Pubdate: Wed, 20 Jul 2016
Source: North Shore News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2016 North Shore News
Contact:  http://www.nsnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/311
Author: Kathy Lynn

HOW TO TALK TO YOUR KIDS ABOUT DRUGS

"Being a parent in today's world is more difficult and complex than
ever before. Our children are exposed to external pressures at
unprecedented levels and social media culture has had more influence
on young people's lives than many of us can fully understand."

In a May letter to parents, Chief Const. Bob Rich from the Abbotsford
Police Department addressed the issue of drug use among teens. This is
causing deaths of vulnerable young people and must be stopped.

It's a tough conversation but one that parents must have with their
kids. If we don't give them the information they need, they will go to
others and that is likely to be their friends who are no more
knowledgeable than they are.

The first step is to do your research so that you do know what you're
talking about.

It doesn't start when he's a teen, it starts when he's a preschooler.
When you're giving your child a medication, talk to him about why he's
getting this medicine and how it is only used when necessary.

Take advantage of teachable moments. If you see someone smoking, talk
about nicotine addiction and what smoking can do to their body.

Preschoolers are like little sponges and listen to all that you say,
so talk about the joys of healthy living and how they can choose to
feel well by the lifestyle choices they make.

Unfortunately, teachable moments about drug use and negative outcomes
are often on the news. When you see a story about a teen who dies of
an overdose, talk about it. It is easier to have a conversation about
an external event. You want your child to receive all the information
and be aware of the facts so that she can make healthy and safe
decisions. But you don't want her to feel as if you are attacking her
behaviour. And, these conversations should be matter of fact and
simply mentioned when the time is right.

When your child is school-aged she is starting to be more influenced
by the media and peers. She is open to new ideas and needs you to help
her process all the material that is coming at her.

Talk to her about how you feel about alcohol, tobacco and drugs. But
first, ensure that you're clear about your attitudes and what you want
to say. You will likely want to do some research about the drugs that
are prevalent among the young in your community.

Remember: it's not just what you say, it's what you do. Be a good role 
model for your children.

Kids may try drugs to look cool and to fit in with their peer group.
The more parents teach their children how to make good choices and how
to understand the consequences of their decisions the less likely they
are to mindlessly follow the crowd.

If you see changes in your kid's friends and unusual secrecy, it's
time to re-introduce a conversation about drug use. Go online with
your kids and research the topic together.

When you're talking to your kids, try to stay cool and stick to the
facts. If you become emotional it will be easy for your kids to
dismiss the important information and just think, there go my parents
again, overreacting. Don't they trust me?

Arrange with your school parent committee to have a police officer
come in to speak to the students. It's even better if parents and
students are together for this event so they both receive the same
information.

Welcome your teen's friends into your home. Get to know them, invite
them to stick around and hang out. Don't hang around with them, but do
drop into the family room from time to time with snacks.

Be the driver. If you are the parent who drives kids to and from their
activities, you will soon get to know them and feel much more
comfortable about their peer group.

A healthy and positive relationship with your kids will go a long way
to keeping them safe.

Kathy Lynn is a professional speaker and author. To read more, sign up 
for her informational newsletter at parentingtoday.ca.
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MAP posted-by: Matt