Pubdate: Mon, 21 Feb 2005
Source: Clearwater Times (CN BC)
Copyright: 2005 Clearwater Times
Contact:  http://www.clearwatertimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1448
Author: Angela Lawrence
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)
Note: Angela Lawrence is the drug and alcohol program coordinator for
School District 73

PROTECTING YOUR CHILD FROM DRUGS

No parent wants to believe their children are vulnerable to substance
abuse.

Often, parents feel unsure about how to raise the topic, fearing their
own lack of knowledge or feeling uncertain of their ability to have an
impact on their children.

Parents do, however, have a critical role to play in preventing
children from becoming involved with drugs. As intimidating as that
may sound, there are several ways to give your children the right
kinds of messages about drug use, and, surprisingly, many of them are
part of basic, everyday parenting.

Take a good look at your own use of medical and non-medical drugs.
Your drug-using behavior exerts a powerful influence on your children,
even if you believe they are too young to understand. Parents who
frequently use or misuse non-medical drugs such as alcohol, nicotine
and caffeine, as well as illicit drugs, are sending the message that
drug use is an important way to manage day to day life. Ask yourself:
Am I showing my children the behaviors I want them to copy when they
get older?

Prepare yourself to talk with your kids, at an age-appropriate level,
about drug use. Seek out opportunities to raise the topic yourself,
such as while watching TV with your child or when you're both involved
in a family activity.

It's never too early to start a dialogue. A young child can benefit
from discussions about what medicine is and why they should never take
it without a trusted adult's permission and supervision. An older
child may want to know more specifically about cigarettes, alcohol,
and some illicit drugs. A teen may be mainly curious about illicit
drugs. Remember, you don't have to be an expert to talk
meaningfully.

Resist the urge to lecture, and be prepared to hear your kids out. By
keeping communication open, your kids should feel as if they can
approach you for advice about difficult issues. While you may hear
things that you'd rather not, at least your kids are asking you
instead of an unknown and possibly unreliable source!

Help your kids understand that patience and working for a goal are
usually more satisfying in the long run. Popular culture glamorizes
instant, effortless gratification, and mood altering drugs promise
fast fulfillment. Parents can help to counteract these unrealistic
"quick fix" messages.

Have a disciplinary style that is firm and consistent, but not
autocratic. Kids need boundaries that are neither too rigid nor too
loose. While home factors are only one facet of a child's drug
problem, kids with problems often come from families where the
discipline is either extremely restrictive or extremely permissive.

Don't be afraid to ask others for advice. Unfortunately, kids don't
arrive with instruction manuals! Asking for help when you're at a loss
is a feature of excellent parenting, not a sign of failure.

The reassuring fact is that most kids grow up without developing
substance abuse problems. However, if you know - or your gut tells you
- - there may be a problem, don't hesitate to call someone for help.

- - Angela Lawrence is the drug and alcohol program coordinator for
School District 73
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MAP posted-by: Derek