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    How Do I Talk to my Kids About Drugs?

     

    As parents, there are many things that you need to know and things you can do to help.  There is no greater influence on a young person’s decisions about drug use than his/her parents or guardians.  To successfully keep kids drug-free, parents must provide active support and positive role-modeling.  Parents are key in preventing drug use.  Establish boundaries that take a clear stand against drug use.

     

    What should parents do?

    • Educate yourself – visit websites such as drugfree.org, ked.org or drugabuse.gov for information, tools, resources and support
    • Communicate the risks of drug use and abuse to your kids. Children who learn a lot about the risks of drugs at home are up to 50% less likely to use drugs than those who do not get that critical message from their parents.
    • Safeguard your medicine. The majority of teens obtain prescription drugs and other drugs/alcohol they abuse from friends and relatives, sometimes without their knowledge.  Keep these dangerous items in a secure place.

     

    What should you do if your child asks tough questions about drugs and alcohol?

    • Remain calm. Take a deep breath before responding
    • Keep an open mind. If your child feels judged, he/she is less likely to be receptive to what you have to say.
    • Avoid lecturing. Instead, try to come from a place of positivity which will help with a more open conversation.
    • Thank you child for coming to you with a question. This will reassure them that you are a safe person to get answers from.
    • Remind your child that you care about their health and well-being.

     

    If you have any other questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call your School Social Worker.