Six Easy Ways to Help Your Kids Avoid Alcohol and Drug Use

1. Talk to Your Kids about Alcohol 
   Sometimes the easiest solutions are the most obvious. Taking a proactive stance and talking to your kids about alcohol and drugs can have dramatic effects on their behavior. Studies show that when kids have clear rules from parents about not drinking alcohol, they are less likely to engage in that behavior.
   
   And the best time to talk to your kids about these subjects is before they get in trouble because of it. Take time when everyone is calm and talk in an open, non-judgmental manner with your kids. TimetoTalk.org is an excellent Web site with advice, how-to's and other resources to help parents talk to their kids about alcohol.
   
   You can also download a free guide How to Hold Crucial Conversations about Drugs with Your Teenager here.
    
2. Make Family Meals a Priority 
   It is amazing how the simple act of having dinner together can affect the choices your children make. Studies show that among 12- and 13-year olds, those who have infrequent family dinners (fewer than five times a week) are three times likelier to use alcohol, four times likelier to use tobacco, and six times likelier to use marijuana.
   
   
3. Make Time to Connect 
   We all lead busy lives, but there are opportunities throughout the day where we can talk with our kids and create lasting bonds. Dedicated family game nights are a great idea that brings everyone together in a fun way.
   
   If you are driving kids to and from school and activities, turn off the radio and ask them to turn off their cells and games. Model good communication skills by telling them about your day and ask them about theirs.
   
   Another way to show your children you care is to send simple text messages every now and again telling them you are thinking about them.
   
   
4. Offer to Take the Heat 
   As we all remember, peer pressure can be overwhelming for children, especially in middle and high school where, often times, kids are meeting new people and trying to make new friends. Tell your kids they can use you as an excuse to get out of alcohol- and drug-related situations (e.g., "My Dad would kill me if I drank a beer." or "I have to get home or my Mom will ground me.")
   
   
5. Know Where, When and Who 
   Keeping tabs on your kids is an important part of parenting. Knowing where they are, who they will be with, and when they will be home can help keep them out of trouble. Also try to connect with yur kid's friend's parents. If your child is going to be at a friend's house it is important to understand what environment they will be exposed to. Finally, if your children participate in any online communities, you can insist that they "friend" you as a condition of allowing them to use those sites.
   
   
6. Monitor the Alcohol and Prescription Drugs in Your House
   If you have alcohol or prescription drugs in your house, keep them secure or as inaccessible by your kids as possible. And be aware of what you have. Some parents mark liquid levels on alcohol bottles. But remember, often times, kids who drink their parent's alcohol will replace the liquid in the bottle with water or some other beverage.
   
   
   

10 Resolutions That Show Your Kids You Care

1. Teach your children to trust you by seeing you as a role model.
   
   
2. Be patient, not just tolerant. Apologize when you make a mistake or do something you regret.
   
   
3. Ask teens what they need from you—and do whatever you can to meet those needs.
   
   
4. Listen to your teens, a lot. Avoid interrupting.
   
   
5. Teach your children about ethics, values and principles they can apply in choices and decision making.
   
   
6. Help them discover the feeling of gratitude, not just to say thank you.
   
   
7. Keep the promises you make. If you do not keep your word, acknowledge that. Help your teen understand the circumstances or choices that precipitated the change in your plans.
   
   
8. Answer your teen’s questions and be consistent. When you notice behavioral changes in them, make yourself available and encourage them to talk about what is going on in their life.
   
   
9. Be understanding when they have a difficult time and let them know you will love them no matter what.
   
   
10. Be diligent. Have ongoing conversations with your kids about the risks of drugs and alcohol.