William Penn Life, 2001 (36. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2001-05-01 / 5. szám
effect is worth the risk. 6. Role play with your child and practice ways to refuse drugs and alcohol in different situations. Acknowledge how tough these moments can be. MM tU MM Be a role model, the person you want your kid to be. What stronger anti-drug message is there? 1. Be a living, day-to-day example of your value system. Show the compassion, honesty, generosity and openness you want your child to have. 2. Know that there is no such thing as "do as I say, not as I do" when it comes to drugs. If you take drugs, you can't expect your child to take your advice. Seek professional help if necessary. 3. Examine your own behavior. If you abuse drugs or alcohol, know that your kids are going to pick up on it. Or, if you laugh at a movie when someone is drunk or stoned, what message does that send to your child? l/0U)K t(& Lduf Kids between ll-13--ages highly at risk for drug experimentation-are increasingly independent. Despite their protests, they still crave structure and guidance; they want you to show them you care enough to set limits. 1. Create rules and discuss in ad-Health Links There are literally countless sources of information about teens and drugs. The Internet is full of sites dedicated to helping children and parents learn the truth about drugs and how to get them or keep them out of their lives. To list all the useful links here would take up too much space. But, here are a few of the better sites, all offering links to even more sources of information and help: 3 www.theantidrug.com 3 www.freevibe.com 3 www.nida.ivh.gov 3 www.planeUknow.net HNHHi HI A*% M ■ R vance the consequences of breaking them. Make your expectations clear. Don't make empty threats or let the rule-breaker off the hook. Don't impose harsh or unexpected new punishments. 2. Set a curfew. Enforce it strictly. Be prepared to negotiate for special occasions. 3. Have kids check in at regular times. Give them a phone card, change or even a pager, with clear rules for using it. (Remember, pagers are not allowed in some schools.) 5. Call parents whose home is to be used for a party. On party night, don't be afraid to stop in to say hello (and to make sure there's adult supervision). 6. Make it easy to leave a party where drugs are being used. Discuss in advance how you or another designated adult will come to pick your child up the moment he or she feels uncomfortable. Later, be prepared to talk about what happened. 7. Listen to your instincts. Don't be afraid to intervene if your gut reaction tells you that something is wrong. P^diSl RtWdM What encourages a kid more than his or her parents' approval? The right word at the right time can strengthen the bond that helps keep your child away from drugs. 1. Reward good behavior consistently and immediately. Expressions of love, appreciation and thanks go a long way. Even kids who think themselves too old for hugs will appreciate a pat on the back or a special treat. 2. Accentuate the positive. Emphasize the things your kid does right. Restrain the urge to be critical. Affection and respect - making your child feel good about himself - will reinforce good (and change bad) behavior far more successfully than embarrassment or uneasiness. A M thootyl't Tegns live every day with the reality of easily available drugs. Parents need to deal with that reality. They need to offer hope and help to their kids. Let your kids know if s okay to act independently. Teach them to say no. |\VPL I It’s easy. You’re hangin’ with a bunch of friends, one of them pulls out a joint and offers you the first hit. You say “no thanks” and that’s it. No problem, right? WRONG. On the one hand, you’re afraid that if you say “no,” your friends won’t think you’re cool. But, on the other hand, you’re smart: you know there’s nothing cool about using drugs or alcohol-despite what you see in the movies or hear on your favorite CD’s. So, how do you say “no”? “You’re such a jerk!” can alienate your friend. “I don’t know...” leaves the door open and sounds like you could change your mind. Instead, be firm but friendly. If someone offers you alcohol or drugs try one of the following: • “My parents would kill me if they found out, and they always find out.” • “No, I’m not into that stuff.” • “I tried it once, and I hate the taste.” • “I tried it once and ended up vomiting on everything!” • “Drinking (or doing drugs) would make me feel out of control, and I hate that.” If your friends try to get you to change your mind, you could try the “broken record” approach. Just keep repeating your reasons over and over until they stop pestering you. Or, you could try changing the subject. If all else fails, you can simply say, “I have to go.” Then go. Source: Parents. The Anti-Drug, www. theantidrug. com William Pena Life, May 2001 7
