drugs and alcohol

How to Raise Drug-Free Kids

by Focus on the Family

What parents teach has an impact on children. In fact, 45 percent of young people who smoked marijuana in the past year say they learned nothing about the risks of marijuana use from their parents. Additionally, 65 percent of children ages 13 to 17 say that a great risk of marijuana use is that it would upset their parents and 80 percent of children ages 13 to 17 say that an important reason for not smoking marijuana is that their parents would lose respect for them and pride in their actions. A 1993 "Newsweek" survey of youth ages 11 to 17 found that parents (86 percent) and grandparents (56 percent) have the greatest influence on young people — more than, for example, television, movies, and music (22 percent).

Here are ten ways you can use your influence:

  1. Start: It is never too early to prevent your children from trying drugs. Building protective factors, such as letting your child know you care, with even the youngest children, plays an important role in protecting them from drugs.
  2. Connect: Build lines of communication and do things as a family. Spend time together--eat dinner, read together, play a game, attend church services. Show that fun doesn't require drugs.
  3. Listen: Take an active interest in what is going on in your child's life. Listen to their cares and concerns. Be a nosy parent. Know what they are up to--where they are and who they're with. Get to know their friends.
  4. Educate: Spend at least 30 minutes explaining the simple facts to your kids about how drugs can hurt them and destroy their dreams.
  5. Care: Spend at least a few minutes each day telling and showing your children that you care. Make sure they know you care that they are drug-free. Explain to your child that you are always there for them--no matter what happens. Make sure that they know to come to you first for help or information. The extended family plays a major role in influencing a child's life.
  6. Be Aware: Look for the warning signs that your child may be developing a substance abuse problem and get help before the problem worsens. Your pediatrician can help.
  7. Learn: Children today are sophisticated. In order to educate your child about the danger of drugs, you need to educate yourself first. In many cases, you and your child can learn side-by-side. Sit down together and learn about the risks drugs pose.
  8. Set Limits: By setting limits on what is acceptable behavior, you show your children you care and you help guide them to a safer, drug-free future. Declare limits — this family doesn't do drugs, this family doesn't hang around people who do drugs. Enforce these limits and lead by example. Be consistent.
  9. Get Involved: Effective prevention extends beyond the home into the community. Get involved in your community. Ensure that your community's streets, playgrounds and schools are safe and drug-free. Start or join a community watchgroup or community anti-drug coalition. Become active in the PTA. Get involved in church-related activities.
  10. Lead: Young people are as much aware of what you do as what you say. Don't just say the right things; do the right things. Set a good example. If you have a substance abuse problem, seek help.
Copyright © 2000 Focus on the Family. All rights reserved. International copyright secured.

Background Information

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Four Stages of Danger
Learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of drug abuse.

Questions and Answers

It is commonly understood that peer pressure causes teenagers to begin smoking or using drugs. Is that what really motivates them to pick up dangerous habits?
Answer

My teenager already has a problem with drugs. What do I do now?
Answer

Review Frequently Asked Questions

Stories

It Would Never Happen to Us
Teen drug addiction is always some other family's tragedy, until it hits home.

If you've been through a experience related to this topic, we invite you to share your story with others.
Share Your Story

Other Things to Consider

Do What I Do
Children learn by watching us live our lives. It is all the more reason to live honorably.

Related Topics

Relationships: Blended Families, Parents and Adult Children

Transitions: Preparing for Adolescence, Empty Nest