Keep Children Alcohol and Drug Free
The best way to influence your child to avoid drinking and using drugs is to have a strong, trusting relationship with your child. A strong parent-child relationship is the solution. Here are some tips to build a supportive bond with your child:
- Establish open communication, talk honestly with each other.
- Show you care. Teens need to know they are important.
- Draw the line. Set clear, realistic expectations for your child's behavior.
- Establish appropriate consequences for breaking rules and consistently enforce them.
- Offer acceptance. Appreciate efforts as well as accomplishments.
- Understand your child is growing up. Guide their behavior but make an effort to respect independence and privacy.
The Leadership to Keep Children Alcohol Free Conference in Washington DC, Feb 2008
To learn more visit:
- The Maine Alliance to Prevent Substance Abuse
- The Office of Substance Abuse Information and Resource Center (IRC) at www.maineosa.org/irc
- Mainely Parents, a statewide prevention program at www.mainelyparents.org
- Communities for Children, a statewide initiative of the Governors Children's Cabinet designed to create a partnership between state government and local communities as they work to promote positive child and youth development at www.communitiesforchildren.org
- Child Abuse and Neglect (CAN) Councils of Maine provide information, education, and support. A list of 16 Councils and local contact information is available at www.mechildrenstrust.org/canc.php