As a parent, you know there is only so much you can do when it comes to teaching your teenage son or daughter the difference between right and wrong while living in New York. But have you thoroughly talked to your child about the dangers of drugs and alcohol?
Cornell Cooperative Extension could give you the tips you need to keep your son or daughter out of the clutches of alcohol and drugs and the legal ramifications that come with them. Help your child stay on the right side of the law.
Listen as much as you talk
After talking with your child about the dangers of drugs and alcohol, really listen to what she or he says in response. Open the floor to questions to start a dialogue. You want this to feel like a conversation, not a lecture.
Create a strong foundation of values
Sometimes, people fall into alcohol and drugs because they do not have strong values. When you talk to your kids about alcohol and drugs, thoroughly explain the short- and long-term ramifications of drug and alcohol abuse. Let them know they should only take medication prescribed by a doctor, and that while drinking alcohol is not a crime (depending on the person’s age), abusing it can lead to trouble.
Help give your child self-confidence
Another reason people drink excessively and use drugs is that they do not feel good about themselves. You know how confusing and awkward life as a teenager can be, so do what you can to boost your child’s sense of self-worth. Encourage your kids when they do right, and let them know it is okay to make mistakes.
This information is only intended to educate and should not be interpreted as legal advice.