Here are some things you can do to "lower" the risk of your son or daughter using drugs:
1. Spend time together as a family. Get your teen involved in planning the outing you do as a family and eat as a family. There are numerous studies that show that teens who eat together with their family are much more less likely to abuse drugs.
2. This is one topic the old saying " do as I say NOT as I do" will not come in handy. If you expect your ten to not use drugs then do not use them yourself and if you drink do so responsibly. Teens need GOOD role models and that starts with you.
3. Teenagers that become bored are more likely to use drugs. Get your son or daughter involved in sports, church groups, after school activities or volunteering.
4. Parents who talk to their teens about drugs are less likely to have a child that uses them. If you see something on TV regarding drugs use it to talk about it to your child.
5. Do not "freak" out when you teen comes to talk to you about drugs or maybe their friends use them. Your child is coming to you to talk and if they thing you will just freak out they won't come to you again.
6. Be the parent that will pick your child up in the middle of the night if they are at a party and they call and tell you there is drugs and alcohol. Let them know that no matter what you would pick them up anytime to get them out of a bad situation.
7. Let's face it most parents work nowadays. Obviously if you have a teen daycare is not an option after a certain age. If your child is home alone while you are out call them often, have someone else check up on them or take them some where they will be supervised. Again bored children will look for other avenues to amuse them.
8. One of the most important things is GET TO KNOW YOUR TEENS FRIENDS AND THEIR PARENTS. Know where your child is at all times and don't hesitate to call the friends parents to make sure there is an adult present over at their friends or to find out if they are where they say they are.
Here is a useful website that has some interesting facts regarding teen drug use. Don't ever think your child is "safe" and wouldn't touch the stuff. All children are at risk. It is up to the parents to get involved and help them to stay strong!
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