Do's and Don't for a Parenting Toolbox (Part 2 of 3)

Drugs and alcohol are a reality in our children’s world and parents cannot afford to be in denial.  Are you aware of the fact that the distance between experimental use of drugs and alcohol (using out of peer pressure, using to “fit in”) and abuse (which equates to using almost everyday to anesthetize emotional pain) is not too far of a leap?  We can never assume that our children are not going to experiment with drugs and alcohol at some point in their adolescent lives, so we need to be pro-active in the ways we approach this luring temptation.  Here are some parenting tips that every parent should put into action:

1. Realize your teen is not an adult and parent accordingly.
    Adolescents today appear to be emotionally older than they really are and as a result, there is a tendency for parents to be more of a friend than a role model.  Be constantly on your guard about what you share with your teen and don’t be lured into the delusion that they can handle adult issues.  This can become the source of hidden emotional pain that needs to be anesthetized with alcohol or drugs. Teens can’t handle adult stress so guard against sharing too much information.

2. Under NO circumstances serve alcohol to a minor in your home.
    All across our country parents are taking up the car keys and serving alcohol to minors in an attempt to be “the cool parent.”  There are four  reasons why this is not OK:

• It is illegal.

• You are not being a positive role model.

• You could be serving a teen who is predisposed to alcoholism.

• You will be held liable if something happens.

Parents who serve alcohol to minors are sending the message to teens that they have the good judgment to hold their liquor.  Remember my last tool?  Teens are not adults and parents need to step up and say “NO” to teenage drinking.

3. Keep all alcohol under lock and key.
    Teens have enough temptations as it is.  They don’t need anymore.  By keeping the liquor in your home secure, you have eliminated an open invitation for your teens to help themselves.

4. Do not leave car keys within reach of underage drivers.  Why increase the odds of an early morning “joy ride” in the family car?  Nothing good happens after midnight! Keep car keys secured in your bed room, especially at night so that your car isn’t driven without your knowledge.

5. Do not leave your home vulnerable for parties when you go out of town without your teen?
   Make sure you’ve covered these bases:

• Make responsible arrangements for your children to stay where you know your rules will be enforced.  

• Collect all house keys and keep them in your possession while you are away.

• Let your teen know the house will be watched.