For Parents > What Can A Parent Do?

Start talking - Seize the "Teachable Moment".
You can begin to talk to your child about avoiding alcohol and drug abuse at any age - even as young as 6. Just keep it in context if a situation arises where someone is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, talk about it. Ask questions and get them thinking. Can you have fun at a party without alcohol? What would drugs do to your sports/school/dance performance?

Really listen to your child.
Do you "hear" what your child is saying? Listen to what they are saying and read between the lines when your child talks about concerns. Avoid lectures or dismissive statements. Have a two-way conversation.

Set a clear family policy.
Explain clearly why alcohol and drug use will not be accepted and the consequences for not meeting this expectation. And follow through on those consequences, if it becomes necessary.

Be a positive role model.
Children look to you for guidance. Being a positive role model is vital to helping your child make good decisions.

Guide your child's environment.
Media fill our lives with messages about alcohol or drug use. Limit their access or, when necessary, talk to your child about the messages they see.

Take time with them.
Private time alone with a child is important in encouraging communication and sharing confidences. Try to eat a meal together at least 3 times a week and encourage them to talk. Turn the radio in the car off and ask questions. Play and work together. Conversations can be shared during a car wash or a hike.

Teach them how to make choices.
Empower them by giving them choices. "You can go out Friday night if you're home by 10:30. Or you can go out past your curfew, but if you do, you won't go out next Friday." And stick by the agreement you make.

Build trust.
Teaching your child to be trustworthy and keep their word is vital to them becoming successful adults. Start young, start small and give them the opportunity to succeed or fail and take the consequences.

Set consistent and appropriate boundaries.
Make sure your children understand how you feel about issues that affect their lives, particularly about drug or alcohol use. Set clear consequences for not meeting your expectations and follow through.