| FROM THE PRESIDENT |
 |
| PARENTING TOPICS |
| RESOURCES |
 Parenting Related NewsBeing a responsive parent instead of a reactive parent begins with more matter-of-fact interactions with our kids. This means speaking to them in a calm manner and not freaking out, overreacting and getting extreme with our emotions. Too often, when we see something in our relationship that we don’t like, we try to change everything wholesale. We say things like, “From now on, things are going to be different!”
Let’s face it. Teens are not that interested in talking to someone whose sole intent is to pepper them with questions, judge their answers, and offer unsolicited advice. In fact, these forms of communication serve to obstruct rather than facilitate communication with our teens. As a matter of fact, they are part of a longer list of communication blocks that parents would do well to avoid if they’d want their teens to talk to them.
One in five teenagers has abuse prescription pain medication. Dr. Drew shares some reasons why teens are abusing pills and what parents can do if they suspect their child is using.
Do you know an outstanding youth coach or student athlete who demonstrates a commitment to fair, drug-free play and an overall healthy lifestyle? Does this person inspire others to give it their all, make the team smile after a big defeat, or show exemplary character and integrity on and off the field?
If you answered YES, [...]
I am betting that very few of you have sat through a week’s worth of sex education classes at your teenkid’s school. If your school district offers – or mandates – such classes, you no doubt have received a carefully crafted note listing the topics to be covered. And, if you have somehow managed to raise one of those rare tweens or teens who, in response to “so, what happened at school today?” replies polysyllabically, you might have a general notion of what goes on.
Truth be told, the lessons about alcohol consumption that are the most powerful may just be the ones that are not accompanied by a wagging finger and a tongue lashing. It is the small, accumulated lessons about drinking that add up to make a difference.
My colleague told me she was having her 10-year-old stepson practice his reading and comprehension skills while reading entries from my personal blog. Effectively, she noted, along the way she discovered that it’s a creative method of early drug prevention too.
As a college student living 5 hours away from my parents, I have the freedom to do pretty much whatever I want. If I got into any real trouble, with the university or the law, only then would the school contact my parents. Otherwise, I can get away with a lot without my parents ever knowing. That’s a scary thought for parents reading this, right?
One of the most important things you can do as a 21st Century grandparent is instilling a belief in philanthropy. My husband and I have helped foster a sense of “giving back” into our grandchildren that is helping them learn the importance of assisting those in need.
She smiled and said she was proud of him. He had come to a 180 degree turn in his life. And with that, he turned to the other teens and thanked them for helping him change his life. His victory became theirs.
|
 |
| HOME | ABOUT US | MISSION STATEMENT | SUPPORT PTRN | CONTACT US |
Check Your Drug KnowledgeCOMMONLY ABUSED PRESCRIPTION DRUGS Drugs:
The prescription drugs most frequently abused by teens include: Central-nervous-system depressants (Amytal, Seconal, Phenobarbital, Ativan, Halcion, Librium, Valium, Xanax) Opioids and morphine derivatives (codeine, fentanyl, morphine and opioid pain relievers such as Tylox, OxyContin, Percodan, Percocet, Demerol) Stimulants (Biphetamine, Dexedrine, Desoxyn, Ritalin) Also known as:
How taken: Most come in pill form. Some are injected. How teens get them: Parents’ and friends’ medicine cabinets, calling in a parent’s prescription refill and picking it up (often forging signatures), through illegal Internet pharmacies ("pill mills") or from friends. At "pharm parties," teens drop a mixture of pills into a bowl and pass it around. Effects & dangers:
Signs of abuse:
In addition to watching for the physical effects listed above, parents should keep medications in one location that can be monitored. Note the pill amounts in each bottle or pill packet, the number of available refills, and watch for missing pills. Regularly monitor the Internet-history information on any computer your child uses. Visits to online pharmacies or chat rooms and sites where the "how-to" of prescription-drug abuse is discussed could indicate abuse. Are these drugs addicting? Yes, they can be. Sources: Kathy SenaAlso See "COMMONLY ABUSED PRESCRIPTION DRUGS" by Melba Newsome |
SUPPORTERS:
|
