The number one reason youngsters give for not smoking or using drugs is fear of disappointing their parents. You can be a powerful influence. You can set clear expectations and limits. You can be a supporter who encourages them to pursue their dreams and goals.<\/p>\n
Here are 7 ways you can protect your child from alcohol and other drugs:<\/p>\n
1. Talk Often With Your Kids<\/p>\n
Fact: Kids who learn a lot about the risks of alcohol and other drugs from their parents are up to 50% less likely to use.<\/p>\n
* Have regular discussions from an early age, with consistent messages about the risks of alcohol and other drugs.<\/p>\n
* Plan what you want to say for the appropriate age.<\/p>\n
* Practice how you will respond to tough questions.<\/p>\n
* Find teachable moments.<\/p>\n
* Teach them how to turn down alcohol and other drugs. * Visit www.timetotalk.org for more helpful tips on how to talk with your kids.<\/p>\n
—<\/p>\n
2. Be Clear About Your Expectations<\/p>\n
Fact: You can build trust with your child by having clear and consistent rules.<\/p>\n
Tell them it is not okay to drink or do drugs because:<\/p>\n
* It\u2018s against the law.<\/p>\n
* You\u2019re still growing and your brain is still developing. Alcohol and drugs can damage your memory, your ability to learn, and can permanently damage your brain.<\/p>\n
* Doing drugs and drinking when you\u2019re a teen makes you more likely to become addicted, and can lead to desperate measures including committing crimes.<\/p>\n
* You are more likely to make a bad decision when you are drinking or getting high, such as getting in a car, getting in a fight, or having sex.<\/p>\n
* Kids who drink are more likely to try other drugs.<\/p>\n
—<\/p>\n
3. Be a Role Model<\/p>\n
Fact: Kids imitate adults.<\/p>\n
* If you drink, do it in moderation, defined as \u201cthe consumption of up to one drink a day for women and up to two drinks a day for men.\u201d<\/p>\n
* Never drink and drive.<\/p>\n
* Don\u2019t use illegal drugs.<\/p>\n
* Use prescription drugs properly.<\/p>\n
* (Never say things like \u201cI need a drink\u201d \u2013 the message heard by teens is \u2018a drink helps when you have a bad day, stress or problems !)<\/p>\n
—<\/p>\n
4. Be Involved In Your Kid\u2019s Life<\/p>\n
Fact: Kids are less likely to use drugs when they have relationships with caring adults.<\/p>\n
* Listen to your child. Ask them about things they enjoy doing.<\/p>\n
* Be empathetic about problems with friends.<\/p>\n
* When your child seems angry or upset, start a conversation with an observation like \u201cyou seem sad\u201d or \u201cyou seem stressed.\u201d<\/p>\n
* Have dinner together at least four times a week.<\/p>\n
* Get to know your child\u2019s friends and their parents.<\/p>\n
* When your child is going to someone\u2019s house, make sure an adult will be home.<\/p>\n
* Encourage your child to call any time they feel uncomfortable.<\/p>\n
—<\/p>\n
5.\u00a0 Establish Rules and Follow Through<\/p>\n
Fact: Parents\u2019 leniency is a bigger factor in teenage drug use than peer pressure.<\/p>\n
* Talk to your child about rules at a calm time. Explain the rules, for example what time they must come home, and the consequence for breaking the rule.<\/p>\n
* Build a trusting relationship with respect and consistency. Reward good behavior.<\/p>\n
* Follow through with consequences. Uphold your rules and rules set by the school and community. If your child is punished for breaking a rule, help them understand why, and discuss what they can do differently in the future.<\/p>\n
Here are some responses to common excuses and arguments:<\/p>\n
* \u201cYou\u2019re the only parent who won\u2019t let me\u2026\u201d (I am sorry you feel that way, but that is the rule in this house.)<\/p>\n
* \u201cI didn\u2019t know I was supposed to be home at\u2026 \u201c (You do now.)<\/p>\n
* \u201cIt\u2019s not mine, I was holding it for a friend\u2026 \u201c (You\u2019re still responsible.)<\/p>\n
* \u201cI swear, it was the first time I tried it\u2026 \u201c(Bad things can happen on the first time.)<\/p>\n
* \u201cThat teacher\/person in charge is out to get me\u2026\u201c (That is irrelevant.)<\/p>\n
* \u201cWhy don\u2019t you trust me? \u2026 \u201c (Your trust bank account is low right now. Here\u2019s what you can do to make a deposit.)<\/p>\n
—<\/p>\n
6. Encourage Your Child to Work Hard in School:<\/p>\n
Fact: Kids who perform well in school are less likely to become involved with alcohol and drugs.<\/p>\n
* Encourage improvements in grades and in good work.<\/p>\n
* Make sure your teen has a quiet place to do homework.<\/p>\n
* Coach your child on effective ways to ask teachers for help and advice.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
7. Support Your Child\u2019s Involvement in Outside Activities:<\/p>\n
Fact: Kids who pursue their interests and dreams are less likely to try alcohol and drugs.<\/p>\n
* Community Service \u2013 Volunteering and getting involved in the community give a sense of purpose, and expand your child\u2019s awareness of the world.<\/p>\n
* Sports\u2013 Keeping active in sports provides physical, mental and emotional benefits, and keeps kids from getting bored.<\/p>\n
* Art, Drama and Music \u2013 Creative expression and friends with common interests can help a child develop a talent and increase self-confidence.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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