There are many different kinds of drug abuse: alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceutical, inhalants, gateway drugs, and hard core drugs. Early prevention is the key to keep our children safe. Here’s what parents can do.
* Be your kids’ greatest fan. Compliment them on all of their efforts, the strength of their character and their individuality.
* Encourage open dialog with your children about their experiences. Make sure your children understand that they can ask you anything and that you will give them an honest answer.
* Set limits and consistently enforce them. This makes it easier for them to say “NO” when pressured by peers.
* Set a no-use rule for alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.
* Help your children feel good about themselves; build up their self-esteem with support, praise, and love, so they respect themselves and want to reach their dreams.
* Serve as a good role model. If you have a drug or alcohol abuse problem, get help for yourself.
* Help children to make wise decisions based upon their own beliefs.
* Encourage them to say “NO” and avoid unhealthy situations.
* Encourage children to choose positive friendships. Get to know your children’s friends and their parents. Call them and check to make sure they share in your views on alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.
* Give children the support they need to do their best in school.
* Help children deal with failure so they learn to cope without wanting to escape with drugs.
* Get your children involved in adult-supervised after-school activities. Find out if they are interested in sports, music, or other things. This helps them to have something to do with their time.
* Help your children develop tools they can use to get out of alcohol or drug related situations.
* Sit down for dinner with your children at least once a week. Use the time to talk-don’t eat in front of the TV.
* Get-and stay-involved in your children’s lives.
-Jenny