Parents, YOU make the difference!
As children age, it is important to build trust with them and keep the lines of communication open so that if at any point they begin to feel increased pressure to experiment with smoking, drinking and using drugs they can feel comfortable talking to you about it.
Every day activities like having family dinner together, helping your children with their homework or attending their after school activities have a lasting effect on your kids.
Each of these moments offers an opportunity to connect, share and really listen to what’s on their mind. Research shows that children with hands-on parents are far less likely to smoke, drink or use other drugs. Remember, parental engagement matters!
Why should I worry about my child experimenting?
Adolescence is the critical
time when kids are at risk of experimenting with drugs,
alcohol and tobacco. In fact:Nine out of 10 Americans who
meet the medical criteria for
addiction started smoking, drinking, or using other drugs
before age 18.Addiction is a disease that in
most cases begins in
adolescence.Preventing or delaying teens
from using alcohol, tobacco or
other drugs for as long as
possible is crucial to their
health and safety.
Become a Family Day STAR!
I commit to:
S- Spend time with my kids
T- Talk to them about their friends, interests and the dangers of drugs and alcohol
A- Answer their questions and listen to what they say
R- Recognize that I have the power to help keep my kids substance free!
