WHAT MESSAGES ARE YOUR CHILDREN GETTING FROM HOW YOU USE ALCOHOL AND
PRESCRIPTION DRUGS?

Health Notes

The first years of a child's life are an important opportunity for
parents to build a foundation for the skills needed to prevent the
misuse/abuse of alcohol and other drugs.

Drug use is a part of everyday life. In the age of designer drugs
like ecstasy, it's easy to forget that cough syrup, vitamins,
caffeine and herbal remedies are also drugs that can affect the way
you think, feel and act.

Children learn about drugs in many ways such as at school, from their
peers and on television. But what we do in our homes is the beginning
of drug education.

Parents are in a unique position to model good behaviour with respect
to safe medication and alcohol use. Children will learn not only from
what we say, but what we do.

When communicating with even very young children, it's important to
keep messages simple, clear and consistent.

Here are some simple messages to communicate to young children about
medications:

* Medicine is not candy.

* Medicine can be good for people, but only when used properly. Too
much medicine can be harmful.

* Never use someone else's medicine.

* Use medications only when needed. It's good to try other things as
well, such as going for a walk or having a rest when you have a
headache.

* Tell your children, "Only Mommy and Daddy are allowed to give you
medicine. If we aren't with you, we will tell you who's allowed to
give you medicine."

In addition to clear messages about safe medication and alcohol use,
children learn from their parents' behaviour. Consider your personal
use of alcohol and medications, as well as issues such as the safe
storage of prescription and over-the-counter mediations, herbal
remedies and alcohol.

Here are some important questions to ask yourself:

* Is your medication stored in a cupboard out of reach of your child?

* Does your child see you regularly take pills for conditions that
could be managed without medication? (You could be promoting the
'quick fix' way of thinking.)

* Do you discard old, outdated medication in a safe way (for example,
take them to the drug store for disposal)?

* Do you encourage your child to ask questions about drugs and alcohol?

* Do you reach for a drink during times of stress to help you relax?

* Do you always offer non-alcoholic drinks at your social events?

* Do you follow the Low Risk Drinking Guidelines from the Centre for
Addiction and Mental Health? (No more than two standard drinks on a
given day. Up to nine standard drinks a week for women and up to 14
standard drinks a week for men. A standard drink is defined as a
5-oz. glass of wine, 1.5 oz. of spirits, 12 oz. of regular beer or 3
oz. of sherry.)

* Do you drink and drive?

Take the time to think about the messages you may be giving your
children. Remember, you are your child's most important teacher. Your
words and actions help shape their ideas about alcohol and other
drugs.

For more information about substance abuse and prevention, call the
Halton Region Health Department at (905) 825-6060, ext. 7835, toll
free 1-866-4HALTON (442-5866), TTY (905) 827-9833. For parenting
information, call the Healthy Babies and Children Line at (905)
693-4242. Visit our Web site at www.region.halton.on.ca/health.

Health Notes is prepared by staff of the Halton Region Health Department.