Pubdate: Wed, 05 Jun 2002
Source: Lake City Reporter (FL)
Copyright: 2002 Lake City Reporter
Contact:  http://www.lakecityreporter.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1712
Author: Beverly Johnson
Note: Beverly Johnson is a free-lance writer in Columbia County.

TALKING ABOUT DRUGS

Have you noticed the increasing number of anti-drug spots on TV lately, 
particularly variations on the theme, "Don't waste an opportunity to talk 
to your kids about drugs." While I readily applaud the overall theme 
because I believe that education is the key to battling this problem, I 
also feel it is my duty to speak up for weary parents everywhere.

We could all use a gentle reminder now and then, but I'm sort of offended 
by the tone of these commercials. One spot shows a mom cheerfully gabbing 
on the telephone while the kid sits sullenly, apparently resentful that 
he's missing out on a lecture.

First of all, who writes this stuff? No normal kid sits quietly while his 
mom talks on the phone. In the real world, that kid would be turning up the 
volume on the stereo, and drumming on the table with old muddy tennis 
shoes. Or drinking milk right out of the container to within a half-inch of 
the bottom then absently placing it back in the fridge.

Second, they cast this poor mom as a vacuous if not negligent parent. All 
because she's talking on the phone! It's not bad enough that we feel guilty 
about not being able to carve a pumpkin like Martha Stewart, or cook 
elaborate dinners from scratch every night or buy whole grain from the 
health food store. Now we can't even take a few minutes to talk to a 
friend? She's in the kitchen for Pete's sake! With her son (at least she 
knows where he is). He's got a haircut. And he's wearing fairly appropriate 
clothing. Give the poor woman a break!

Another spot shows a father eating breakfast silently with the teen again, 
missing the lecture opportunity. Hello? He's eating with his kid. He's up, 
he's there, and he's available. Every kid should be so lucky.

Are they suggesting that parents must always have an agenda? Should they, 
at every opportunity, be on the lookout to push a point?

Frankly, I'm usually too busy trying to remember that I'm not supposed to 
holler.

I'm busy folding their clothes, combing their hair, making out checks for 
the book club, picking Legos out of my tender feet, toting them to the 
library, and helping out with the never-ending course of school events. 
And, get this folks: I've been known to occasionally talk on the telephone! 
Cart me away!

I understand their point, but they're missing the obvious vehicle. 
Everybody knows that it's better to talk to your kids about drugs while in 
the car.

They can't get away, and you get to turn off their music.
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MAP posted-by: Ariel