The Prevention and Intervention of Lethal Behavior
- 7.08.2009
- -
Parental involvement in the lives of teens is vital and can reduce the
opportunities for risky behavior. Being an advocate for your child's
well-being means more than being there when they want you to be. Being an advocate means taking control. When teen trends emerge, parents and caregivers are often the last to know. Staying educated and up-to-date
is a parent's responsibility and ultimately will make the difference in who they are.
In recent years, the abuse of prescription medications has been on the rise. Availability and access, parental habits, and ill-education are the largest contributing factors. Prescription drug abuse is not harmless or safer than the use of illicit drugs; prescription drug use kills.
Take these steps to protect your teen:
1. Eaves drop. It is okay to listen in on conversations your teen is having-- you are the parent. If you hear something that is peculiar, ask them about it. If you do not recognize the term, Google it.
2. Be the example. Do not abuse or misuse drugs if you do not want your teen to do the same. Though they may act like they do not look up to you, you are their #1 role model.
3. Be the teacher. Share the news with your teen, explain who, what, where, when and why. Encourage their feedback and make sure they understand. If a group of kids is arrested, explain why their behavior was wrong. If a celebrity dies from an overdose, let them know how it could happen to them.
4. Keep it locked up and out of reach. This practice should not apply to toddlers alone. Make sure that your medicine cabinet, prescription drugs and alcohol are inaccessible and that their contents are always accounted for.
5. Keep tabs. Know what your child does, with who, and when. Monitor internet use (online pharmacies are a risk to everyone), keep track of their money, and ask questions.
These steps put you in the driver's seat. Though you do not want to prematurely accuse your child of wrong choices, you do want to be on the defensive. By maintaining an open, trusting relationship with your child, you are paving the way for stability and good decisions throughout their teen and young adult life.
In recent years, the abuse of prescription medications has been on the rise. Availability and access, parental habits, and ill-education are the largest contributing factors. Prescription drug abuse is not harmless or safer than the use of illicit drugs; prescription drug use kills.
Take these steps to protect your teen:
1. Eaves drop. It is okay to listen in on conversations your teen is having-- you are the parent. If you hear something that is peculiar, ask them about it. If you do not recognize the term, Google it.
2. Be the example. Do not abuse or misuse drugs if you do not want your teen to do the same. Though they may act like they do not look up to you, you are their #1 role model.
3. Be the teacher. Share the news with your teen, explain who, what, where, when and why. Encourage their feedback and make sure they understand. If a group of kids is arrested, explain why their behavior was wrong. If a celebrity dies from an overdose, let them know how it could happen to them.
4. Keep it locked up and out of reach. This practice should not apply to toddlers alone. Make sure that your medicine cabinet, prescription drugs and alcohol are inaccessible and that their contents are always accounted for.
5. Keep tabs. Know what your child does, with who, and when. Monitor internet use (online pharmacies are a risk to everyone), keep track of their money, and ask questions.
These steps put you in the driver's seat. Though you do not want to prematurely accuse your child of wrong choices, you do want to be on the defensive. By maintaining an open, trusting relationship with your child, you are paving the way for stability and good decisions throughout their teen and young adult life.
Download our eBook
Reader's Comments
Close Comments
Post has no comments.