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 - --- MAP posted-by: Derek