It can be scary to think that your child might use alcohol or other drugs. It may help you to know that many parents share your fears. But don't let fear hold you back. Now is the time to do something. Children are being exposed to drugs at younger ages. Some parents want to believe that their young children have never tried drugs and won't ever develop a drug problem.
Children care a lot about what other children think. Sometimes the desire to be popular or "cool" can lead children to do things that are dangerous. When children try to make other children do something they shouldn't, like use alcohol, tobacco, or other drug's, it's called negative peer pressure. Peer pressure can be positive too. Positive peer pressure is when children encourage each other to do things that are good for them, such as joining school clubs, studying for tests, or learning good ways to say "no" to negative peer pressure.
Children are pressured to use drugs...
Your child is less likely to use drugs if he or she has high self-esteem. People with high self-esteem feel good about themselves. Studies show that people who have drinking and drug problems usually have low self-esteem. The following are some ways you can help increase your child's self-esteem:
Remember that your children look up to you--you are their most important role model. Because children copy adult behavior, being a good role model means that you show with your actions the proper way to behave.
When it comes to setting a good example for children about alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use, consider these guidelines:
| DO:
find outlets other than drinking or smoking when you feel stressed emphasize the health benefits of not drinking, smoking, or using illegal drugs show your children how to deal with peer pressure by setting a good example. |
DON'T:
give your children mixed messages by letting them drink at home but not when they are out allow illegal drugs in your house involve your children in your alcohol or other drug use; they shouldn't get your beers or light your cigarettes. |
Talk Take time to talk with your child. Do it now; don't wait until there is a problem. Tell your children that it's important not to use alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs because it can make them sick and cause them to lose their friends and self-respect. Using drugs also can result in making bad decisions. When children are high, they are less able to judge the risks of behavior such as unprotected sex, which can result in being infected with the HIV virus. Using drugs can also get children in trouble with the law. Alcohol is an illegal drug for minors, and tobacco is an illegal drug for children under 16 years of age in most States.
Listen Ask your child if he or she has been pressured to try illegal drugs. Help your child think up good ways to say "no" to negative peer pressure. Encourage your child to ask questions. If you don't know the answers, say so! Maybe you and your child can look for the answers together.
Care Care enough to make family rules about your child not smoking, drinking alcohol, and using other illegal drugs. Explain what the punishment will be for breaking the rules, and make sure you are willing to enforce them. Try to avoid doing the things you won't let your child do. Also, care about your child's activities outside the home--encourage him or her to take part in hobbies, sports, school clubs, or community events. Children who are busy with fun activities are less likely to try drugs out of boredom.
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If you think your child has used alcohol or other cigarettes, explain that using drugs is illegal and bad for your child's health. If you are afraid your child is using other drugs or has developed a drinking problem, call a trained addictions counselor. If your workplace has an employee assistance program (EAP), call the program for help. Look in the telephone book under "addiction," "alcohol," or "drug treatment." Call your health department, area hospitals, treatment facilities, or your child's school counselor for information. Your child may not need treatment, but you should speak with a professional about your concerns. If your child does have a problem, it is very important for the whole family to take part in the treatment. Sometimes, certain family members don't want to get involved in the therapy. Usually it's because they are covering up problems of their own. Don't let that stop you from getting help.