Be a Red Ribbon Parent

During the month of October we celebrate Red Ribbon Week. This is a good time for parents to be reminded of ways they can help keep their children safe and drug-free. Although drug awareness and prevention education is taught in our schools, it is parents who are the primary educators and role models for children. Children look to their parents for guidance, understanding and approval.

So, what can parents do to keep their children from using drugs? The following are some suggestions:

  1. Be absolutely clear with your children that you don’t want them using drugs.
  2. Be a good listener and be honest when answering their questions.
  3. Take advantage of TV reports, anti-drug commercials and other media sources to help you introduce the topic of drug usage in a natural, unforced way.
  4. Don’t react to their questions or comments in a negative way that will cut off further discussion.

It is easy to dispense don’t to our children: “Don’t smoke.” “Don’t drink and drive.” Don’t do drugs.” It takes much more effort to practice what we preach. What children see and believe, they become. Choose to be a parent who role models the behaviors they want their children to follow.

Sources: The Anti-Drug (www.theantidrug.com), National Institute for Drug Abuse (www.nida.nih.gov), The Partnership for a Drugfree America (www.drugfree.org), The Parenting Exchange Library (www.ChildCareExchange.com).

Information is also available from your I CARE Specialist, Cindy Francis () and from the I CARE Program of EBRPSS (225) 226-2273 or at www.icare.ebrschools.org.