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* Do you discard old, outdated medication in a safe way (for example, 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.
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MAP posted-by: Josh