TALK TO YOUR KIDS ABOUT DRUGS

Talking to your kids about drugs may not be easy, but it is an important
step in prevention. Parents are their children's strongest role model and
greatest influence.

As a parent, what you do or do not do has a big impact on your child's
decisions about using or not using drugs.
It is never too early to model positive behaviour and to teach your child
skills that will assist them in making positive choices.

Here are some things that you can do as a parent to help your kids make
good decisions:

- - Develop your child's self-esteem by letting them know that you care about
them and by showing them respect. Give them chances to practice skills so
that they feel competent and capable, for example doing house chores or
participating in hobbies and activities.

- - Teach your child critical thinking skills. For example, looking for
evidence by asking "Is that really true?" or "How do you know?" as well as
considering implications and consequences by asking questions like "What
will likely happen if I try this drug?".

- - Teach your child to be independent and encourage them to make decisions
appropriate to their age level with an understanding of the consequences.
Children need to learn how to make choices that are respectful, realistic
and responsible.

- - Show them how to deal with peer pressure by teaching them to be a leader,
not a follower. Also, get to know your child's friends and if possible
their parents.

- - Talk about "positive peer pressure." We often talk about "negative peer
pressure" but most of the time other children will influence your child in
ways that are healthy and supportive.

- - Establish rules and boundaries. Keep them clear, reasonable, and revise
them as your child gets older. Also, keep rules consistent and have
consistent consequences.

These tips are from Kids and Drugs A Parent's Guide to Prevention, a
joint project of AHS-AADAC and the RCMP Drugs and Organized Crime Awareness
Service.

If you would like more information or would be interested in attending a
course about talking to your kids about drugs, please contact the City of
Grande Prairie's Crime Prevention Department at 780-882-7813 or e-mail
crimeprevention@cityofgp.com.