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Middle School is a time when some kids start experimenting with alcohol,
tobacco and other drugs. At this age, it's very likely that your child will
know some kids who drink, smoke or use drugs. Peer pressure will begin to
build. Listen to what your kids have to say about these increasing pressures.
You can try to help them to understand that a good friend is someone who
shares their values and experiences, respects their decisions and listens
to their feelings. Once you've gotten these concepts across, your children
will understand that "friends" who pressure them to drink or smoke
aren't friends at all. Encouraging skills like sharing and cooperation—and
strong involvement in activities like team sports or scouting—will help
your children make and maintain good friendships as they age and increase
the chance that they'll remain drug-free.
If your child wants to go to a party, you can feel most comfortable if you
know the parent's of the child throwing it. Calling ahead to find out if
the party will be chaperoned is a good way to introduce your self.
The issue of drugs can be very confusing to young children. If drugs are
so dangerous, then why is the family medicine cabinet full of them? You
can help clear up any questions that your child may have about alcohol,
tobacco and drugs. And it's not too soon to begin. National studies show
that the average age when a child first tries alcohol is 11; for marijuana,
it's 12. And many kids start becoming curious about these substances even
sooner.
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Talk
to your kids about these increasing pressures. Help them to understand
that a good friend is someone who shares their values and experiences,
respects their decisions and listens to their feelings.
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