Drugs and alcohol have long been dangerous temptations for teens. Teenagers feel that nothing can hurt them and these temptations are readily available today, which the combination often leads to trouble. Today, it is imperative that parents address these adolescent temptations in a constructive manner.
Parents have a tendency to be more passive than necessary, and hoping their teen will reach out to them with their concerns and questions. However, this often happens far too late.
Be Proactive
Grab every moment you can to teach your teenagers. Adolescents learn through repetitive actions. They also follow according to examples set at home. It is very much a tragic event, when a teen suffers serious injuries from a car accident caused by drunk driving or with he or she overdoses on some type of drug. These types of events are things teenagers have an understanding of today.
You should set a policy of zero tolerance on alcohol and drug from the start. It is dangerous even to okay occasional use of alcohol or drugs. Teenagers are extremely impulsive and highly influenced by peers. Just one beer could turn into the teen downing a six-pack.
Explain to your teen that you know situations will arise, where their peers will be consuming alcohol and possibly using drugs. Tell him or her that you expect him or her to use wise judgment during these times and just say no.
Closely Listen to Your Teenager
Teens have very selective hearing. The things you say may not penetrate into their brains. When your teen decides to tune into what you are saying make sure also to listen closely to what he or she has to say.
At times, it is quite difficult for teens to think effectively about sensitive issues. Spend enough time listening to your teen, when he or she is trying to talk about a subject.
You just could find he or she has some serious thoughts on his or her mind. Be careful, but help him or her sort out his or her feelings. Answer any of the questions your teen may ask to the best of your ability. If it is on a topic, you lack knowledge, then look the answer up in books or on the Internet and discuss what you find.
Make Yourself Available
Spouses, household chores, careers, various activities and more use up a lot of your time. However, you need to push everything aside, when at all possible, at those times that your teen reached out to you and just listen. Remember, one missed moment like these and you could ruin your chance of making some valid points.
You will have times though, that you cannot push things aside. It is important during these times to set a specific time that you can always talk to your teen. Call this your open time slot, if you want.
You could tell your teen to inform you when he or she urgently needs to talk to you. If he or she does not say that it is urgent, then suggest he or she use your open hours and meet you in the family room.
This will provide your teen an environment of support, while stating there are times for compromise.
Family Suppertime
Many times, the family suppertime allows the perfect opportunity for the parents to openly converse with their teens. It is ideal to eat together whenever possible. After eating, take time to discuss the bad and good happenings of the day.
