Pubdate: Sun, 10 Apr 2005
Source: Pacific Daily News (US GU)
Copyright: 2005 Pacific Daily News
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Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1122

GETTING INVOLVED

There is no simple, magical solution to the problem of youth drug
abuse. That being the case, there are many things that we in the
community can do to help prevent drug use among our youths.

It all starts with the family. Children's first "classroom" is the
home, and parents are the teachers, imparting character, values and
manners to their students. Key to this education is not just preaching
it to children, but modeling it, as well. If you tell your children
not to smoke, drink or use drugs, and then you smoke, drink or use
drugs, it sends a contradictory message. Do as I say and not as I do
simply doesn't work.

As children get older, it's important for parents to stay involved in
their children's lives. Open communication is a key component for
parents to know what's going on with their kids. If you have trouble
relating to your children, don't be afraid to ask for help. There are
places to get some advice, such as the National Institute on Drug
Abuse. Visit its Web site at www.nida.nih.gov/Prevention/Prevopen.html.

Schools can play a supplementary role to what children learn at home.
First, by expanding the education to teach the dangers of drugs and
the ramifications of drug use. Second, schools offer a wide variety of
events, clubs and activities that help keep youths busy and thus away
from drugs. The key here is the variety -- some students are into
sports, while others are into computers, or art, or music.

There are a lot of these kinds of activities in the community, as
well, offered by a variety of organizations, groups and churches, from
soccer clubs to martial arts classes, dance groups 4-H clubs and more.
Whatever your child's interest, you're sure to find an activity or two
that he or she will enjoy.

Again, the key is involvement. Our children need to know that we care,
and that we're going to be there for them when they need us. Getting
that message across will go a long way toward keeping our youths away
from drug use.
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MAP posted-by: Derek