Alice Englin, Partners in Prevention

Dear parents:

As you know, your children are constantly watching and learning from you. Surveys of youth consistently show that you are the most influential factor in your children’s lives. Sure MTV, the Internet, movies, sport stars and their peers influence them to varying degrees, but none come close to the amount of influence you have through your words and actions. Raising children is a tough job.

Because you make a difference, we encourage you to think about how to model positive behavior at home. Here are a few suggestions.

Research. Learn all you can about youth use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. Spend time visiting websites, visit our local library, contact us, or contact the Minnesota Prevention Resource Center (800-782-1878 or www.emprc.org). Attend meetings sponsored by schools, youth groups, the community, or faith-based organizations that provide useful information about the use of addictive and harmful chemicals. Learn all you can to help your child make healthy decisions. Knowledge is power.

Talk. Do not assume your children know your position on alcohol, tobacco and other drug use. Remind them, over and over, that it is not acceptable to use these substances. Let them know your rules and what will happen if they break them. Also let them know that contrary to popular belief, research continually finds that most youth do not drink alcohol, smoke or try other drugs.

Listen. We have two ears and one mouth for a reason. Take time to listen to your child. Think of how much is means to you and how valued you feel when someone really listens when you talk.

Our children need this from us, too. When your child starts talking to you, about anything, put down the cell phone, move away from the computer, look them in the eye and listen. This is not the time to lecture or judge, but to simply be a sounding board and let them talk and talk if they will. Soon they will be out of the house and we will miss these times with our children.

Walk the talk. When you do discuss expectations in regard to alcohol, tobacco and other drug use, remember that you are your child’s first and foremost role model. If you use alcohol, do it in moderation within legal and healthy guidelines. If you smoke or chew tobacco, attempt to quit for your own health and for the health of others in your home. Follow all directions and health precautions when using prescription drugs, and never use illegal drugs.

Keep in touch. Learn about your children’s activities. Meet their friends. Get to know their friends’ parents. United parents have a powerful influence.

Offer alternatives. No one needs alcohol, tobacco or other drugs to have fun and feel good. Teach your children about drug-free alternative activities. Find out what interests your child has and participate with them.

Invest your time. The time you spend with your children shows them your values. Spending time with them demonstrates to your children that you care about them and their lifestyle choices. Let them choose the activity and enjoy this positive time with your child.

Let’s send consistent and frequent messages that reinforce and celebrate healthy choices, healthy lifestyles, and healthy futures for all children.

Don’t forget: Nov. 27 is Prescription Take Back Day. Get those unused medications out of your home and know that they will be disposed of properly. Research shows that 70 percent of youth who abuse prescription drugs get them from family and friends.

Alice Englin is the coalition coordinator for Freeborn County Partners in Prevention. The coalition’s mission is to prevent and reduce youth substance use and abuse in Freeborn County. alice.englin@co.freeborn.mn.us or 377-5504.