Tips for Parents

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 grades and marijuana in the 5th and 6th grades. Then continue these conversations though 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 with them even when it gets tough.

Keep kids away from the "R" rated movies. Kids who are allowed to watch "R" rated movies have a higher use rate of tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs and are more likely to engage in sexual activity. This includes movies in the theatres as well as movies at home or in the homes of friends.

Eat dinner together as a family at least 2 times a week. Even if you pick up dinner on these nights, eat away from the television and talk. Eating together has been shown to 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 or when your children become involved with tobacco, alcohol, or sexual activity.

Create a codeword for your children. If they get into a situation and they need you to come and get them, have a code. No one likes 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 them and a friend to do something fun.

Parents who provide alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs are not only harming children, they are breaking the law. If you know of parties that are happening or scheduled that alcohol will be served, contact APD 378-3038, Potter County Sheriff at 379-2900, Randall County 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 internet history.

Know your child's friends. Discourage them from hanging out with other 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.