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Parents. The Anti-Drug
Bannockburn, Deerfield, Highland Park, Highwood, and Riverwoods |
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A New Year's
Resolution for Parents
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| Greetings! | |
It's the beginning of a new year and many people, possibly yourself, have resolved to exercise more, eat healthier, get organized, travel more, etc. For the coming year, Parents. The Anti-Drug encourages you to make a resolution that can significantly impact your family and the healthy decisions and choices they make. That resolution is to have more open and honest discussions with your kids about drugs and alcohol. Research shows that kids who learn about the dangers of drugs and alcohol from their parents are up to 50 percent less likely to use.
As you start the New Year, celebrate the positive influence you have in the lives of your children. The Partnership at Drugfree.org has some suggestions to help you get started. |
10 Resolutions That Show
Your Kids You Care |
- Teach your children to trust you by seeing you as a role model.
- Be patient, not just tolerant. Apologize when you make a mistake or do something you regret.
- Ask teens what they need from you - and do whatever you can to meet those needs.
- Listen to your teens, a lot. Avoid interrupting.
- Teach your children about ethics, values and principles they can apply in choices and decision making.
- Help them discover the feeling of gratitude, not just to say thank you.
- Keep the promises you make. If you do not keep your word, acknowledge that. Help your teen understand the circumstances or choices that precipitated the change in your plans.
- Answer your children's questions and be consistent. When you notice behavioral changes in them, make yourself available and encourage them to talk about what is going on in their lives.
- Be understanding when they have a difficult time and let them know you will love them no matter what.
- Be diligent. Have ongoing conversations with your kids about the risks of drugs and alcohol.
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| Take TIme To Talk | |
Children will hear plenty about drugs through their friends, older siblings, the media, etc. However, it may not always be what you want them to hear. While you can't protect your child from all of the competing messages, you can provide a safe place to bring questions, get facts, and talk about what concerns both you and your child have. By taking the time to talk with your kids about drugs and alcohol, you can help them make better choices and live safer, healthier, lives.
Starting the conversation with your kids and keeping communication open isn't always easy - but it's not as difficult as you may think. Parents. The Anti-Drug is here to provide the support, facts, and resources you may need - visit our website at www.parentstheantidrug.org or contact us at parents.theantidrug@gmail.com. |
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Wishing you a happy and healthy 2011!
Sincerely,
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