Ways to Help Protect Your Child from Drug Abuse
It is natural for a parent to be concerned about what is going on in their child’s life. The most important question a parent may have is how to protect their kids from drug abuse.
If parents are unsure what to say, they would avoid the subject. However, according to the New York State Department of Health, most teenagers learn about the dangers of drug use from their parents, and fortunately, there are ways to prevent abuse.
Secure harmful substances at home
Prescription drugs are increasingly being obtained by children from their parents’ medicine cabinets. According to the New York State Department of Health, more than 4.5 million children have reported exploiting prescription drugs. Realize what’s in your cabinet and keep it locked. The same is true for alcohol. Be aware of what you have and keep it out of sight and out of reach of your child.
Get involved in your child’s life
It may become more difficult to remain active as children grow older, but it is critical for a parent to be physically as well as physically and psychologically present. Attend events involving your child, such as a sporting event or a recital. Also, provide emotional comfort by inquiring about your child’s day and assuring him or her that you are available for help if he or she appears upset. Your presence will facilitate open communication, allowing your child to feel more at ease discussing problems and asking questions. It will also enable you and see what is going on in your child’s life and get to know his or her friends and other children.
Lead by example
Though you may not realize it, your actions have a greater impact on your child than you realize. Set an example of having fun without the use of alcohol. Do not discuss stories about your youth drug or alcohol use unless they are accompanied by a lesson. If you approach stories about yourself in a lighthearted manner, your child may believe that he or she should follow the lead, or that you would not be disappointed if he or she abused drugs.
Create rules and regulations
When parents make rules that are unclear or enforce them too severely, their children react negatively or rebel. Set justification for negative conduct and discuss the regulations with your child to ensure he or she accepts them. As with any behavior, praise your kid for appropriate behavior and enforce punishment when he or she misbehaves. When a child understands and recognizes your boundaries, they are less likely to test them.
Discuss potential hazards of drug abuse
As a guardian or a parent, you need to create awareness among your children about potential hazards of drug abuse. Growing up, children often learn the sense of righteousness from their parents. Therefore, it helps to discuss some potential drawbacks of consuming and abusing alcohol or drugs at an early stage. You can relate to some examples among your clos circle or provide examples of other personalities that have incurred damages and losses due to addiction and substance abuse.