10 Useful Guidelines to Prevent Our Teens From Drugs

   Unfortunately, as we all know there is no magic formula for parenting. The same applies to keep our teens out of drugs. Nevertheless here are ten useful guidelines that you should keep in mind on preventing such destructive behavior.

1. Talk. Talking to your teens about the consequences of using drugs is the best way to begin. Also take the time ask them about their worries, problems and fears. Being a teenager is not easy as we already know. It takes less than a minute to ask how was their day.

2. Listen. We are always busy, but we can sure take time to listen to our kids. Don’t be judgemental. Let them know that you care.

3. Involve them in activities. Extracurricular activities such as sports, hobbies or volunteering in your community is the best way to keep your kids mind occupied.

4. Help your teen handle peer pressure. Show your kids how to handle peer pressure by learning how to say no when drugs are involved. If your kid feels secure and loved at home and has good self esteem, he will handle peer pressure.

5. Know who your kids friends are. Always try to keep in touch with your kids friends and  their parents. Keep their phone numbers and addresses. Invite them to your home.

6. Be a good role model. If you don’t use drugs,  your kids will not use them either.

7. Establish family rules. When there is some routine and structure in the family, the children will know what to expect and experience less frustration.

8. True values versus false values. In our society today our teenagers are bombarded with false values such as beauty and material things. Teens grow with pressure and too high expectations on these parameters. Teach your teens that although these parameters are desirable they are not real values. Teaching your kids to be responsible, disciplined and caring can prove more fulfilling and lead them to a much successful path in life.

9. Inform yourself. If you don’t know the answer to something look for information, educate yourself. There are good books in parenting. Take the time.

10. Last but not least, love your kids unconditionally. There can be many psychological reasons that can keep you from loving your kids unconditionally. Maybe you resent your kids unconsciously because you are a single parent, married too young or reject your kids gender, you wanted a boy or a girl. All these things can harm your kid  seriously and lead them to the use of drugs. Seek counseling, look for information. Forgive yourself and ask for your kids forgiveness. There is always a way to restore our connections with our children.