From the time they’re born until the time they move away, your child’s health is your responsibility. And as a parent, you should be aware that there is no greater threat to their well being than drugs and alcohol. Even if they’re far too young to understand, you should still lay the groundwork for a positive, open relationship with your son or daughter. If they don’t feel like they can talk to you, they will seek advice from other, less reliable sources.
Young Children
While it might seem silly, this is actually the most important time to talk to your son/daughter about the effects of drugs and alcohol. They might see a drunk person at a party and wonder why/how they got that way. You need to take advantage of these teachable moments and explain to them that overusing alcohol isn’t funny or amusing, it is dangerous. They might not get it at the time, but these types of conversations can put your child on the right path.
Pre-Teens
This is the age where kids are the most comfortable talking to their parents about touchy subjects. Use this to your advantage and bring up the topic of drug or alcohol abuse at your next family dinner. You could use a recent event like a celebrity overdose for example, to help springboard this type of conversation. Show your child that you are really paying attention and not judging them so that they feel more comfortable trusting you in the future.
Teenagers
When your child gets into 8th,9th or 10th grade, it is likely that they know someone who is using drugs or alcohol. The most important thing for you to do at this point is talk to them about the negative effects of driving under the influence. Unfortunately, you can’t shield your child from all of life’s dangers, but if you can make sure they are against drunk driving, you have dodged at least one bullet. Be sure to include that you also expect them to avoid being a passenger in a car manned by a drunk driver. You can help them with this by letting them know you are willing to pick them up anywhere, anytime and without judgement. While you might not want this to become common practice, it will give you peace of mind knowing that they are making the right decisions.
If your son/daughter suffers from drug or alcohol addiction, it is not necessarily your fault. The first step to solving these problems is getting your child to realize that they indeed need your help. That could start with a positive drug test.
For expert drug testing consultation, call Joe Reilly at National Drug Screening at 321 622 2020
