It’s not pestering… It’s parenting
May 20, 2019
Every day it seems that we hear about kids using a new drug, such as K2, Molly, or Bath Salts. Although the drugs change over time, alcohol is still the most widely used substance among teens in America, followed by tobacco and marijuana. Also, kids still sniff glue to get high, but now they also sniff household products such as spray paints and aerosol sprays, shoe polish, gasoline and lighter fluid.
While news on drug trends may be discouraging to you, take heart. Two-thirds of kids say that losing their parents’ respect and pride is one of the main reasons they don’t smoke marijuana or use other drugs.
What can parents do to monitor their teens effectively? The following are some steps you can take to monitor your teen and help protect him or her from risky behaviors:
- Talk with your teen about your boundaries and expectations, and be clear about the consequences for breaking the rules. Talk and listen to your teen often and without judgement about how they feel and what they are thinking.
- Know who your teen’s friends are and know who they are dating.
- Get to know the parents of your teen’s friends.
- Set expectations for when your teen will come home and for calling/texting if they going to be late.
- If your teen’s behavior does not meet expectations, be consistent and fair while enforcing consequences.
- Make sure your teen knows how to contact you at all times.
Your words and actions DO matter. Remember–silence isn’t golden, it’s permission… Have honest conversations with your teen and make sure they understand that underage drinking and drug use is unhealthy, unsafe, and not worth the risk.
GET THE FACTS! Contact us at info@capedc.org for information about how to talk to your kids about drugs and alcohol…
Source: CDC