FORUM A VALUABLE TOOL FOR PARENTS

Do you know what Oxycontin looks like? I do now. There's imprints on
the pills of stars, hearts, Snoopy, etc. that make it appear cool and
fun. Did you know that marijuana is five times stronger than 20 years
ago? Didn't know that either. I considered myself a well-informed,
in-the-know kind of parent. But I didn't know about the current drugs and
how quickly addictive and powerful they are.

I am compelled to write today after attending the drug-and-alcohol-education
program last night at the Marblehead High School along with other
parents of teens. It was a joint program coordinated by Paula Dobrow,
Libby Moore, Judy Luise and other caring professionals in our school
system. Some smart parents brought their children with them to hear
the message. Sgt. Marion Keating and Police Chief James Carney also
attended the forum.

We were so fortunate to have Michael Nerney, a national speaker on
drug use and teens, speak and then answer questions. His informative
and timely presentation opened up my eyes about the use of alcohol,
Oxycontin, ecstasy and heroin use and abuse. He confirmed what we read
in the newspaper and hear on TV daily; that drugs and alcohol use is
prevalent in OUR schools and in our town.

Mr. Nerney explained in a humorous way and on a human level about how
teenagers respond in situations with peers they like and admire. He
spoke of dating (not dating 2 years older), drinking parties after
sports events and especially the high risk spending time home alone
after school. I heard about how teens process emotions and assess
risks differently than adults. He spoke of consequences for children
when they are caught drinking. Don't make it a life sentence
or ongoing punishment; one to two weeks should suffice. Our kids will
make mistakes they can learn from. A life sentence doesn't teach
them anything.

The program was generously funded by Bob and Gabby Bradley, whose son
Robert, a Marblehead High School senior, died of an overdose of the
same drugs that our children have instant and easy access to. The
Bradleys spoke candidly and honestly at the mandatory-attendance
parental sports night last fall, and I was brought to tears by their
candid honesty. (Many people attending were emotionally moved.) We are
so fortunate to have the Bradleys share their tragedy with the
community and do something to help all of our children.

Awareness is knowledge. Knowledge is power. There are tools to help
our children. Don't shake your head and say, No, not my child,
he/she's on the honor roll. They are just at a movie or slumber
party. Call your children to see where they are. Speak directly
with the parents at the home they are visiting. Find out details. Will
there be an adult present? This is our job as parents to set boundaries.

Nerney showed us fascinating pictures of the brain's development at
age 15. He cited scientific studies by Cornell University and other
reputable institutions. The statistics he cited were powerful and shocking.

What a wonderful opportunity to inform the community about the reality
of what is happening in our kids lives this weekend and today. I would
encourage all parents to take these opportunities to further educate
their families and find out about the resources available to us as
parents. Don't take it lightly. We all love our children and want
the very best for them. Kids need us to be supervising closely and
available to talk when these kinds of situations arise. This program
has changed the way I will parent my kids. They are worth it. It is a
matter of life or death. Ask the Bradleys.

Kathleen Rainer

Lawrence Drive