West
Covina Elks
Helping Your Child Say "No"
* Talk with your child about about
alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.
You can help change ideas your child may have that "everybody
drinks,
smokes or uses other drugs."
* Learn to really listen to your
child. Your child is more likely to
talk with you when you give verbal and nonverbal cues that show
you
are listening.
* Help your child feel good about
himself or herself. Your child will
feel good when you praise efforts, as well as accomplishments,
and
hen you correct by criticizing the action rather than the child.
* Help your child develop strong
values. A strong value system can
give your child the courage to say "No" rather than
listen to friends.
* Be a good role model or example.
Your habits and attitudes may
strongly influence your child's ideas about alcohol, tobacco and
other
drugs.
* Help your child deal with peer
pressure. A child who has been taught
to be gentle and loving may need your "permission" to
say "No" to
negative peer pressure.
* Make family rules. Make specific
family rules about your child not
using alcohol or other drugs or smoking cigarettes. And tell your
child the punishment for using them.
* Encourage healthy, creative activities.
Hobbies, school events and
other activities may prevent your child from using alcohol, tobacco
or
other drugs out of boredom.
* Team up with other parents. You
can join other parents in support
groups that will reinforce the guidance you provide at home.
* Know what to do if you suspect
a problem. You can learn to recognize
the telltale signs of alcohol, tobacco and other drug use and
get help.