chapter 1
%5B90%5D.avif)
.gif)
helping parents have casual courageous conversations
helping
parents
have
casual
courageous
We believe strong families aren’t built by perfection—but by presence.
At Operation Parent, we know that prevention starts long before a crisis—with casual, courageous conversations at home. When parents have the tools to talk openly and often, they create safe spaces where kids can grow, ask hard questions, and make healthy choices.
We believe parents are the greatest influence in a child’s life—and they shouldn’t have to figure it out alone. That’s why we’re here: to equip, encourage, and empower parents with the knowledge, confidence, and community they need to show up, speak up, and stay connected.
From expert-led webinars to our trusted Parent Handbooks, we make it easier to stay informed, start conversations, and keep kids safe.
next live webinar:
August 25, 2026
Phones at School, Habits at Home:
A Pediatrician's Perspective
Dr. Molly O'Shea & Ashley Horne
Student phone use in schools has become a major topic for parents, teachers, and schools across the country. Concerns about distraction, bullying, and student mental health have led many schools to put phone policies and bans in place, bringing both positive changes and new challenges during the school day and at home. Pediatrician Dr. Molly O’Shea and Ashley Horne with the American Academy of Pediatrics Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health will share expert pediatrician recommendations on media use, supporting youth mental health, and helping children develop healthier relationships with technology. Parents will learn how school phone policies may impact focus, sleep, homework, activities, and family life, along with how to recognize signs of problematic media use (PMU) and ways to better support youth both online and offline.
"you have a
in your handbook — you literally cover it all.
I love it."
I love it."
general barrye price
President and CEO of Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA)
the operation parent handbook
is a practical, prevention-focused guide designed to help caregivers navigate the tough topics kids face today—like technology, mental health, substances, and more.
Packed with up-to-date facts, conversation starters, and practical action items, it equips parents with the tools they need to talk early, talk often, and parent with confidence.
hear what people are saying!
A practical guide designed for busy parents.
The Operation Parent Handbook is a practical, prevention-focused guide designed to help caregivers navigate the tough topics kids face today—like technology, mental health, substances, and more. Packed with up-to-date facts, conversation starters, and practical action items, it equips parents with the tools they need to talk early, talk often, and parent with confidence.
- Concise, easy-to-read chapters
- Evidence-Based Information
- Age-appropriate insights
- Conversation starters and Action Items
- Infographics and up-to-date stats
- Available in Spanish
This foundational chapter invites parents to step confidently into their role as the most powerful influence in their child’s life. It outlines key parental roles, rights and responsibilities, along with discussing the importance of modeling positive behavior and communication.
chapter 2
Technology
Technology is woven into nearly every part of a child’s life—and while it brings benefits, it also introduces serious risks. This chapter explores how devices, gaming, social media, and digital culture are shaping kids' behavior and mental health. Parents will learn how to set appropriate limits, stay informed about apps and trends, and open the door to conversations that promote balance, safety, and trust in the digital age.
chapter 3
alcohol, nicotine, and drugs
Alcohol, nicotine, and drugs - With new products and pressures constantly emerging, today’s substance use landscape is more complex than ever. This chapter breaks down what parents need to know about alcohol, vaping, marijuana, prescription misuse, and more. It offers real statistics, risk factors, warning signs, and conversation tips to help families foster open dialogue and prevent substance use before it starts.
chapter 4
Emotional and mental health
Mental health matters now more than ever. This chapter gives parents the tools to understand what their children may be feeling, facing, or hiding—whether it’s anxiety, depression, self-doubt, or academic pressure.
Learn how to recognize warning signs, offer meaningful support, and reduce stigma around emotional struggles so your child knows they’re not alone and help is always available.
Learn how to recognize warning signs, offer meaningful support, and reduce stigma around emotional struggles so your child knows they’re not alone and help is always available.
chapter 5
Risky behaviors
As kids grow more independent, they begin to face new social situations and pressures, some of which can put their safety or wellbeing at risk. This chapter explores how to guide children through topics like bullying and online harassment, peer pressure, relationships, and concerns around parties and sleepovers.
Parents will find tips on setting boundaries, starting conversations early, and creating an open line of communication so kids feel safe coming to you when something doesn’t feel right.
Parents will find tips on setting boundaries, starting conversations early, and creating an open line of communication so kids feel safe coming to you when something doesn’t feel right.
quick reads. big impact:
Operation parent blogs.
July
Friendships
Sleepovers: What to Ask Before Saying Yes
Summer often brings more requests for sleepovers as kids spend extra time with friends. While sleepovers can create lasting memories, they also require thoughtful consideration from parents. This article explores key questions to ask hosting parents, important safety considerations, how to assess your child's readiness, and ways to create a communication plan that helps protect and prepare your child. Learn practical steps to make informed decisions about sleepovers while encouraging healthy friendships, growing independence, and family trust.
June
Mental Health, Family Connection
summer fun: connecting in nature
Spending time outdoors does more than get kids moving. It supports physical health, reduces stress, improves mood, strengthens family relationships, and helps children build resilience and confidence. Learn why outdoor time matters and simple ways your family can make nature a part of everyday life.
May
A call to parents
Before You Try to Fix It, Try This
Why active listening is important
May can be an emotional time for kids, filled with stress, social challenges, and end-of-year pressure. While parents often want to step in and fix problems, what children need most is to feel heard. This blog explores the importance of active listening, practical ways to be present, and how slowing down can strengthen trust, communication, and emotional resilience in your child.
loved by parents, educators, and leaders
See what they have to say about Operation Parent!
“All of the information is so helpful, informative, motivating, and inspiring for me personally as a parent and professionally as a prevention manager.”
renee, Hawaii
Parent
“I really like the resources they put out for parents in all things that pertain to a child, adolescent, or teen outside of academics. I use the parent handbooks and their webinars to keep myself up to date on everything from substance use to self harm, to mental health, etc. I then pass this on to the families I work with.”
Dawn
Author & Family Recovery Coach
“I have been shouting from the rooftops about what a fabulous resource your organization is… I, among others, love that you cover such a varied number of topics that parents and caregivers can be informed about when communicating with their children.”
Karen, Connecticut
prevention director
The speaker was absolutely outstanding, the information provided along with the handouts was very educational and will be helpful moving forward toward addressing the facts surrounding vaping! Thank you.
Eddie
parent
This organization offers a great deal of resources and information for educating parents of many of the potential dangers and issues our kids face in their world today. They offer advice on how to have necessary dialogue with our kids on various topics as well as provide resources for parents to gain knowledge about potential dangers, warning signs to look for, and the proper steps to take and resources to utilize should parents face an issue with their child. I appreciate all they have to offer!!!
Heather
handbook patron
webinars
give