IN OUR VIEW: TEENS DO HEAR MUCH OF WHAT PARENTS ARE SAYING

There's a misconception among some parents that the messages they're
sending to their kids about drugs and drug abuse go into one ear and
out the other. Children-especially teens-hate to be preached at and
are quick to turn off the spigot of well-meant words.

But parents are wrong, at least in most cases. Statistics show that
more and more parents are opting to talk to their children about
drugs, thoroughly covering the topic on more than one occasion. And,
according to the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, teen-age
approval of marijuana and other drugs is on the decline.

So just maybe the kids just look like they aren't listening. Some of
the important information parents are giving to their children is
taking hold-something all Americans should be happy to hear.

It is vitally important that children get positive messages about
drugs and drug abuse from parents, teachers-anyone in authority who
can help steer our kids from experimenting with drugs, or much worse,
becoming addicts.

And it also is important for parents and adults to listen to what
their children say, too. Our teens and young adults are exposed in
this day to far more negative stimuli than any previous generation. We
all may think we know all the things with which they are confronted,
but some of us-if we would just listen-might have a better
understanding of the perils of today's adolescence.

Parents should be encouraged to talk openly and bluntly with their
children about drugs. Our children aren't stupid, but much of what
goes on around them is. They need guidance in important matters such
as these, and the best place for that to happen is in the home.