I think as a parent it is VERY important to try to help prevent your children from using drugs. To try to help prevent my children from using drugs I would first educate myself about drugs so that I could educate my children about them and be able to answer any questions that hey had regarding drugs. I think being a good influence/role model and getting involved in their lives would help my children make good choices. I can get involved in their lives by supporting them and encouraging them to do school activities/events and after school activities like sports or hobbies. School and after activities can help them find and choose good wise friends who share positive attitudes and since I will be supporting and getting involved in these activities I will be able to know their friends and their families better. Being supportive and involved with their activities will hopefully allow my kids and I to have a strong bond allowing them to be able to come talk to me about whatever they want and will be easier to get my message about drugs clear because they will see that I'm being serious and mean what I'm saying. I will discuss the legal issues and state that it's illegal for a reason, and discuss what it does to your body and how it can hurt them and others. I believe that letting them know that it is okay to say "NO" and to not give into peer pressure and just walk away is very important, especially at a young age. I will simply state that they should think about their actions and the consequences before they try something because they will be the ones that have to deal with them and it's their life and they are in control of their life, nobody else and if they are ever in trouble or stranded somewhere I will always be there to help them!
Great first step, when I really think about this, it seems obvious. Educating yourself about something before attempting to teach someone else about it is a key first step. I also agree that being a good role model and setting a good example is important. Kids see everything you do and the "do as I say, not as I do" philosophy is so obviously flawed from the get go. Being a positive influence in your child's life is something I would also consider crucial to healthy psychological development. Fostering open communication is also critical, like you say, then your children can feel comfortable coming to you with their problems and you can offer them your wisdom. I think you will make a great parent!
ReplyDeletethanks Marc! :)
DeleteI agree. Educating our children about the dangers of drugs is a very big responsibility, espiecialliy if you were a parent. I know I would do all I can to protect my kids from drugs and by using information my parents used to show me. In case you have kids, I wish you Good Luck!
ReplyDeletethanks for the good luck Derek!
DeleteI definitely agree with being a good role model. Just like the saying "people are who they hang out with," it is the same with parents. Your children watch you and become like you because that is who they learn from. I also like that you will become educated first about drugs because that is really a great step in order to get your children ready to say no! :)
ReplyDeleteDang that looks like a tasty drink! i agree that hobbies and sports are 1 of the best ways to keep kids off drugs. It gives them goals and something to have fun doing. So they aren't bored and try to experiment. Being involved definitely lets them know you care and keeps depression out of the picture. Which could also lead to drugs.
ReplyDeleteit is significant that parents make a strong relationship with their kids and talk to them about substance abuse. and I also agree with you and Btent that spors and hobbies are one of the best ways to keep kids off drugs, so we should Spend time doing something our children want to do every day.
ReplyDeleteI like how you used a picture in the post. I think being involved and educating your children is a great way to keep them away from drugs.
ReplyDeleteSports and hobbies are probably the main reason why I didn't get into drugs and alcohol growing up. Between school, work, hockey, and being in a band I had no time! And just looking at that picture at the top of your post makes me cringe.
ReplyDeleteI agree it is important to educate yourself before educating your children. A strong relationship with family and friends who have the same beliefs as you is also important for stability.
ReplyDeleteEducating ourselves is very important if we want to have happy and healthy children. Being close to our kids is the key because they need to know that there is someone who truly cares about them and will support them no matter what happens.
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