Have you ever noticed how often people ask for advice or directions, only to turn around and do things their own way?
We all do it occasionally. We skip a step in a recipe, ignore instructions because we think we know better, or assume a rule doesn't apply to us. Sometimes the consequences are minor. Other times, especially when it comes to our health, safety, and the well-being of our children, the consequences can be life-changing.
Directions aren't always meant to limit us. Often, they're meant to protect us.
Think about something as simple as medication safety. Prescription labels provide important instructions for a reason. Medications should be taken only as directed, stored securely, and kept out of the wrong hands. Yet these precautions are sometimes overlooked because we assume nothing bad will happen.
The same principle applies to raising children.
Parents, teachers, and mentors provide guidance because they care. We establish boundaries, encourage healthy choices, and have difficult conversations because we want young people to understand the consequences of their decisions. Following good guidance isn't about blindly obeying rules. It's about learning responsibility, recognizing risks, and making informed choices.
That's the foundation of prevention and the work we do every day through Informed Families and the National Family Partnership. Through Red Ribbon Week, Lock Your Meds, Family Day, and Safe Homes Smart Parties, we help families turn important information into everyday actions that protect children and strengthen communities.
Speaking of Red Ribbon Week, voting for the 2026 Red Ribbon Photo Contest is open through November 17! Visit RedRibbon.org/contest to cast your vote, and stay tuned for the winner announcement on December 4.
As November brings our attention to Thanksgiving, I'm reminded of how much we have to be grateful for.
I'm grateful for the parents who take the time to listen, the educators who continue guiding their students, the volunteers who give their time, and the community partners who believe prevention is worth investing in.
I'm also grateful for the people who understand that protecting our children requires more than good intentions. It requires action, consistency, and a willingness to follow through.
Perhaps one of the greatest ways we can show gratitude for the guidance we've received is to put it into practice and pass it along to the next generation.
This Thanksgiving, I encourage you to thank someone whose guidance has made a difference in your life. And just as importantly, think about how your own words, actions, and example might help guide someone else.
Wishing you and your family a safe, healthy, and meaningful Thanksgiving.
Peggy B. Sapp
President & CEO
National Family Partnership | Informed Families