This might be my favorite episode of the whole series.

For years, prevention has centered on one tiny two letter word. That word matters. But if it's the only thing we teach our kids, we're leaving out the part that actually protects them.

I'm sharing what was missing in my own childhood, and the shift that I think changes how we parent, caregive, and show up for the youth in our lives.

In this episode:

• Why I believe prevention conversations should not start with substance use
• The thing I knew how to say no to as a kid, and the thing nobody taught me
• The five yeses I want every family to know about
• A 15 second practice we use in our house when someone is off
• Creating a coping menu
• The question to ask your kids this week instead of asking about their behavior

Set the guilt down before you press play. This isn't a list of rules. It's a door.

If this series has been helpful, send me a message. I read them all.

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Caroline Beidler, MSW, is an author, speaker, and Managing Editor of Recovery.com, where she combines expert guidance with research to help people find the best path to healing and treatment. Her book, When You Love Someone in Recovery: A Hopeful Guide for Understanding Addiction, was released Spring 2026 with Nelson Books. Drawing from her own recovery journey through addiction, mental health challenges, and trauma, along with training as a clinical mental health provider and addiction recovery expert, Caroline is passionate about guiding you into seasons of greater healing. Learn more about her books here.

Subscribe to her Circle of Chairs Substack community at carolinebeidler.substack.com