Take action
Talk early and often with your child
Establish and maintain an open line of communication when your child is young. Get into the habit of talking with your child every day. This will make it easier for you to have conversations about serious subjects when necessary.
Get involved
Talking with your child about his or her activities opens up an opportunity for you to share your interests and values. Young people are much less likely to have mental health and substance abuse problems when they have positive activities to do and when caring adults are involved in their lives.
Be a role model
Think about what you say and how you act in front of your child. Your own actions are the most powerful indicator to your children of what is appropriate and acceptable in your family. Do not take part in illegal, unhealthy, or dangerous practices related to alcohol, tobacco, or drugs or your child may believe that these practices are OK- "actions speak louder than words."
Teach kids to choose friends wisely
Teach your child how to form positive relationships. Help your child to understand what qualities to look for in a friend.
Monitor your child's activities
Know where your children are and get acquainted with their friends. Limit the amount of time your children spend without an adult being present. Unsupervised children have more opportunities to experiment with risky behaviors, including the use of alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs.
Set rules
Make clear, sensible rules for your child and enforce them with consistency and appropriate consequences. Following these rules can help protect your child's physical safety and mental well-being, which can lower his or her risk for substance abuse problems.
