Addiction is a major problem in the United States. The number of young people who are affected each year by drug and alcohol abuse is staggering. As parents, it is important to intervene before a problem develops and arm you teens with the knowledge and self-confidence they need to say no if they are ever offered illegal drugs or alcohol. It may be uncomfortable to talk to your kids about drugs and alcohol but it is much better to talk to them than to go through the agony of drug treatment or risk losing them forever to an overdose.
These three steps can create a home environment that will keep you teen occupied and help them feel supported at home. Many different researchers have found that parents can do a lot to help create an environment that encourages their teen to make positive choices and focus on life goals. These ideas will help you begin the conversation.
Three things parents can do to keep kids off drugs
Hopefully, if you have teenagers, you have been setting a good example for them to follow. The attitude you present to your child about drugs and alcohol must match the actions you have exhibited. If you want your teen to respect your words, you have to back them up with actions. Also, simply saying all drugs are bad does not constitute a conversation about drugs. Your child may have questions and you should be prepared to answer them. Do a little research and find out exactly what affects different kinds of drugs have on the body.
A teenager who feels like they have stability in their home life is less likely to experiment with illegal drugs. Many teens start using drugs and alcohol because they are looking for a way to fit in or be accepted. Take time to spend with your teen and make sure they know you support them. If they feel supported at home and have designated time to spend with you it will be easier for you to spot any changes in them that might indicate they are unhappy.
Finally, keep your teen busy. Teenagers who are involved in activities are often more focused and goal driven than those who are not. Boredom is the number one most sited reason by teens when asked why they tried drugs or alcohol the first time. It can be difficult for teens who are not interested in sports to find something to do so it is up to you to encourage them and help them find something they are good at. Volunteering can be a great way for a teen to stay busy and learn some responsibility all at the same time.
These three steps can create a home environment that will keep you teen occupied and help them feel supported at home. Many different researchers have found that parents can do a lot to help create an environment that encourages their teen to make positive choices and focus on life goals. These ideas will help you begin the conversation.
Three things parents can do to keep kids off drugs
Hopefully, if you have teenagers, you have been setting a good example for them to follow. The attitude you present to your child about drugs and alcohol must match the actions you have exhibited. If you want your teen to respect your words, you have to back them up with actions. Also, simply saying all drugs are bad does not constitute a conversation about drugs. Your child may have questions and you should be prepared to answer them. Do a little research and find out exactly what affects different kinds of drugs have on the body.
A teenager who feels like they have stability in their home life is less likely to experiment with illegal drugs. Many teens start using drugs and alcohol because they are looking for a way to fit in or be accepted. Take time to spend with your teen and make sure they know you support them. If they feel supported at home and have designated time to spend with you it will be easier for you to spot any changes in them that might indicate they are unhappy.
Finally, keep your teen busy. Teenagers who are involved in activities are often more focused and goal driven than those who are not. Boredom is the number one most sited reason by teens when asked why they tried drugs or alcohol the first time. It can be difficult for teens who are not interested in sports to find something to do so it is up to you to encourage them and help them find something they are good at. Volunteering can be a great way for a teen to stay busy and learn some responsibility all at the same time.
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