As I sat on a call recently, someone asked a thought-provoking question: “Why is prevention such a hard sell?” It’s something I’ve reflected on often over the years.
Turn on the news and you’ll notice—bad stories dominate the headlines. We seem drawn to the drama, the fear, the chaos. Maybe it gives us a strange sense of adrenaline or relief—“thank goodness that’s not me.” But what about the quiet stories of success, of prevention, of families making healthy choices every day? Those don’t often make the front page, even though they shape stronger, safer communities.
Let’s look at another field that’s made prevention work: dentistry. For decades, dentists have effectively promoted daily actions—brush after meals, floss regularly, visit every six months. And what happens? We comply! Why? Because we want to avoid that dental chair. There’s a clear connection between preventive habits and positive outcomes.
So why, when it comes to raising healthy, drug-free kids, do we hesitate? When Informed Families shares simple, positive steps—like having dinner together, setting boundaries, or communicating with your children—so many parents say, “We don’t have time.” But the truth is, we do. It’s not about time—it’s about priorities, and perhaps even about accountability. If not you, then who?
Another key piece of prevention is connection. Building strong social networks—families, neighbors, and communities—protects us and our children. Are you intentionally building those networks? Are you nurturing the relationships that help your family grow stronger?
As we celebrate Thanksgiving this month, I can’t help but think back to the Pilgrims. They paused to express gratitude—not because they had extra time, but because they understood the power of coming together to give thanks for their blessings and their hard work. Gratitude isn’t just a holiday gesture—it’s a mindset that shapes our health and happiness.
Someone asked me recently what has changed most since Informed Families began in 1982. My answer: personal accountability. We live in a time where we believe someone else can fix things for us—if we just pay the right expert or find the right shortcut. But life doesn’t work that way. Life is a do-it-yourself project. Each of us is responsible for building the kind of life and family we want.
So, as you gather around your Thanksgiving table this year, take a moment to ask each person what they’re most thankful for. You might be surprised how gratitude changes the tone of the entire day. It’s one of the most powerful motivators we have—and one of the simplest forms of prevention.