Tips for Parents About Meth
START talking before your kids start smoking, drinking or using drugs. Begin conversations for tobacco in the 3rd and 4th grades and earlier. Talk about alcohol in the 4th and 5th and marijuana in the 5th and 6th. Then continue these conversations throughout the teenage years.
MAKE sure your kids know clearly that you disapprove of the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.
LET your kids talk about friends they know who are making bad choices.
TALK, TALK, TALK. Stay with them even when it gets tough.
KEEP kids away from “R” rated movies. Kids who are allowed to watch “R” rated movies have a higher use rates of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs and are more likely to engage in sexual activity. This includes movies in the theaters as well as movies at home and in the home of friends.
EAT dinner together as a family at least 2 times a week. Even if you pick up diner on these nights, eat away from the television and talk. Eating together has been shown to he be important in keeping kids away from high risk activities.
ALWAYS confirm information regarding parties your kids will be attending. Check with parents and be sure that no alcohol or drugs will be present.
KIDS need an “out.” Provide them that boundary. Even if the only excuse they have is, “My parents would kill me,” they need something they can tell a friend that takes the pressure off of them. Let your kids make you the “heavy.”
LET other parents know that you want to be told if and when your children become involved with tobacco, alcohol, drugs and sexual activity.
CREATE a codeword for your children. If they get into a situation and need you to come get them, have a code. No one likes to have to call a parent and feel like they are telling on their friends. Your child can call and say something like “I forgot to feed the cat.” This can be your cue to come and get them. If your child does make the good choice to leave a party or situation, reward them by taking thema nd their friends to do something fun.
PARENTS who provide alcohol, tobacco or other drugs are not only harming children, they are breaking the law. If you know of parties that are happening or scheduled in which alcohol will be served, contact APD at 378-3038, Potter Co. Sheriff at 379-2900, Randall Co. Sheriff at 468-5800 or TABC at 1-800-THE-TABC.
SEARCHING your child’s room is okay. Searching a room is for both of your sakes. Let your child know that you do search from time to time.
MONITOR activity on the Internet. Drugs can be easily purchased on the ‘Net. Check your child’s history.
KNOW your child’s friends. Discourage them from hanging out with kids who are 3 years older or more.
SEEK advice from a professional. It can be hard for a parent to discern between normal behavior and a child who needs help. Ask a professional and let them advise you. |
