Pubdate: Tue, 18 Dec 2001 Source: Canadian Champion, The (CN ON) Copyright: 2001 Metroland Printing, Publishing and Distributing Ltd Contact: http://www.haltonsearch.com/index.html?category=1K6H7KB93 Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1503 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) WHAT MESSAGES ARE YOUR CHILDREN GETTING FROM HOW YOU USE ALCOHOL AND PRESCRIPTION DRUGS? Health Notes The first years of a child's life are an important opportunity for parents to build a foundation for the skills needed to prevent the misuse/abuse of alcohol and other drugs. Drug use is a part of everyday life. In the age of designer drugs like ecstasy, it's easy to forget that cough syrup, vitamins, caffeine and herbal remedies are also drugs that can affect the way you think, feel and act. Children learn about drugs in many ways such as at school, from their peers and on television. But what we do in our homes is the beginning of drug education. Parents are in a unique position to model good behaviour with respect to safe medication and alcohol use. Children will learn not only from what we say, but what we do. When communicating with even very young children, it's important to keep messages simple, clear and consistent. Here are some simple messages to communicate to young children about medications: * Medicine is not candy. * Medicine can be good for people, but only when used properly. Too much medicine can be harmful. * Never use someone else's medicine. * Use medications only when needed. It's good to try other things as well, such as going for a walk or having a rest when you have a headache. * Tell your children, "Only Mommy and Daddy are allowed to give you medicine. If we aren't with you, we will tell you who's allowed to give you medicine." In addition to clear messages about safe medication and alcohol use, children learn from their parents' behaviour. Consider your personal use of alcohol and medications, as well as issues such as the safe storage of prescription and over-the-counter mediations, herbal remedies and alcohol. Here are some important questions to ask yourself: * Is your medication stored in a cupboard out of reach of your child? * Does your child see you regularly take pills for conditions that could be managed without medication? (You could be promoting the 'quick fix' way of thinking.) * Do you discard old, outdated medication in a safe way (for example, take them to the drug store for disposal)? * Do you encourage your child to ask questions about drugs and alcohol? * Do you reach for a drink during times of stress to help you relax? * Do you always offer non-alcoholic drinks at your social events? * Do you follow the Low Risk Drinking Guidelines from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health? (No more than two standard drinks on a given day. Up to nine standard drinks a week for women and up to 14 standard drinks a week for men. A standard drink is defined as a 5-oz. glass of wine, 1.5 oz. of spirits, 12 oz. of regular beer or 3 oz. of sherry.) * Do you drink and drive? Take the time to think about the messages you may be giving your children. Remember, you are your child's most important teacher. Your words and actions help shape their ideas about alcohol and other drugs. For more information about substance abuse and prevention, call the Halton Region Health Department at (905) 825-6060, ext. 7835, toll free 1-866-4HALTON (442-5866), TTY (905) 827-9833. For parenting information, call the Healthy Babies and Children Line at (905) 693-4242. Visit our Web site at www.region.halton.on.ca/health. Health Notes is prepared by staff of the Halton Region Health Department. - --- MAP posted-by: Josh