More money, more problems? Perhaps. Today’s Lunch and Learn event, presented by Dr. Marino Carbonell, focused on this very topic. According to Dr. Carbonell, every school and every community has drugs. In poorer areas, the kids might be sniffing glue while the kids in more affluent areas are snorting cocaine. The actual drug is not the issue – so it’s not absolutely necessary to learn everything there is to know about every drug out there.
Here are 9 tips to help your kids grow up safe, healthy and drug free.
- Be consistent (“no” means “no” today, tomorrow and the next day). Changing the rules along the way will invite your kids to challenge your rules in the future.
- Realize that we have limitations. Our kids have way more energy than we do, so a simple “no” without a complicated explanation will suffice. Don’t engage in debates about your rules.
- Understand that if your kids are admitting to any alcohol or drug use – you are only hearing 10% of the story. There is likely greater use than they will admit.
- Don’t assume that because your child is smart or does well in school that they are not using alcohol or drugs.
- You have plenty of friends. Be a parent to your child, not a friend.
- Give direction to your kids, not the other way around.
- Remain calm. You don’t need to scream or yell to get your message across. Take a deep breath and be firm.
- Start early. Creating an environment where you are in control from the beginning will make your life much easier when your kids become teenagers.
- Use your support systems. Reach out to the parents of children your kids spend time with – and work together to create a healthy environment for your children. Start a Parent Peer Group. Informed Families can help. Call us at (305) 856-4886.
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