Comments for Parent Power

Comment on When did you first talk to your kids about drugs and alcohol? What did they say? What did you say? by rudy

rudy — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 04:24:20 +0000

Open communication is the only way to go. And early. We spoke with our kids about drugs when they started school.
We have just launched a website where peers speak to one another and upload reinforcing anti-drug video ads for their friends to view and vote on. It’s at http://www.hirgrnd.ca . I invite you to check it out.
smiles,
rudy

Comment on If you discovered that your child was drinking alcohol or smoking marijuana or cigarettes, what did you do? by Jillian

Jillian — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 22:18:10 +0000

My friend just started smoking and i keep trying to talk her out of it! All of her friends do it (like her boyfriend) Im sick of it. Her brother does also and she started crying about what would happen to him. Also all my other friends do it! I know its wrong but i kinda want to try it but dont want to. I just dont know what to do someone please help me!

Comment on New Question: If you suspected that your kid was drinking or doing other drugs, would you search his or her things (e.g., backpack, clothing or room)? by Debbie Urtz-Gleason

Debbie Urtz-Gleason — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 10:51:38 +0000

Yes I would. My child’s safety and well-being are too important. Privacy is also earned by responsible behavior. If our child is behaving irresponsibly then we will do what is necessary to help get the child back on the right path. We love our children too much to stand idly by while they potentially destroy their lives. The ultimate privacy is earned when one is employed, pays one’s own bills, has one’s own home etc. Until then, they are our responsibility!

Comment on New Question: If you suspected that your kid had an alcohol or drug problem, who would you reach out to for help, a doctor, clergy, teacher, someone else? by Debbie Urtz-Gleason

Debbie Urtz-Gleason — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 10:48:11 +0000

I would turn to several people. First, I would gently ask my child in a non-confrontational manner. Second, I would inform her guidance counselor at school of my concerns so she could explore the topic during her interactions - we have a good relationship. Next, I would take her to the doctor for drug testing, if necessary. Finally, if I knew it to be true and got no cooperation from my child, there would be mandatory treatment. There are many ways to make this happen - the combination of the carrot and stick! The motivation to have a license, car to drive, cell phone, ability to see friends outside of school, etc. all hinge on responsible behavior. All are priveleges earned, not rights.

Comment on New Question: If you suspected that your kid had an alcohol or drug problem, who would you reach out to for help, a doctor, clergy, teacher, someone else? by Cheryl

Cheryl — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 00:27:24 +0000

If I knew then what I know now, I would get myself to a Nar-Anon Family Group meeting ASAP. Unfortunately, when I did find out about my daughter’s meth addiction, I hadn’t heard of a support program for the families: that’s why I said, “If I knew then what I know now.”

All I can do is inform others who are going through the problem with drugs in the family. It isn’t a situation where you want to be isolating because of shame and fear. I hope anyone who is suffering through this nightmare to get the support they need from a group of people who have so much in common and a willingness to share their “experience, strength and hope.” http://www.nar-anon.org

Comment on What do you find helpful in raising your teen drug free? Your teen’s school? Your church? Your neighborhood? The government’s anti-drug media campaign? by Terry Box

Terry Box — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 17:18:53 +0000

Why not purchase instant drug screens you and have one available to test your child.

Nothing like letting your teenager know that you plan to inspect what you expect. We have purchased from http://www.1mdllc.com and keep one on the TV in the kids play room. This is not an invasion of rights, this is our right to bring our child up to be safe and drug free.

Its your call but studies show teenagers who do not do drugs become better and more productive adults.

Comment on If you caught your child drinking or smoking marijuana how did you discipline him/her? Did you ground your child? Enforce a curfew? Cut allowance? Did your disciplinary action work? Why or why not? by Theresa

Theresa — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 19:52:51 +0000

There is no one size fits all answer.
One thing I tried, and it appears to be successful so far, is to bring my kids early on to a soup kitchen, halfway house and rehab center. They also went and sat in court to see that side of things. The world is bigger than they know. Introduce it to them, guide them and stand by.

Comment on New Question: Do you monitor or limit what your kid watches on TV? What movies he or she sees? What music he or she listens to? by Theresa

Theresa — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 19:47:47 +0000

I sure do and will continue to do so, even if as she ages my imput diminishes. Furthermore, I make sure that the adults of people she spends time with have similar supervision.
The key is communication. If she understands what I’m doing and why and together we can compromise then there are no issues. We’re both part of the process…..I just take the lead.

Comment on How have you answered tough questions from your teen like: “How is my smoking marijuana any different than you drinking a glass of wine or beer?” “Everyone else is doing it, why can’t I?” “Did you smoke marijuana when you were young?” by candace

candace — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 06:38:47 +0000

hey guys, i would just like to know how do you help a 7 year old child with fas that actually hides and smokes. she says she wishes for the cigarette. this is one of the kids that my mom is fostering. she is a good child but she is very manipulative and sly. this kid actually waits to see if she can see my mom and then she lights up. it’s funny at the time but my mom really tries to handle the situation but i think she doesn’t have the resources also she is one of 3 kids my mom took out of the home because they were going to split them up. give me a shout if you have any ideas on how to handle the situation. thanks

Comment on New Question: Do you monitor or limit what your kid watches on TV? What movies he or she sees? What music he or she listens to? by troubled teen program in arizona

troubled teen program in arizona — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:35:30 +0000

as a parent, definitely yes! television and other media have decreased the amount of time family members spend interacting with one another. Increasingly, the media are shaping children’s behavior and attitudes, images of themselves, and perceptions of the world.

as parents, we must discuss with our children what they listen to, watch, and read. help them understand what consequences the negative acts depicted by the media can have.

Comment on What is the most important thing a parent can do to keep their kids substance-free? by Fantamas

Fantamas — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 21:41:14 +0000

Yes, absolyutely right advices!
But, what to do, if parent missed all of said in the article? And son already adictive to alcohol and drugs, and rehubs do not help. This is big big, huge sadness for the parent.

Comment on New Question: If you suspected that your kid had an alcohol or drug problem, who would you reach out to for help, a doctor, clergy, teacher, someone else? by Anita Child

Anita Child — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 18:26:27 +0000

I would get help from an addiction counselor, clergy, AA, medical professional and family.