 |
|||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|||||||
 |
 |
| Children look to parents for information about life decisions and choices, such as how to succeed in school and why they shouldn’t use drugs. They look to other kids for information about popular culture, such as fashion fads or what’s cool. “Most kids don’t want to disappoint their families,” according to Amelie Ramirez, a doctor of public health (DR. P.H.) and a drug-prevention specialist. “Parents who send a clear message of ‘no drug use’ are setting expectations for their kids, and this will help their kids stay away from drugs.” |
|
| It is important to set rules and guidelines with your children so that they know what you expect of them. |
|
|
1. Set clear rules and discuss the consequences of breaking them in advance. Telling your children that drug or alcohol use is forbidden avoids ambiguous boundaries that are easily broken and justified. 2. Enforce your rules consistently and calmly impose reasonable and mild punishment for every infraction and don’t neglect to praise positive behavior. 3. Set a curfew and enforce it strictly while being prepared to negotiate special occasions. 4. Give kids a phone card or pager or cell phone and have them call when away from home. 5. Make it easy for your kids to leave a party where drug abuse, alcohol or sexual activity is occurring. Let them know you would be happy to pick them up at their request. 6. Call parents whose home is used for a party and don’t be afraid to drop by on party night to say hello. 7. Pay attention to your intuition and intervene if you feel anything is wrong. |
|
| From: Drug-Proofing Your Child: What Parents, Grandparents, Mentors And Other Care-Givers Can Do To Keep Kids Off Drugs, Published By Teen Challenge Of Southern California. | |