An Early Start  

Drug Education Begins at Home

Drug use is part of everyday life. Sometimes we forget that cough syrup, headache pills, alcohol and tobacco are drugs. Children learn about drugs in school, from other kids and on television, but what we do in our own homes is the beginning of drug education.

You are your children's most important teacher. Your words and actions help shape their ideas about alcohol and other drugs.

The first few years of life are important in building good values, self-esteem and the skills needed to prevent the misuse of alcohol and other drugs.

We have to start talking with our children about all sorts of things, including drugs, when they're very young. We need to give them clear and consistent messages about what's expected of them. Children need rules and limits.

Children are naturally curious and should be encouraged to ask questions about what they see around them. We let our children know they're important when we listen carefully to their questions. Simple, direct answers often satisfy them.

Young children also learn by watching you and others. Has your child ever picked up a beer bottle, asked for a pill to feel better or pretended to smoke a cigarette? Children copy what they see. Think about your actions and what they may mean. 

Help Your children understand the safe use of medicine

Children can understand that people put good and bad things into their bodies. They know that milk and fruit will keep them strong and healthy but that too much of even good things can make them sick. They can learn that medicine can also be good for people but only when used properly.

You can start to tell your children about medicines even when they are very young. For example:

"Medicine is not candy."

"Even a little too much medicine can hurt you."

"Never use someone else's medicine."

"We keep medicine in a safe place."

"We use medicine only when we really need it. If I get a headache, I try rest, using a cold cloth or getting fresh air to get rid of it."

"Only I may give you medicine. If I'm not with you, I'll tell you who is allowed to give you medicine."

Some children require medicine for health problems such as asthma or diabetes. It's important for you and your child to understand what medicines do and to follow the doctor's directions for use. If you have any questions about any medicine, be sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist.

An Early Start: Let's talk about smoking

Tobacco is one of the most addictive and deadly drugs. Anti-smoking campaigns have made a difference in the way our society looks at smoking. However, many young people are still taking up the habit.

Most people who use illegal drugs or abuse alcohol started with cigarettes, and most regular smokers start before age 17. Children under age seven believe that "smoking is bad," but they see glamorous images of smoking on television and in movies. They often copy movie stars or people they know.

Here are some common situations and possible responses to help you talk with your kids about smoking:

"Look Mommy, I'm smoking!"
"I see you're pretending to smoke! I'm glad it's just a pretend cigarette, because we know cigarette smoking is really bad for you."

"If smoking is so bad, why do you smoke?"
"I know that smoking is not good for my body. Once you start to smoke, it's very hard to quit. I wish I had never started. I have to make sure I keep the smoke away from you."

"I'm afraid that Grandpa is going to die because he smokes."
"I can see why you're worried. I worry too. Cigarettes are a drug that makes your body hungry for more, so it's very hard to quit. That's why Grandpa doesn't want you to start."

"Michael's older sister and her friends smoke. They think it's cool."
"Maybe they think it makes them look grown-up, but you know that smoking is bad for you. Sometimes you have to do what is good for you and not worry about what others think."

Let's talk about alcohol

Alcohol is a legal and accepted drug in our society. Our own attitudes and use influence our children's view of alcohol. Try to imagine your children watching you and others drink. Do they see you unwind with a drink? Do all your social events and celebrations include alcohol? Do you ever ask your children to bring a drink to you?

It is important to let your children know your family values and rules about drinking. You can start by answering their questions about alcohol. Here are some practical answers that may help you:

"Can I have a sip of your beer?"
"No. This is a drink for adults and it's not good for growing children. Would you like some juice?"

"Why do you drink it?"
"I enjoy the taste, but if I drink too much it will change the way I feel, so I have to be careful."

"What's in this pop that makes it taste so funny?"
"This drink has alcohol in it. It's a drink for adults. I need to be more careful to keep it out of your reach and you need to remember not to take someone else's drink."

"I thought you're not supposed to drink and drive and that's what you're doing!"
"I'm drinking a can of juice. When I have a drink that contains alcohol, like beer or wine, I will not drive."

"Why did Uncle Jim start walking and talking funny at the party last night?"
"Uncle Jim had too much alcohol to drink. Too much alcohol can make you feel and act differently. It can even make you sick to your stomach. What do you think about the way he acted?"

Make sure there are no leftover drinks or open bottles that a child could get into around your house. A child can be harmed seriously by even a small amount of alcohol.

Help your children feel good about themselves

Children need healthy self-esteem and a sense of responsibility to help them stay away from alcohol and other drugs.

Parents can help their children feel good about themselves in many ways. Children need to feel that they are an important part of the family. Spend time with your children and listen to them. Let them know that you want to hear about their thoughts and feelings.

Children can help with family jobs such as making beds or doing the dishes. When we recognize their work as helpful—even when it is not a complete or "proper" job—we build their self-image and their sense of responsibility.

Let your children play and have fun—by themselves, with other kids or with your family. Children get a sense of pride when they learn new skills or take on challenges. Remember, the point is for children to enjoy themselves and get involved—not to win or be the best! 

Setting Limits, Making Choices

Children need clear limits and rules, but they also need a chance to learn how to make decisions.

For example, you can set a definite bedtime hour, but even very young children can choose their own pajamas. With older children, let them choose what to do after school, as long as you provide the choices. For example, you could say, "Would you like to play outside or read a book?" Later, you could ask them, "Are you glad you made that choice? Would you do something different next time?" 

Show your love

Finally, let your children know how much you love them—"just because"—regardless of what they do or how they act. Let them know this "unconditional" love and respect is there, even when you are angry or disappointed in how they're behaving.

Children who feel loved and accepted have a much better chance of avoiding problems with alcohol and other drugs when they're older.

It's okay to ask for help

For more information and support, contact community resources such as:

Parent Action on Drugs
416 395-4970
Fax: 416 395-4972
pad@parentactionondrugs.org

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
1 800 463-6273 toll-free in Ontario
416 595-8501 in Toronto

or your local Public Health Unit.

You could also:

• Take a parenting course.
• Talk with other parents.
• Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or a counsellor, or seek other professional advice if needed