Posted by Steps to Recovery on March 27, 2013

One of the scariest things about being a parent is the thought that someday your child may make decisions that can really hurt them. For example, how do you successfully protect your child from drugs? There are so many things you can do to support your child in a healthy way to make the right choices, here are 5 ways to help protect your child from drugs to get you started.

  1. Children who learn a lot about the risks of drugs and alcohol from their parents are up to 50% less likely to begin using these substances. Talk regularly, from a young age, about drugs and alcohol and the negative consequences associated with them. Make it age appropriate and put some thought into the discussion before it happens. Role play risky situations with your child and model to them how to say no.
  2. Be your child’s guiding light. If you drink and you do it in front of your child, do it in moderation. Don’t abuse alcohol. Don’t use illegal drugs and always use prescription drugs as directed. Don’t drink and drive or drive when your prescription meds are not safe for operating a vehicle.
  3. Encourage your child to work hard at their studies. Whether your child attends regular school or is home schooled, a kid who does well in their studies is far less likely to use drugs or alcohol. Be involved in their learning and encouraging in their work.
  4. Encourage extracurricular activities. Children who pursue their interests and dreams are far less likely to get involved in drugs and alcohol. Sports, drama, art, music, clubs like 4-H or Girl Scouts or even being involved in community service such as volunteering to feed the homeless or help beautify your town are great ways to give a child a sense of purpose and expand their awareness of the world.
  5. Be involved. Children are less likely to choose drugs when they have a healthy attachment to loving, caring adults. Listen to your child, have dinner together, get to know their friends and the parents of these children, be empathetic to what they are going through and trust your child so that they can trust you.

These are just 5 suggestions of many to help you protect your child from drugs. There are many things parents can do to help prevent their children from making unhealthy choices. What do you do to protect your child from drugs?