Pubdate: Fri, 05 Nov 2010
Source: Daily Herald-Tribune, The (CN AB)
Copyright: 2010 Osprey Media
Contact: http://www.dailyheraldtribune.com/feedback1/LetterToEditor.aspx
Website: http://www.dailyheraldtribune.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/804
Note: by the Grande Prairie Crime Prevention

TALK TO YOUR KIDS ABOUT DRUGS

Talking to your kids about drugs may not be easy, but it is an important 
step in prevention. Parents are their children's strongest role model and 
greatest influence.

As a parent, what you do   or do not do   has a big impact on your child's 
decisions about using or not using drugs.
It is never too early to model positive behaviour and to teach your child 
skills that will assist them in making positive choices.

Here are some things that you can do as a parent to help your kids make 
good decisions:

- - Develop your child's self-esteem by letting them know that you care about 
them and by showing them respect. Give them chances to practice skills so 
that they feel competent and capable, for example doing house chores or 
participating in hobbies and activities.

- - Teach your child critical thinking skills. For example, looking for 
evidence by asking "Is that really true?" or "How do you know?" as well as 
considering implications and consequences by asking questions like "What 
will likely happen if I try this drug?".

- - Teach your child to be independent and encourage them to make decisions 
appropriate to their age level with an understanding of the consequences. 
Children need to learn how to make choices that are respectful, realistic 
and responsible.

- - Show them how to deal with peer pressure by teaching them to be a leader, 
not a follower. Also, get to know your child's friends and if possible 
their parents.

- - Talk about "positive peer pressure." We often talk about "negative peer 
pressure" but most of the time other children will influence your child in 
ways that are healthy and supportive.

- - Establish rules and boundaries. Keep them clear, reasonable, and revise 
them as your child gets older. Also, keep rules consistent and have 
consistent consequences.

These tips are from Kids and Drugs   A Parent's Guide to Prevention, a 
joint project of AHS-AADAC and the RCMP Drugs and Organized Crime Awareness 
Service.

If you would like more information or would be interested in attending a 
course about talking to your kids about drugs, please contact the City of 
Grande Prairie's Crime Prevention Department at 780-882-7813 or e-mail  
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D