How To Encourage Your Children To Stay Away From Drugs

Since it is not possible to be with our children at all times, we must do our part to encourage healthy decision making. Unfortunately, being exposed to drugs seems to be an unavoidable part of growing up. Here are some tips:

Be Informed

Before trying to communicate the dangers of using drugs with your children, you must first be informed. Learn the facts about the drugs that are out there in today’s society, and their harmful effects. Be prepared for your child to ask you questions!

Be Informative

Teach your child about key internal organs, and the harm that can be done by using drugs. Inform your child about the physical and mental dangers drug abuse poses. Give them the knowledge they need to make informed decisions.

Be Realistic

Do not try to scare or threaten your child. Understand the reality of the situation, and portray that to your child. Be honest and up front about drug use in a way that allows your child to truly grasp your message.

Be a Good Example

Practice what you preach! If you do not want your child to use drugs, don’t use drugs. Modeling drug-free behavior is a method of encouraging your child to do the same.

Be There

Make sure your child knows you are there to support them. Being faced with drugs for the first time is extremely difficult! If your child knows you are there to support him or her, it is likely they will make healthy decisions.

Communication with your child is of the utmost importance. This serves as both a preventative measure, and a way to monitor whether or not drugs have become a part of his or her life. Watchdog Solutions has more information on keeping an eye on your child.