How to Encourage Teenagers to Avoid Drugs and Alcohol

As a parent of a teenager, it's important that you encourage your teenager to avoid drugs and alcohol. Drugs and alcohol can have far reaching negative effects on your child's life. Encouraging your teen to avoid the temptation and peer pressure associated with drugs and alcohol can be the difference between life and death.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Research the effects of drugs and alcohol. Before you can educate your teenager, you'll need to know the facts yourself. Go to Freevibe.com, and read the site to learn about the consequences that drugs and alcohol can have a person's life
2. Plan a formal family meeting. Have both parents on hand, if possible, and explain the dangers of drugs and alcohol. Explain it in informal language that your teen can understand and relate to. Let your teen ask questions.
3. Direct your child to a website that specializes in encouraging teenagers to avoid drugs and alcohol. One such website is Checkyourself.com. At Checkyourself.com, your teen can learn more about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. The best part about Checkyourself.com is it's geared toward teenagers.
4. Open the lines of communication with your teenager. Having an open relationship with your teenager can be the best way to help them avoid the temptations and peer pressure they may face. Let them know that you care what is happening to them on a daily basis and will try to help whenever assistance is needed.
5. Be aware of your teenager's activities. Encourage them to spend time with their friends at your own home, so that you can view their lifestyle first hand. Spend time with your children, taking them to sporting events, concerts and other activities.
6. Reinforce your stance against drugs and alcohol on a consistent basis. To best encourage your teenager to avoid drugs and alcohol, you need to make it an ongoing process. On a monthly or even weekly basis, emphasize your stance against drugs and alcohol.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't be confrontational with your teenager when you are explaining the pitfalls of drugs and alcohol.