Index for the D.A.R.E. FAILING OUR KIDS series:

Sun, 27 Feb 2000:

D.A.R.E. Doesn't Work
http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v00/n281/a04.html

DARE Wary Of Outside Reviews
http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v00/n281/a02.html

Some Schools Opt Out Of Program
http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v00/n282/a04.html

Officers Become School Favorites
http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v00/n281/a06.html

Officers Hope To Make A Difference
http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v00/n292/a02.html

Analysis Tracks Students' Drug Use
http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v00/n292/a03.html

Mon, 28 Feb 2000:

DARE's Clout Smothers Other Drug Programs
http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v00/n292/a04.html

Raves Thrive As Teen Drug Havens
http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v00/n293/a04.html

Parents Struggle When Discussing Drugs With Teens
http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v00/n292/a05.html

Tips For Parents
http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v00/n293/a03.html

Parents' Anti-Drug Resource Guide [many website links]
http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v00/n293/a02.html

Tue, 29 Feb 2000:

Editorial: Drugs: Dare to be Honest
http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v00/n293/a05.html

Readers: Cops Key to DARE Success, Failure
http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v00/n293/a06.html

TIPS FOR PARENTS

Talk early and often about drugs: Drug experimentation starts young,
so taking steps to prevent drug use needs to start earlier than most
parents would think. Start talking with your child about drugs by
third grade. Kids are confronted with decisions about drugs through
their adolescence. Therefore, regular discussions are necessary.

Set a positive example and clear expectations: Simply put, children
learn by example. You can make your family's values clear by
explaining why you choose a particular course of action and how that
choice reflects your values. Kids need to hear your message loud,
clear and continually. For example, "In our family, we don't allow the
use of illegal drugs, and children are not allowed to drink alcohol"
should be stressed to your children.

Use teachable moments: Every day, parents can take advantage of
so-called teachable moments. Seeing someone use drugs on television,
hearing drug-related lyrics in a song or reading a headline about drug
use can all be starting points for discussion. Take advantage of these
examples that are consistently found in mass media and pop culture to
initiate a conversation with your child.

Get involved: Know your children's friends, where your children are
going and what they are doing. Start asking questions about what
they've been up to, and what interests them.

How to get started: You don't have to do it well -- just try. Your kids
will get the message that you care about them. If you don't know how
to start the conversation, ask a question. For example, "Have you
heard about any kids using drugs?" "What kind of drugs?" "How do you
feel about them?" "Why do you think kids get involved with drugs?" Let
your child know that you're there when they need you. And listen.
Don't do all the talking. Read between the lines -- you'll learn a lot
about what they think.

Source - Partnership for a Drug-Free America, www.drugfreeamerica.org