NCJ Number
186917
Date Published
October 2000
Length
28 pages
Annotation
Targeted to parents and guardians of 7- to 13-year-olds, this booklet provides them with guidelines for influencing their children and youth to remain drug-free, based on means of countering the typical reasons that youth begin and continue to use drugs.
Abstract
The booklet is divided into five sections, based on the reasons that youth give for using alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs, i.e., to feel grownup, to fit in and belong, to relax and feel good, to take risks and rebel, and to satisfy curiosity. Each section provides background information on each reason, information on how adults can keep youth from succumbing to the particular temptation to use drugs, exercises to share with children and youth, and suggested action steps. As a general principle, the booklet advises that young people are much less likely to use drugs when they have something positive to do and when caring adults are involved in their lives. Parents who talk to their children about what is happening in their lives are better able to guide their children toward more positive, skill-enhancing activities. Advice to parents is to participate in a child's positive activities and praise their accomplishments. A list of phrases of praise that sound authentic is provided. A list of 28 resource organizations and 13 Internet resources