Parenting Resources
Living and Learning
We offer these suggestions and many links in our resource section to help families learn and live with healthy decisions.
Some helpful thoughts…
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Talking is the first step in prevention.
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Encourage conversation. Listen without interrupting. Ask open-ended questions. Make every conversation a positive experience.
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Learn to have fun without alcohol or drugs.
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Work with parents and students to build a drug-free environment
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Adolescence is a time for trying new things and taking risks.
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By the time parents recognize physical and personality changes, their teen could already be developing a serious misuse problem.
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Praise and reward good behavior.
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Remember, addiction is a disease, not a cause for shame.
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While stressing the value of abstinence, have a fall back strategy that provides young people with credible information and resources so they do the least possible harm to themselves and those around them.
When a teen is giving a party-
Set the ground rules and consequences ahead of time.
Plan in advance, set a guest list, have plenty of snacks.
Set a time limit.
Include your teen in knowing your and their responsibilities.
Be visible and available.
Invite another parent or couple over.
Be willing to call the police or parents as needed.
When a teen is going to a party-
Call the host parent.
Know where your child is going and with whom.
Discuss how to handle possible situations.
Know how your teen will get home and when.
Be up to greet your teen when they come home.
Two concerns parents have when preparing their sons and daughters for college are whether they will be safe and whether they will do well academically. More information is available at: