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.