Even if your teenagers do not use drugs, you still need to keep an eye on them. It is much better to realize that things could change, and anticipate that your teen COULD become a user. Essentially, it is not wise to make assumptions about topics such as drug use. Also, having been a high school teacher afforded me the opportunity to witness peer pressure, and how even good kids could be convinced to try drugs - just to fit in. It is important that you play a proactive role in ensuring that your teenagers and the rest of your family remains drug free.
About drug use
Initially, I learned that the signs of drug use included three basic symptoms:
What I later discovered was that not seeing these symptoms only provides a false sense of security regarding teenagers and potential drug use. The above behaviors apply more to signs of "drug addiction," as opposed to "experimental" drug use.
Teens who experiment with drugs don't start out addicted so logically, they do not show any symptoms. They generally look healthy and nothing seems to be wrong. In fact, teens can casually use drugs for over a year before their parents would even suspect any drug or alcohol use.
Many teenagers who decide to experiment with drugs start out casually, using them with friends and then progressing towards regular use. It is important that you look for clues pertaining to casual drug use so that if your teen is prone, you can proactively deal with it.
What you can do
You need to monitor your teen's behavior and watch for signs of drug use, without appearing to be spying. Your goal should be to prevent him or her from feeling free to experiment with drugs or alcohol. The best way to accomplish this is to keep abreast of your teen's activities and friends. You will be able to spot a problem early if you keep your eyes and ears open, and believe that YOUR teenager is capable of using drugs. Many parents get blind-sided by thinking that their teen would never try drugs. Only then will you be ready to intervene if the situation presents itself.
The following are ten ways to monitor your teenager's behavior and watch for signs of drug use, without appearing to be spying:
1. Hug your teen as soon as s/he arrives home. Check for odors of possible marijuana smoke or alcohol. Remember that cologne or chewing gum may be used to hide the odor.
2. Teenagers under the influence will usually go straight to their room when they arrive home. While making eye contact, hold a brief conversation. Check for bloodshot eyes, slurred speech and their sense of balance.
3. Keep the lights on and stay up until your teenager comes home.
4. Ask your teen for the time and watch the way s/he looks at his or her watch.
5. If your teenager unexpectedly wants to spend the night at a friend's house, and you have concerns, say no.
6. Maintain a flexible schedule. Be unpredictable so your teen cannot find it easy to plan around your activities.
7. Keep abreast of what your teen is really doing when away from home. Meet their friends and their parents and participate in mutual activities. This is a very effective form of networking.
8. Ask your neighbors to discretely keep an eye on any activities that may take place while you are not home.
9. Check to see how your teens are doing in school. Ask their teachers if there is any cause for concern or if your teen has been behaving differently.
10. After you meet your teenager's friends, always ask them to identify themselves when they call. Get to know them. Always encourage your teens to invite their friends over while you are home.
Remember, your goal should be to prevent your teenager from feeling free to experiment with drugs or alcohol. The best way to accomplish this is to keep abreast of their activities and friends using the above methods.
Lastly, but most important, talk to your teenager on a regular basis about the drug use she witnesses, and how she feels about it. Also, if she has been approached, have her describe how she handled the situation. Strive for honesty and ask how you can help her to remain drug free.
2004 by V. Michael Santoro and Jennifer S. Santoro, All Rights Reserved.
About The Author
V. Michael Santoro M. Ed. coauthored, "Realizing the Power of Love," How a father and teenage daughter became best friends...and how you can too, with his teenage daughter Jennifer S. Santoro. Visit their Web site at http://www.dads-daughters.com
professional maid services Park Ridge ..Last night Tom's daughter, Sue, came out of her room... Read More
Impulsivity is one of the hallmarks of people with Attention... Read More
How do we deal with our seriously distressed children and... Read More
Plus size children and overweight children need patterns and clothing... Read More
Q. I need your help with a question about my... Read More
The snow was getting heavier with each lift of the... Read More
It's sometimes difficult to find ways to be involved with... Read More
Assuming there are no serious motor problems present, what can... Read More
Saying no to our children is not always easy or... Read More
I have been a single mom for almost 20 years.... Read More
Life is funny.My twenty-year-old daughter, Melanie, has a her new... Read More
My cousin boasts five names and I confess that when... Read More
Most research into children's friendships shows that those children who... Read More
For first time parents choosing a swing set or outdoor... Read More
I had just completed a session with 17-year old Julie... Read More
Many children enjoy TV, and they can learn from it.... Read More
Well first off, please to don't institute the ? hour... Read More
Our children are growing up bilingual in the French part... Read More
I have always been aware of my number one weakness:... Read More
Tripping over the shoes and toys that seem to clutter... Read More
Perhaps I could make a lot of money by founding... Read More
What's hard for teenagersHaving people who don't understand you trying... Read More
"Now don't you go getting any ideas, Harold.""Don't you get... Read More
Chiladult? Whatever you call them, teenagers are a changin' and... Read More
It was a day that I will forever be etched... Read More
cleaning lady near Lincolnshire ..Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes around the brain... Read More
When David was nine and Laura was twelve, the battles... Read More
To protect children's self-esteem or deflect complaints by parents, many... Read More
Most parents can hardly wait for their baby to say... Read More
Reading is the most important skill that a child must... Read More
The citizens of the early Roman Republic enjoyed an education... Read More
Former students would probably attest to the fact that few... Read More
It's funny how people seem to think that they have... Read More
Anorexia nervosa is a serious medical disorder that is statistically... Read More
When kids try new things, sometimes it's a 'fit' and... Read More
When it comes to the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity... Read More
Many parents seem to be more than a little confused... Read More
Identity and Your Fraternal TwinFor the most part, throughout this... Read More
Does your child pout, blame and brood? Does he gripe,... Read More
'And all because of a damned cat! It's only a... Read More
Although many children are picky eaters at some stage in... Read More
There are millions of young children in this country who... Read More
Is there anything wrong with lying, cheating, stealing, shop-lifting, taking... Read More
"You can learn many things from children. How much patience... Read More
This time, I would like to talk about a subject... Read More
"Do not think that love, in order to be genuine,... Read More
As with everything, names go through cycles of change with... Read More
As a parent, are you at your wits end? Does... Read More
Many families today are blending members from past relationships. It... Read More
Everyone knows that exercise is good for your health. Exercising... Read More
Parenting |