Helping Your Child Make Good Choices

??? Set a good example. Parents and other adults are important role models, and children of parents who drink or smoke are more likely to smoke and drink themselves.

??? Establish boundaries. Children need to know the rules of they exist. Although they may sometimes complain, boundaries help them to feel secure.

??? Encourage responsible behavior. When a child does something irresponsible, parents need to consider what negative consequences should arise from that behavior.

??? Plan ahead for potentially difficult situations. It???s useful to establish agreements about acceptable behavior in relation to alcohol and drugs. For example, teach children never to drive if they???ve been drinking ??? either stay the night, take a taxi or call for Mum or Dad to come and get them.

??? Build a stronger self-image in your child by giving plenty of praise and affection.

??? From a young age, encourage your children to participate in activities that make them feel good about themselves, including sports and other recreational activities that they enjoy.

??? Be informed. Discuss drug issues openly and help your child know the truth about drugs by keeping up to date with what drugs are being used by young people, and their effects.

??? Foster social and communication skills in your kids by spending time with them and talking about everyday issues. Children cannot learn relationships skills through computer games, TV or by themselves.

??? Create a family culture that encourages kids to talk about problems and air grievances. One way to do this is to have family meetings, share meals together and turn off the TV.

??? Get to know your child???s friends and their friends??? parents as well.

??? Listen ??? even when you don???t like what you???re hearing. A child is much more likely to confide in you if they know you won???t hit the roof.

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Posted by Women Diary on Aug 23 2006. Filed under Women Diary, Women Lifestyle. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry