With the headlines about Lindsay Lohan and her troubles with the law and addiction, it is an example that no one is immune to addiction.
Parenting teens can be challenging. No matter how many times we talk about just saying no to drugs, there will be a teenager that will cave to peer pressure. Parents need to stop being in denial and start educating their kids about the dangers of addiction which can follow drug abuse. Stop saying, "not my kid!" Yes, it could be your kid! Parent denial only delays treatment.
Caron Treatment Centers is a nationally recognized non-profit provider of alcohol and drug addiction treatment for adults and adolescents.
3 Reality Checks for Parents:
- Myth: We try to keep our home teen-friendly because if our teen(s) hang out here – even if they’re drinking – we know they’re safe.
Reality Check: There is nothing wrong with making your teen and his/her friends comfortable in your home. But teenage drinking is never safe even when they are being “supervised.” Not only is alcohol bad for their health and development but it also impairs their judgment. The media has reported on scenarios where teens in these situations have wandered off and died in a preventable accident, driven drunk and hurt themselves or others and committed a violent act against a peer.
- Myth: It’s better for my child if he/she considers me a best friend.
Reality Check: Part of your job as a parent is to set and enforce rules. Trying to be their best friend is only confusing and gives mixed messages.
- Myth: My husband and I have different parenting styles. What’s the big deal?
Reality Check: It’s critical for all caregivers to be on the same page whether they are married, divorced, nannies, grandparents, etc. Consistency is key to raising a healthy and responsible teen who understands and respects boundaries.
Source: www.caron.org
In Jacksonville an organization was formed to help parents with at-risk teens and children. This parent project is outlined on www.ihelpparents.com and is targeted at empowering parents to be learn all they can about the peer pressures our kids are facing today. Whether it is substance abuse, or being bullied, parents need to be involved in their child's lives. Find out more here.
Be an educated parent, you will have safer teens!
Visit www.helpyourteens.com for more information on residential therapy.
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