Partnership for a Drug-Free America and the Hershey Company Launch 'Sweet Talk Tools for Families' This Valentine's Day

Encourages Parent/Child Communication to Help Kids Make Better Choices

NEW YORK, Feb. 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Partnership for a Drug-Free America and the Hershey Company have teamed up to empower parents to help their children make smart, healthy choices by introducing the new "Sweet Talk Tools for Families" launching today on the Partnership's Web site TimeToTalk.org/SweetTalkTools.

Baking with your children this Valentine's Day can be a valuable family activity that helps parents and caregivers connect with their children in a fun way.  By sharing personal experiences, taking the time to listen and learn from one another, and working together to create delicious baked treats for the whole family, parents can help safeguard their child from risky behaviors like drug and alcohol use through open, honest conversations.

"Nothing is more important than spending quality time with your kids, and the kitchen offers wonderful opportunities for getting together," said Jennifer Goss, community relations manager for The Hershey Company. "While you're checking out recipes, mixing and baking chocolate treats together, you can catch up on your children's busy lives, and talk about some serious subjects in a relaxed setting."

With useful talk tips such as Teachable Moments and five simple Hershey recipes that parents and kids can enjoy creating together, "Sweet Talk Tools for Families" provides parents with guidance for starting communication with their kids and tips for maintaining those conversations over time.

"Talking with kids about the risks of drugs and alcohol isn't as hard as parents think and these unique Sweet Talk tools help make these conversations easier with free, research-based tools and tips to help parents and caregivers have ongoing discussions with their kids," said Andy Phillips, national director of corporate relations for the Partnership.

Time To Talk® is the Partnership for a Drug-Free America's nationwide movement that reinforces the major influence parents have in helping children make healthy choices.  The Partnership supports parents' efforts to be the heroes in their kids' lives, which is one of the most effective factors in minimizing the risk of drug and alcohol abuse. The Partnership is a nonprofit organization that motivates and equips parents to prevent their children from using drugs and alcohol, helps parents intervene when use occurs, and supports families in finding help and treatment for loved ones in trouble.

About the Partnership

The Partnership at drugfree.org is a nonprofit organization that helps parents prevent, intervene in and find treatment for drug and alcohol use by their children. Bringing together renowned scientists, parent experts, and communications professionals, the Partnership translates current research on teen behavior, addiction, and treatment into easy to understand resources at drugfree.org.  For parents who need help talking with their kids about drugs, alcohol and other risky behaviors, TimeToTalk.org offers tips and tools promoting parent/child communication. Time To Act is a step-by-step guide for parents who believe or are sure that their teens are drinking or using drugs and need to know what to do.  Through its "360" suite of community programs, the Partnership educates parents and concerned citizens at the grassroots level on the risks of methamphetamine, non-medical prescription drug use and other emerging drug threats, and promotes parenting and community practices designed to prevent teen substance abuse. The Partnership depends on donations from individuals, corporations, foundations and government. The Partnership thanks SAG/AFTRA and the advertising and media industries for their ongoing generosity.

SOURCE Partnership for a Drug-Free America