How to Raise Drug Free Kids.

HOW TO RAISE DRUG FREE KIDS.

Children today don't know how to make informed choices regarding drugs. They are not really aware of the devastating effects drugs can have on their live and it's because parents, schools media and the community at large have put their guards down.

Information on what to do to help your child stay free of drugs.

Early steps- A parent's actions even before a child's birth is critical to helping that child stay off drugs in later years. Drugs including nicotine and alcohol can cross the placental barrier and damage a fetus as early as three weeks after conception. Being born with drugs already in the bloodstream puts a child at a higher risk of later becoming an addict. Give your child love and attention so that they can develop lifelong self-esteem. Low self-esteem is a major reason for drug use. Establish guidelines in your family for behavior: honesty, fairness and respect for others and for law.

When your child is old enough to understand, teach him/her that some house product like household cleaners, aerosols and medicine are poisonous. If a medicine is prescribed three time a daily, that's the way to take. No more, no less and he/she should not swallow anything new without asking first. Good choices- in early school years, children learn by experience, they slide from face to fantasy and back again without even realizing it, what they see and experience is very real to them. Kids look at your action and what you do and the way you going about doing it so be careful and lead a good example. Teach your kid to make good decision and not to be a follower, tech them that it's OK to refuse something from friends because good friend will not pressurize them to do thing they don't want to do, like taking drug, smoking or drinking. Kids start experimenting as early eight - nine years with alcohol and cigarettes and the problem stretches to all community, no child is safe any more. Help your kid too stay away from places where they may be pressured to use illegal drugs. If it's a party, they should ask: "who else is coming?" and "will your parents be home?" if they smell danger they should leave immediately. Teach your kid to be aware of how drugs and alcohol are promoted in TV, movies and music. As a parent be involved in every aspect of your child. Know where he goes, and with who and to do what.

Signs of drug abuse/use. It is never easy to recognize the early signs of drug use. Here are some signs and symptoms of alcohol and drugs to look out for. - Sudden unexpected changes of moods from happy and alert to sullen and moody - Uncharacteristic irritability and aggression. - Loss of appetite. - Loss of interest in hobbies sports friends, schoolwork and a drop in school marks. - Bouts of drowsiness or sleeplessness. - Telling lies and the unexpected disappearance of money or valuables from the home. - Unusual smells stains or marks on the body or clothes around the house. - Reddened eyes (often disguised by sunglasses or eyedrops). - Frequent sore throats, bags under the eyes, runny nose, coughing, wheezing and bruising from falls. Remember, you should not confront a child who is under the influence, Wait until the effects of the substance wears off, and then discuss your suspicion calmly. Impose whatever reasonable discipline appropriate for violating the rules and be firm, don't relent because the child promises not to do it again.

Be specific and make sure the child knows what are the rules, the reasons for them and the consequences for breaking them. Be consistent, if its no let it be no. No two ways about it. Talk to your child and develop a free atmosphere between you so that they can feel free to tell you their problems. Arm them with information on peer pressure and temptation around them and how to deal with them. Dont ever bribe your child so as to stop using drugs, instill the correct moral values and explain to them the results of there action in there life's. Before talking to your child about any topic always do a research and have your facts correct and ready, because of the new technologies, children today can access all the information about any topic and challenge you. Keep your child involved and busy constructively, give them chores to do in the home and encourage extracurricular activities, this way they would have lots of free time to do things they shouldn't. Finally, be attentive to your child and listen to their problems. Show that you have heard what they said and you will understand more by reading between the lines. To keep your child away from drugs one thing is clear, every organ in the community has to participate from the schools, religious institution and the police but the family should remain the first priority to each parent who wants to bring up a drug free child.

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Concerned mother.