Parents Recource Center

In my last post I talked about where Addictive Thinking Starts.

It starts in early childhood!

If only I would have had some of these resources as a young Mother.
All I knew was that I didn't want my kids to be brought up the way I was. Don't get me wrong I had a good home, a decent education but the rules, regulations and limits that were put on me were in my opinion just..... well plain 'old fashioned' What I've come to learn is, everything was presented to me in the wrong way. (I don't blame my parents, they did their parenting as best they could) I did things or didn't do things "just because my parents said so" or 'unmentionable' things were just not allowed to be spoken about in the house. Thank goodness my kids don't have addictions and have grown to be successful adults in the path that they have chosen, but if I'd known about some of these parenting skills, way back when, life would have been made easier for all of us.
Today especially there is a greater need to communicate with, and protect our children from the dangers of the world. Drugs, alcohol and sex are some of the more important issues to be discussed.

The following web sites are packed with great tips and information. Starting with your preschoolers. It's never too early to start, to help to build self-confidence, a good self-esteem, knowledge and the right tools to carry them into their adult life. 

Inside The Parent Toolkit you’ll find practical tips and advice for raising drug-free kids from parenting and health experts as well as real parents and other caring adults. 
http://www.drugfree.org/Parent/Home/

What to say
to your child at every age

“Like any relationship, your relationship with your child has to change over time. It has to become more developmentally appropriate.”

http://www.drugfree.org/Parent/YourChild/

Understanding Teen
Friendships

“We need to help our kids be discerning about what constitutes a good friend. Friends are loyal; friends want what’s best for you. Friends like that you have interests that maybe they don’t even share! They think that’s cool about you.”

http://www.drugfree.org/Parent/UnderstandingTeens/

Don’t Be A Patsy

Her heart is in the right place. A new, humorous campaign from the Partnership

Pat down – Patsy looks for “telltale hints” of drug use by patting down her daughter.
It’s wonderful that Patsy is so passionate about trying to recognize the telltale hints of drug use, but needless to say she doesn’t have the smoothest approach.

http://www.drugfree.org/Parent/ConnectingWithYourKids/

How to Monitor
Your Child

“Monitoring means talking to your child about not only the bigger issues about using and not using, but where they’re going to be, who they’re going to be with, and what the rules and expectations are.”

http://www.drugfree.org/Parent/ProtectingYourKids/

Should You
Snoop?

 “If they’ve got something to hide, you need to know about it. You’re talking about their health and well-being here.”

http://www.drugfree.org/Parent/HowToSpotUse/  

What If Your Child
Is Using 

"If you suspect your child is using drugs or alcohol, you actually have a very serious problem on your hands."  

http://www.drugfree.org/Parent/HowToHelp/

Recommended Resources

Don’t talk at your teens about their risks of drugs – talk with them! On this page, you’ll find our recommendations for some of the best drug-related books, movies, and more. Try watching, reading and then discussing these topics with your teenager. They provide the material for honest, intelligent and thought-provoking dialogue between you and your child.

http://www.drugfree.org/Parent/Resources/

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