The number 1 reason why teenagers don't use drugs - is their parents.
Teens who say their parents would strongly disapprove of them trying marijuana are much less likely to use an illicit drug than those who think their parents would not strongly disapprove.
That is why this site is here. To help you, as a parent, educate yourself and communicate to your child, the dangers of drug, alcohol and tobacco use and abuse. At knowyourkid.org, we are dedicated to bringing you the best and most accurate information as we possibly can. We hope that you learn from your visit today and please return as we continually update our site information, so you do not have to search.
THINKING ABOUT DRUG, ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO USE?
Did you know -
1 in 5 kids abuse pain medication
1 in 5 kids abuse stimulants & tranquilizers
1 in 10 kids abuse cough medication
All children, including teenagers need actively involved, caring parents who set
clear drug-free standards. Parents are most likely to succeed when their parental
authority is unmistakably based on love and a commitment to the welfare of the children
in the family, including a willingness to accept and even to celebrate the long-term
uniqueness of each child.
Families function best, and kids do best in their own lives, when the children grow-up alcohol and drug free.
Children become adults and determine the rules governing their behaviors for themselves when they leave their parents’ home AND FINANCIALLY SUPPORT THEMSELVES.
Until children are on their own and paying their own bills, it is important for parents to be engaged directly with behaviors that have a potential for harming their children, such as alcohol, drug and tobacco use.
Just as you inoculate your kids against illnesses like measles, you can help "immunize" them against drug use by giving them the facts before they're in a risky situation.
When kids don't feel comfortable talking to parents, they're likely to seek answers elsewhere, even if their sources are unreliable. Kids who aren't properly informed are at greater risk of engaging in unsafe behaviors and experimenting with drugs.
WHAT TO SAY?
Preschool to Age 7
Before you get nervous about talking to young kids, take heart. You've probably already laid the groundwork for a discussion. For instance, whenever you give a fever medication or an antibiotic to your child, you have the opportunity to discuss the benefits and the appropriate and responsible use of those drugs. This is also a time when your child is likely to be very attentive to your behavior and guidance.
Start taking advantage of "teachable moments" now. If you see a character on a billboard or on TV with a cigarette, talk about smoking, nicotine addiction, and what smoking does to a person's body. This can lead into a discussion about other drugs and how they can potentially cause harm.
Keep the tone of these discussions calm and use terms that your child can understand. Be specific about the effects of the drugs: how they make a person feel, the risk of overdose, and the other long-term damage they can cause. To give your kids these facts, you might have to do a little research.
Ages 8 to 12
As your kids grow older, you can begin conversations with them by asking them what they think about drugs. By asking the questions in a nonjudgmental, open-ended way, you're more likely to get an honest response.
Kids this age usually are still willing to talk openly to their parents about touchy subjects. Establishing a dialogue now helps keep the door open as kids get older and are less inclined to share their thoughts and feelings.
Even if your question doesn't immediately result in a discussion, you'll get your kids thinking about the issue. If you show your kids that you're willing to discuss the topic and hear what they have to say, they might be more willing to come to you for help in the future.
News, such as steroid use in professional sports, can be springboards for casual conversations about current events. Use these discussions to give your kids information about the risks of drugs.
Ages 13 to 17
Kids this age are likely to know other kids who use alcohol or drugs, and to have friends who drive. Many are still willing to express their thoughts or concerns with parents about it.
Use these conversations not only to understand your child's thoughts and feelings, but also to talk about the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Talk about the legal issues — jail time and fines — and the possibility that they or someone else might be killed or seriously injured.
Consider establishing a written or verbal contract on the rules about going out or using the car. You can promise to pick your kids up at any time (even 2:00 AM!) no questions asked if they call you when the person responsible for driving has been drinking or using drugs.
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