One for parents with older children or even teenagers?

Question

As a parent my biggest fear is that our children will become addicted to or use drugs, what factors to you think contrbute to children growing up and using? Do you have any advice on bringing up a self confident and independent child

Answer 1

Speak openly and honestly with your children, keeping in mind always that you are their parents. Never cross the line between friend and parent. Try to always be aware of where your children are, where they go and who they are with. You don't have to treat them like they are in jail, but it's important to familiarize yourself with who they keep company with, and where they go, so that you have an idea of what they are doing. Schedule activities that they enjoy so that their interest and activities are constructive. Also praise them for their accomplishments and tell them that they are valuable and that you love them. When they make mistakes, (and they will) focus on the mistake, but don't berate or degrade them. Learn exactly what they are capable of so that you can honestly evaluate them, instead of being a parent who always says 'Not my child!'. Explain things to them as you want them to understand your methods and what you expect from them. Punish them for breaking boundaries and rules, but make the punishment fit the crime, and listen to them when they talk with you. Give them what they need more than what they want. Set goals for their future that they can realistically meet. Praise and reward them when they do.This will give them the strength of character to say no to drugs, and talk with them about drugs and it's damaging affects as well. Always remember that if you do your job right as a parent, you will have children that you can be proud of and that are an asset to society and humanity. If you fail, then you create junk, and society already has enough of that. It's not easy, so I wish you much luck, and commend you for being a caring parent!

Answer 2

Talking with your children about drugs and alcohol is the most important thing you can do. It's better to let them know the diverse affects of drugs, before someone else tells them how great they are and they "should try it." If you educate your child and keep their self esteem high, they have a better chance to be able to say no to anyone about anything. I always have told my children to be a leaders, not a followers...a follower shows personality weaknesses. Also, if you can involve them in sports, music, or some other extra curricular activities, it helps to introduce them to other kids with interests other than drugs. Know who your kids' friends are, and follow your intuition if you sense something just isn't right.

Answer 3

Well, my son is a teenager (17) and he not only does not use drugs, even though he could readily get some if he wanted to, but he thinks doing drugs is stupid. I don't take credit for anything. He is his own person. Just live your life by example - don't preach at your kids - show them how they should act. Make them feel like they can always talk to you about anything. Be open and honest with them and treat them with basic respect. My son tells me that one of his biggest pet peeves with adults is when they talk down to him in a demeaning manner simply because he is a kid and they think that kids don't deserve simple respect. If you model respect to your kids, there is no guarantee that they will give it back to you, but there is a greater chance that they will trust you enough to know that when you say something is bad for them, you really do know what you are talking about. When you combine that respect with setting a good example, kids will stand a greater chance of making wise choices.

Answer 4

i think kids just start out by trying it to see what it's like. thats why i did. but there can be alot of factors though. the lack of love they feel at home, just for the attention, low self eestem, etc etc. just because kids hang out with or play a sport doesnt mean they dont use drugs. even people that goes to church uses drugs. there really aint a way to keep them from it. either there going to try and like it or try and not like it. i think the ones that dont are stronger ones but i think deep down inside they always wanted to try it atleast once some type. i hope my kids dont ever go near it. i hope there like the father on that part. but i grew out of the stage a long time ago and i think it would be hard to yell at your kid for something that you have done. but im not one to lie to my kids either. pretty much just keep your eyes and ears open is all you can do you have the upper hand just remember that

Answer 5

it all depends on what kind of inviorment your child lives in. if they live in an inviorment where you inforce rules;disapline;and family conversations about wjy not to use drugs and telling the effects of them is a mojor role on stopping ur children from smoking; doing drugs; and being kidnaped. but if u live in an inviorment with out any of that ur child is most likly to become one of the people whho do use drugs !!!!!! all i can say is NEVER STRESSS ENOGH TRHE IMPORTANCE OF ALL THE TOPICS I LISTEDthis will make ur life normal and safe. GOOD LUCK !!!!!!

Answer 6

I spend lots of time with my teenage kids, they trust me totaly. They know that when I tell them something is bad for them they beleive me. I have always been the parent, and you must be too. I've been teaching them the facts of life since they were little, sometimes maybe a little harsh but they are prepared for life in the real world.

Answer 7

I' am a mother of 3 teenagers, and yes it scares the hell out of me to think about drugs but all i do is talk to them all the time about the harms let drugs can do to you i show the pics and really educate my teenagers the ricks of useing drugs the best we can do is talk to them and pray what we say to them stick in their heads and let they make wise choices.

Answer 8

who they hang out with is a huge factor.

And keeping them busy.. Our kids didn't have time for drugs and crap like that.. if there was a sport going on.. our son was in it..

If there was an acedemic program/ project / club our daughter was in it.

at 30 and 24, they are both happy, healthy, well adjusted, confident individuals.. if I didn't do anything else right in my life.. my chidren.. I did right.

Answer 9

My daughter's father is a crack-head. She hates all drugs. Let your kids see reality. Don't put them in a bubble. The sooner they know how ugly the world is the smarter they will be. My daughter is an honor student.

Answer 10

Take time to listen to your child.Most times parents think they know more than the children but times have changed and its the adults that are learning now.Children do bad things for attention but if they KNOW they can talk and someone they TRUST will LISTEN makes it easier for both