Not sure how to broach the subject of saying no to drugs and alcohol with your children? Start with the truth. Be frank with them. Do your homework, and get the facts. This will show your child that the information which you are providing is credible. Avoid scientific jargon, and keep it simple.
Next, think back to when you were a preteen or teenager. Did you want your parents to lecture you about something like drug and alcohol use? Probably not. Take time to have a conversation with your children -- a discussion involves give and take. Provide information to your child, but allow for input from him or her too. Allow your child to express his or her feelings about the issue. When all is said and done, our job as parents is to provide the information, as we know it, and encourage our children to make good decisions.
When the conversation involves drugs and alcohol, the decision making process becomes more complex for young people. There are legal, health and peer pressure issues involved. Local police officers attribute peer pressure as one of the most powerful influences children face.
Teens often feel they are invincible and believe that poor decision making will not affect them to the point that they may be physically harmed. Many young people do not take into account the health risks associated with alcohol and drug use. They feel like it will never happen to them.
Be prepared for these issues. Hopefully, the relationship that you have developed with your children over the years will be strong and that bond will allow you to overcome these issues during your conversation.
When discussing these issues with your children, distinguish the difference between legal and illegal substance abuse. In America, the abuse of legal substances affects more people than the combination of all illegal drugs. Children must be presented with the fact that they will, at some point in their life, probably be faced with the decision to participate in drug abuse. As parents, it is your responsibility to prepare your children for that moment by presenting factual information to them.
Parents must build a trusting relationship with their children which involve mutual respect. Encourage open conversations with your children. During these discussions, be honest and express your feelings. Do not let emotions overwhelm the situation. Provide factual information and allow for your children to have input. Your children need to be part of the decision making process.
What tools are out there?
- In the Virginia Beach City Public Schools, local officers present the Class Action program, which is a legal issues course presented to children in seventh and twelfth grades. As part of the curriculum, police officers explain the legal ramifications of drug and alcohol use to young people.
- Every 15 Minutes, demonstrates the dangers of drunk driving. It is presented at two Virginia Beach City Public School high schools each year.
Information provided by the Virginia Beach Police Department.