moment. A more natural discussion will increase the likelihood that your teen will listen.

Rather than saying “we need to talk,” you might ask your teen what he or she thinks about a situation you witness together.

Reduce Emotion – Sometimes talking with children brings up strong feelings that interfere with clear thinking. Following the CALM steps can help a parent keep the conversation moving in the right direction.

C – Control your thoughts & actions.

A – Assess & decide if you are too upset to continue

L – Leave the situation if you are feeling too angry/upset

M – Make a plan to deal with the situation

Watch the clip below for a sneak peek at the upcoming “What About Your Friends” episode.

“Raven’s Home” airs Sundays, 8pm EST on the Disney Channel.

My son and daughter are obsessed with “Raven’s Home.” Do your kids watch the show? If so, what do you like the most about it? Have you talked to your children about the dangers of e-cigarettes and vaping?