Pubdate: Fri, 14 Oct 2016
Source: Morning Star, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2016 The Morning Star
Contact:  http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1352
Author: Doug Rogers
Page: A24

DRUG TALK STILL IMPORTANT

Welcome back to a new school year. A very important discussion that
needs to take place in your home is the old drug talk. Parents play a
key role in reducing teen substance abuse.

More than half of all Canadian kids will try drugs at least once
between Grades 1 and 12, but many will choose not to experiment.
Please talk openly with your child about substance abuse and set a
no-use rule for all drugs and alcohol. Remember, with the advent of
newer drugs like fentanyl talking to our kids about illicit drugs is
more important than ever.

Here are some tips to help you steer your child in the right direction
(www.samhsa.gov):

1. Recognize that this is your job. Don't leave drug prevention to the
school. Although schools have a responsibility for drug education,
parents have the greatest influence on kids, and no one is better able
to help them grow up drug-free.

2. Start early. Children as young as 10 are being introduced to drugs.
Help your children form attitudes toward drugs early. If they know
drugs are bad long before they're offered any, it will be easier for
them to say no when that time comes.

3. Keep it simple. Be firm and clear about what you believe and the
behavior you expect from your kids. I see young people with severe
drug problems who started out by trying alcohol or marijuana at a
party, thinking, "How could it hurt me?"

4. Encourage personal responsibility. Self-reliance begins when kids
take on some degree of responsibility - taking care of themselves,
their toys and their clothing. Taking responsibility also firms up
their sense of themselves and makes it easier for them to make choices
about drug use.

5. Be a good role model. No matter what you tell children, behavior
speaks volumes. Maintain a healthy lifestyle, and it's likely they
will, too.

6. Know how to handle your own substance abuse history. Be honest. If
you abused substances in the past - tell your child the truth and why
you stopped. If you are caught in a lie, your credibility on the
subject will be lost.

7. Reason with your kids. As your children grow up, rules won't be
enough. They need reasons as well. Be prepared to talk with your
children about the use of alcohol, tobacco and drugs - and to talk
with them, not just to them. Bring to these conversations lots of
patience and a good set of facts about the risks, lifetime penalties
and health consequences of drug use.

8. Listen. Listen to your child; encourage them to tell you what they
think. Give your child time to complete his or her thoughts. Don't
jump to conclusions or make assumptions about what your child is
thinking or is worried about.

9. Know your kids' friends. Are the friends likely to try whatever is
offered to them? Are they likely to be the one offering? It may not be
your job to be their parent, but they will affect your child's life.

10. Don't worry. Taking a firm stand against drug use will not damage
your relationship with your child. A loving relationship is the reward
of parenthood, not the purpose. Most children will be grateful that
you are clear and honest with them. Moreover, many kids are looking
for a good reason to avoid trying drugs.

- - Doug Rogers is substance abuse prevention counsellor with the Vernon
School District.
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MAP posted-by: Matt