One of our local high schools put together an anti-drug video for parents. The first part is a principal welcoming parents to one specific high school, but if you’ll hang in there, you’ll see testimonies from kids who did drugs and their parents, along with signs to watch out for and tips on how you can help your child through his/her teenage years.
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We would all like to pretend that nothing like this would ever happen to our children, but the fact is, they are exposed to drugs and alcohol, on some level, nearly every day they are away from us. It’s our job to teach them, to watch them and to be there for them if, or when, they make bad decisions.
My boys are great. My boys are also human. And some of the stories they have come and told me would curl your hair. It’s bothered me and when they weren’t looking, I’ve cried. And I’ve prayed that God would give them the strength, courage and wisdom to make the right choice if, or when, they ever face a drug or alcohol situation.
Whenever the boys spend the night with friends, I always remind them that if they become uncomfortable, at any point during the night, I don’t care what time it is, they are to call me and I would come and get them, no questions asked. It pains me to even give this option, but reality sucks sometimes.
Don’t think that just because your children are home schooled or go to a private school that they won’t have to deal with this at some point. Denying this would ever happen to your child is unrealistic and would mostly likely hurt them in the long run. I’m not saying to be scared. I’m not saying to watch over them with military precision. But I am saying to be aware of what is going on with your teenagers – they may look, and occasionally act, like adults, but they are not. They are confused and scared and they need you more than ever.
I realize this is one of those subjects that no one likes to talk about, but it needs to be addressed. And children need to hear our thoughts about drugs and alcohol because even though they may deny it with their dying breath, they need us to be strong and they need our rules, and beliefs, to guide them.
Anyway, I thought there might be some parents out there that might benefit from watching this video. I know it’s made me more aware of my children’s behaviors and though my boys don’t like my rules or the fact that I ask a lot of questions or that I watch them like a hawk, tough. I love them and it’s my job.
Write From Karen 