The Tribune

Peer pressure to experiment with drugs starts as early as the fourth grade. Our children’s interest is generated by curiosity, boredom, rebellion, parental permissiveness, insecurity, lack of social, academic or athletic success, the need for escape from family problems, or the absence of clear standards or models. However the most important determinant for drug use by our children is simple availability. So how do you prevent your kids from getting into drugs? There is no simple answer but the best thing you can do is - talk to them.

Drugs and alcohol are everywhere. Sooner or later our children will be confronted with one drug or another. For this reason it is necessary to use prevention tools that include the participation of the whole community. Schools, churches, community groups, police, etc. However, none of these groups can take the place of parents. Education about drugs must start at home.

Many parents hesitate to talk about drugs and alcohol with their kids. They think they are too young, that it does not concern them. Many times we do not know what to say, or we fear what we say will prompt them to experiment with drugs. In fact, however, it is imperative we do not wait for him/her to have a problem, it is essential to start discussing these issues early. It is also essential we always be ready to communicate. However, to have a good communication is usually easier said than done. Adults and kids have different communication styles and ways or initiating and participating in a conversation.

Here are ways to improve communication between parents and their children.

Be a good listener

Listen carefully to what your child has to say; make sure they feel comfortable about asking you questions or talking about their problems. If what you hear does not please you, do not become angry; pause before proceeding. Also, pay attention to what they do not say, and if they do not say anything, take the initiative and ask them about something that interests them. Their day at school, for example.

Be available

Kids need to know they can rely on adults to give them the right information on issues of interest to them. If you are not available when the child asks, explain why and arrange for another moment when you will be able to give your complete attention.

Send clear messages

When you talk about drugs and alcohol, be sure to give your children a clear message so they know exactly what you expect from them. For example “we do not use illegal drugs, and children are not allowed to drink alcohol.”

Be a good role model

Children learn from the examples received from their parents. Make sure your words match your actions and reflect the integrity and the sincerity you expect from your children.

Be positive

Congratulate your children when they do something good instead of criticizing the wrong things they do. When they get more complements than criticisms, and when you show them they can make the right decision, the child builds self-esteem and confidence that will enable them to rely on their own judgment.

To be more precise we must consider the specificity and the age of each child, their capacity to assimilate information, their capacity to project into their future and their ability to understand the consequences of their actions. The work of prevention in other words, must adapt to the age of the child and his level of development.

Be a positive influence by encouraging your children to be part of activities, in which they will be able to develop their critical evaluation of, and behaviour towards, drugs.

Let us create safer communities

Please visit the Royal Bahamas Police Force Website at www.royalbahamaspolice.org or Facebook page at www.facebook.com/rbpforce for Latest News, Daily Crime Reports and additional Crime Prevention Tips