| Greetings! |
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Just over one year ago Parents.The Anti-Drug sponsored our first Take Time to Talk Night, encouraging families to communicate with one another. Now entering into the season for giving thanks, we are grateful for the opportunities we've had over the past year to share our messages with you. We hope that you have found the messages helpful and that you have used them to participate in more open communication with your children.
We are also thankful for the willingness we have seen in our communities to share with us the valuable input that we need to continue moving forward. Throughout the year we heard from over 400 people who responded to our survey to assess how our email campaign was meeting your needs, and several of you attended our focus groups or informational meetings to share with us the concerns parents have about current drug and alcohol use in our area. In addition we met many parents at the Open Houses and have received e-mails from others expressing their concerns.
We appreciate the feedback we have received and encourage you to continue taking the time to share your concerns or ideas with us at parents.theantidrug@gmail.com. |
| Is Silence Golden? |
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Remember the saying, "Silence is golden"? This is not the case when it comes to teens and the issue of drugs and alcohol. Your teen may interpret or believe, "Silence is permission". Teens who receive consistent messages from their parents regarding drugs and alcohol are up to 50% less likely to use drugs or alcohol.
Consider these points when communicating with your teen.
- Remember to listen first.
- Let teens talk and don't make them feel as if you are judging them. Be sure to keep the focus on them - not you.
- Listen to a group of teens in the car after you just picked them up from a social activity. A lot of information may be shared among the group when you seem to not be listening.
- Some of the best conversations can occur when you are doing something fun with your teen - play a game of tennis, shoot some baskets, play a board game, or go for a walk together.
- Remind your teens that your home is available for a safe and substance-free gathering place for their friends.
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