CHILDREN NEED PARENTAL GUIDANCE ON MEDICATION & ALCOHOL USE

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 school, from their
peers and on the 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 learn from not only what we say, but also what we do.

When communicating with even very young children, it is 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 is 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 are not with you, we will tell you who is allowed to
give you medicine."

In addition to clear messages about safe medication and alcohol use,
children learn from their parent's behaviour. Consider your personal
use of alcohol and medications, as well as issues such as the safe
storage of prescription and over the counter medications 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- - Do you discard old outdated medication in a safe way (for example,
taking 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 14 for
men. A standard drink is defined as a five-ounce glass of wine, 1.5
ounces of spirits, three ounces of sherry or 12 ounces of regular
beer.

- - Do you drink and drive?

Take your 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.