7 Tips For Talking To Your Child About DrugsWritten by Nicole Brownfield
Did you know that over 75% of teens aged 16-17 report that obtaining marijuana is “easy or fairly easy?” Or that 25% of youths between 12 and 17 say same of crack? Drug use can lead to a host of significant health, social, learning and behavioral problems at a crucial time in a young person’s development. Getting high also impairs judgment, leading to risky decision making on issues like sex, criminal activity or riding with someone who is driving high. Because experts in substance abuse claim that parents are principal influence on their teenager’s decision to use drugs, message needs to start with you. Research tells us that kids who maintain an open and honest line of communication are far less likely to experiment with drugs and alcohol. Many parents neglect to broach subject primarily because they are unsure how to begin. If you would like to start a dialogue with your teen, begin by educating yourself on different types of drugs available and risks and dangers of each. Use television programs, anti-drug commercials, or news about drugs to help you introduce subject in a relaxed, natural way. Then: §Be absolutely clear with your kids that you don't want them using drugs. Ever. Anywhere. Don't leave room for interpretation. §Be a better listener. Ask questions and encourage them. Paraphrase what your child says to you. Ask for your children's input about family decisions.
| | 10 Signs That Your Teen Is Using DrugsWritten by Nicole Brownfield
Did you know that over 75% of teens aged 16-17 report that obtaining marijuana is “easy or fairly easy?” Or that 25% of youths between 12 and 17 say same of crack?When children start using drugs they usually exhibit many different signs that parents need to watch out for. Unfortunately, many parents often write-off these signs as normal adolescent behavior and as a result they don't realize that their child is into drugs until it is too late. How can you as a parent know for sure whether or not your child is in danger of falling into drugs? Know that every child is in danger of this. Parents who fail to recognize this will stay in this state of denial till their son or daughter is arrested or overdoses -- and by then it is too late. So what should you as parents be looking for as signs that your child is experimenting with drugs or alcohol? §Dramatic changes in attitude or personality. §New friends who may exert peer pressure on your child. §Problems at school, such as falling grades or increased tardiness. §Increased withdrawal, depression, or secretiveness. §Changes in sleep patterns. §Increased or decreased appetite. §Dilated, red, or glossy eyes. §Escalating verbal or physical abuse. §Dramatic mood swings. §Need for additional money.
|
