Many experts have identified parental involvement as the key to helping kids stay away from alcohol and other drugs. But the truth of the matter is that parental involvement wont do any good if the child is unresponsive or detached -- thus, the essential component is cooperation between parents and teens.

This topic was addressed in a Sept. 21 article by Alice Englin, the coalition director for the Freeborn County (Minn.) Partners In Prevention:

An important step to making rules and consequences effective is to involve your kids in establishing them. Talk with your kids about your familys beliefs and values, seek their input and commit to making the topic an ongoing conversation.

Involving them reinforces that you are interested in what they have to say and, in turn, will help them be more open to the important messages you have to communicate.

Parents cant be everywhere, but you are the biggest influence in their life. Thats why its important to keep the lines of communication open, be firm about where you stand, and educate them so that they are equipped to make healthy choices when it comes to alcohol and other drugs.

Labels: prevention, parental_involvement, communication

Posted By: Aspen/CRC