As parents we all worry about the dangers of drugs, and how it can affect our children. Many of us have experimented with drugs, cigarettes or alcohol as teens, so we very well know the consequences and that all told concept, of repeat scenarios.
Experimenting with drugs for many kids begins around the age of eleven or twelve, just as brain development is kicking into its highest gear since infancy. Whether we as parents like it or not half of teens will experiment and try an illicit drug at least once and almost all will try alcohol, cigarettes or both.
Being parents we must admit, although dreadful, the conversation on drugs and its effects must begin around the age of ten. It is important to sit your child down and explain to them the dangers involved when doing drugs, and if asked if you ever experimented please be honest as our children do look up to us and want the same level of honesty from us we expect from them. It is important for them to know why you want them to steer clear of these temptations and possible peer pressures. Of course, your child may still be tempted but the longer kids delay that first try the better, say certain psychologists.
Boredom is also a factor that must be tackled in order to keep our kids interested in doing something productive and fulfilling with their lives. Martial arts is a definite example on combating boredom, and can not only teach our children self-defense, but will enable them to have a healthy peer group, adult role models, opportunities for praise and mastery; and principals to believe in as in non-aggression and respect for other's.
Baseball, basketball, dancing and other things that interest them can and should also be supported, as with them they also have an abundance of praise, and commitment which will later enable them to compete proactively while doing something they enjoy.
I, as a parent intend to do, and hope to do what's right for my child in order to help him achieve his goals. I am only a few years away from the dreadful talk, but am very well prepared to be as good a parent as I can be. There is nothing more important to me than seeing my child grow up to be the best he can be, as is the same for most parents.
Parenting we all know can be difficult, but for those who chose to be the best at it I commend you. We will all make our mistakes and hopefully learn from them, but these are our children and without us nudging, praising and supporting them where will they be.
Copyright 2008
I just finished your article. I found it very informative. Though I haven\'t had any children of my own, I have been around a lot of teenagers over the years. More than once I\'ve heard a kid say if they had only something to do perhaps they wouldn\'t be doing drugs or alcohol. From 1999 until 2001 I took Karate and earned my Brown Belt 3rd kyu before the school shut down due to the building being sold. In that time I saw many Teens come in from off the streets. The biggest part of them on the verge of getting into drugs and alcohol. They all have said had it not been for Karate they would\'ve been standing on street corners getting high with they\'re friends. To see some of these kids today you wouldn\'t think they were the same kids. They\'ve all have bright futures ahead of them. Lets hope your article does for those approaching they\'re teens as Karate did for those who walked into the school where I took Karate. you did an excellent job writing this article, and the suggestions you made in it are right on target. Perhaps if more parents got involved with they\'re children more as well as other caring adults perhaps our youth will have a better chance of a bright fullfilling future. Again, Great article Susan. Keep up the good work!!!
Randy