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Teaching Drug-Free Values

© Rachel Webb

The values we set as a family are the strongest deterrent that we can offer our children to stay away from drugs; not in ignoring the problem or sheltering our children, but in educating them and ourselves as part of our parenting role. In 1990, President Bush issued a statement to parents regarding their role in drug prevention and awareness; the statement is every bit as true today as it was in the 90's.

"Schools, churches, community groups, law enforcement - all can help us turn the tide on drug and alcohol abuse. But none can take a parent’s place. Drug education must begin at home and in the neighborhood long before the classroom." The White House February 26, 1990

Obviously the best way to teach our children to be drug free is by example. Is your own use of tobacco, alcohol or even over the counter medications negatively affecting your children? Unfortunately setting a good example is not nearly enough. The US Department of Education suggests not assuming that children have "absorbed" these values from being in a drug safe environment.

Open communication with children about your feelings on drug abuse, discussing common situations with them and setting no-alcohol/no-drug-use rules and specific consequences for breaking the rules are also needed. Kids should clearly understand that the rules are not just a household rule but are the same rule wherever they go regardless of the situation.

It is possible to teach children about drugs on an age appropriate level but parents should understand that kids admit they used an average of two years before their parents knew about it!

1) Preschoolers Parents can start teaching about drugs by instilling a value of respect for our body. By pointing out harmful household poisons, cleaning products and teaching medicine bottle safety young children can lean to only put good things into their body to stay healthy and strong. Work with children to increase their decision-making skills, communication, problem solving techniques and self confidence can also help prevent drug abuse, as they get older.

2) K- 3rd Grade Studies show that children ages 5-9 years old can mix fantasy and fact and television only adds to the problem. When parents discuss drugs with school age children it can help to include real stories, real people and see concrete consequences. Explain the difference between good drugs (prescribed by a doctor and closely followed instructions) and harmful drugs. Children at this age are also very trusting of anyone older than them and will need to be reminded that it is not always "right" just because someone tells them to.

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