Tips for Parents in the Workplace

 

Here are some tips for parents to encourage their kids to understand the dangers and have a healthy attitude about alcohol and drugs.

 

Make Time to Be with Your Kids

In a time of hectic, overbooked schedules, it’s hard to find the time to give your kids the individual attention they need.  You will often find that by spending more one-on-one time with your kids, providing them with your undivided attention even for short windows of time, you and your child will reap the reward of that investment through better communication, cooperation and interest in family activities

 

Use Teachable Moments

Having a discussion with your kids about steering clear of drugs and alcohol doesn’t have to start with that goal in mind, but as a parent, finding a moment of connectedness is often the way to approach topics that are difficult to talk about.  Your conversation doesn’t have to be a long and serious discussion, but perhaps, just a few words that will convey your feelings about substance use.  When good, two-way communication is present, your teen’s “guard” will be down because they are focusing on the interaction.

 

Be Proactive

Who, what, when, where - As your children start their drive toward increasing independence, it is important to know what your child is up to when away from home.  Have your child check in with you regularly and provide them with the ability to do that, whether it is with a cell phone or other means.  Know the activities that your child is involved in and keep close tabs on their attendance and participation.   Keep an activity calendar and contact numbers handy.  Know who they will be with at all times.

 

Network with other parents – Introduce yourself to other parents and get their phone numbers, home and e-mail addresses. Get to know them.  Use your contacts to verify information, drivers, or get-togethers involving your child.  This will also let you keep in touch with your own child.

 

Show up early - Show up a little early to pick up your child so you can observe their behavior and see who they are with.

 

Check to see that your kids are where they are supposed to be – Occasionally check to see that your child is where they told you they were. 

 

Become educated on today’s substance use and learn the Signs and Symptoms

There are a number of signs of drug use, although no single sign or combination of signs is a clear indicator.  Many of the signs listed below are common in typical young people.  Some indicators of a potential problem include:

 

1. Don’t Be Afraid to be the “Bad” Parent:  Sometimes, our fear of negative reaction from our kids keeps us from doing what is right. When it comes to alcohol and drugs, taking a tough stand can help our children to say no. Our decisions and our rules can allow our child to use us as “the reason” for not using alcohol or drugs. (“My mom or my dad would kill me if I drank or used.”)

 

2. Connect with Your Child’s Friends:  Pay attention to who your child is hanging out with, who’s coming to the house and get to know them. Encourage your child to invite friends over to the house and make them feel welcomed.

 

3. Make Connections with Other Parents Too:  As you get to know your kid's friends, take the opportunity to introduce yourself to his/her parents.  It’s a great way to build mutual support and share your rules about alcohol and drugs. And, it will make it easier for you to call if your son/daughter is going to a party at their house to make sure that there will be responsible parental supervision.

 

4. Promote Healthy Activities:  Help your kids, and their friends, learn how to have fun, and fight off the dreaded “I’m bored.” Physical games, activities and exercise are extremely important because of the positive physical and mental benefits. Encourage kids to become engaged in other school and community activities such as music, sports, arts or a part-time job. The more your children are active, the less time they have to get caught up in the pressure from peers to drink alcohol and use drugs.

 

5. Establish Clear Family Rules About Alcohol and Drugs:  Setting specific, clear rules is the foundation for parental efforts in prevention, some ideas:

 

• Kids and teens under the legal age (typically 18 -21) will not drink alcohol.
• Kids will not ride in a car with someone who has been drinking or using drugs.
• Older brothers and sisters will not encourage younger siblings to drink or use drugs.
• Kids under 21 will not host parties at our home without parental supervision.
• Kids will not stay at a kid’s party where alcohol or drugs are present.
• Consistent enforcement of the rules, with consequences, if needed is essential. Without consequences the rules have no value and will not work.

 

6. Get Educated About Alcohol and Drugs: You cannot rely on your own personal experiences or common sense to carry you through. Your ability to provide family leadership in prevention requires you to be better educated. And, as you learn, share what you are learning with your spouse and your kids.

 

7. Be a Role Model and Set a Positive Example:  Bottom line, from a kid’s perspective, what you do is more important than what you say!  Research studies show that parents who drink alcohol or use drugs are more likely to have kids who drink or use. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation; if you use medication, use only as directed, and do not use illegal drugs. If you host a party, always serve alternative non-alcoholic beverages and do not let anyone drink and drive.

 

8. Keep Track of Your Child’s Activities:  Asking questions, keeping track, checking in are all important. Research has found that young people who are not regularly monitored by their parents are four times more likely to use alcohol or drugs. Make the time to know what is happening in your child’s life – especially in families where both parents work outside of the home, life is busy but you must find time for your children – know what they are up to!

 

9. Keep Track of Alcohol and Prescription Drugs:  For kids, the most common source of alcohol and prescription drugs is parents. Make sure that your home is not a source of alcohol or prescription drugs for your kids or their friends.

 

10. Get Help: If at any point you suspect that your child is having a problem with alcohol and/or drugs, get help.  Don’t wait.

 

As a parent, you can help prevent your child from becoming addicted to alcohol or drugs.  Taking action is prevention!