Pubdate: Wed, 20 Jul 2016 Source: North Shore News (CN BC) Copyright: 2016 North Shore News Contact: http://www.nsnews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/311 Author: Kathy Lynn HOW TO TALK TO YOUR KIDS ABOUT DRUGS "Being a parent in today's world is more difficult and complex than ever before. Our children are exposed to external pressures at unprecedented levels and social media culture has had more influence on young people's lives than many of us can fully understand." In a May letter to parents, Chief Const. Bob Rich from the Abbotsford Police Department addressed the issue of drug use among teens. This is causing deaths of vulnerable young people and must be stopped. It's a tough conversation but one that parents must have with their kids. If we don't give them the information they need, they will go to others and that is likely to be their friends who are no more knowledgeable than they are. The first step is to do your research so that you do know what you're talking about. It doesn't start when he's a teen, it starts when he's a preschooler. When you're giving your child a medication, talk to him about why he's getting this medicine and how it is only used when necessary. Take advantage of teachable moments. If you see someone smoking, talk about nicotine addiction and what smoking can do to their body. Preschoolers are like little sponges and listen to all that you say, so talk about the joys of healthy living and how they can choose to feel well by the lifestyle choices they make. Unfortunately, teachable moments about drug use and negative outcomes are often on the news. When you see a story about a teen who dies of an overdose, talk about it. It is easier to have a conversation about an external event. You want your child to receive all the information and be aware of the facts so that she can make healthy and safe decisions. But you don't want her to feel as if you are attacking her behaviour. And, these conversations should be matter of fact and simply mentioned when the time is right. When your child is school-aged she is starting to be more influenced by the media and peers. She is open to new ideas and needs you to help her process all the material that is coming at her. Talk to her about how you feel about alcohol, tobacco and drugs. But first, ensure that you're clear about your attitudes and what you want to say. You will likely want to do some research about the drugs that are prevalent among the young in your community. Remember: it's not just what you say, it's what you do. Be a good role model for your children. Kids may try drugs to look cool and to fit in with their peer group. The more parents teach their children how to make good choices and how to understand the consequences of their decisions the less likely they are to mindlessly follow the crowd. If you see changes in your kid's friends and unusual secrecy, it's time to re-introduce a conversation about drug use. Go online with your kids and research the topic together. When you're talking to your kids, try to stay cool and stick to the facts. If you become emotional it will be easy for your kids to dismiss the important information and just think, there go my parents again, overreacting. Don't they trust me? Arrange with your school parent committee to have a police officer come in to speak to the students. It's even better if parents and students are together for this event so they both receive the same information. Welcome your teen's friends into your home. Get to know them, invite them to stick around and hang out. Don't hang around with them, but do drop into the family room from time to time with snacks. Be the driver. If you are the parent who drives kids to and from their activities, you will soon get to know them and feel much more comfortable about their peer group. A healthy and positive relationship with your kids will go a long way to keeping them safe. Kathy Lynn is a professional speaker and author. To read more, sign up for her informational newsletter at parentingtoday.ca. - --- MAP posted-by: Matt