RESOLUTIONS TO RAISE DRUG-FREE CHILDREN

Dear Abby: As this new year begins, I'd like parents to resolve to do 10
specific things to keep their families drug-free. I call these the 1999 New
Year's Resolutions to Raise Drug-Free Kids. --BARRY R. McCAFFREY, DIRECTOR,
OFFICE OF NATIONAL DRUG CONTROL POLICY

Dear Barry: Your resolutions will help parents who are hesitant to discuss
illegal drugs with their children. It's a vital dialogue to begin. A
Newsweek survey of youth ages 11 to 17 found that parents and grandparents
have the greatest influence on young people -- more than TV, movies and
music.

RESOLUTIONS FOR RAISING DRUG-FREE KIDS

1. START: It's never too early to discourage your children from trying
drugs. Protect them by letting them know you care. Resolve to start
right now.

2. CONNECT: The new year is a time for new beginnings. Begin building
lines of communication. Resolve to do things as a family. Show your
children that having fun doesn't require drugs.

3. LISTEN: Take a more active interest in your children's lives. Know
what they're up to -- what parties they're attending, with whom, what
will be served and who will be supervising. LISTEN to your kids' cares
and concerns.

4. EDUCATE: Spend at least 30 minutes in the next 30 days explaining
in simple facts to your kids how drugs can hurt them and destroy their
dreams. Then, reinforce that message all year!

5. CARE: Spend at least a few minutes each day telling and showing
your children you care about them. Make sure they know how proud you
are they are drug-free. Make sure they know to come to you first for
help or information.

6. LEARN: Children today are more sophisticated. In order to educate
your children about the danger of drugs, you must first educate
yourself. Sit down together in the coming months and learn about the
risks drugs pose.

7. SET LIMITS: Show your children you care by declaring limits: THIS
family doesn't do drugs. THIS family doesn't hang around with people
who do. Enforce these limits. Be consistent.

8. GET INVOLVED: Ensure that your community's streets, playgrounds and
schools are safe and drug-free. Start or join a community watch group
or anti-drug coalition.

9. LEAD: Set an example. Don't drive drugged or drunk; don't let your
friends drive impaired. If you, yourself, have a substance abuse
problem, use the new year and the support of your loved ones to get
help.

10. BE AWARE: Look for the warning signs that your child may be
developing a substance abuse problem, and seek help.

Write to Dear Abby, Wichita Eagle, P.O. Box 820, Wichita, Kan.
67201-0820.