One of the best ways of identifying what’s going on outside of your home is to observe your teen’s major influences.
Take the time to recognize your teens behavior when they are with certain friends of theirs. Being their parent, you know them best. If they are acting abnormal around a group of friends, look into it.
Teens desperately feel the need to fit in with their peers, making peer pressure almost less of an issue. It is similar to when you have your mind already made up and though you are provided options, you are set on what you want to do. This is the same case with adolescents.
If your teen is acting different when it comes to sharing information with you, wanting to stay home, or the desire to always be away from home,target where they are changing and act.
One way to increase your teens chances from falling into alcohol and drugs is to help raise their self esteem. Push them in school, compliment their style, exercise with them–any number of positive acts will work. Also, just as most parents have the birds and the bees talk, it is important to have the alcohol and drug talk too.
For drug tips and information, text DPRI to 30364. You can also gain information from www.DPRI.com
As parents, you are your kids first point of reference for information, so let’s share it!
