kids are moving fast
Stay connected with your kids

Parents who stay connected to their child can support them in making good choices and in remaining alcohol and drug free.

Parents remain the most influencial figure in a child's life, even when your child does not seem to be listening to you.

Staying connected requires both creativity and perseverance.
Tips on staying connected with your kids
  • Show interest in their world. Stay interested and curious about their ideas, feelings and experiences.

  • Spend time together. Go grab a bite to eat, rent a movie, play board games, bake, go on a bike ride, even spending time together in the car can be an opportunity to connect.

  • Eat meals together. Try to eat at least 3-4 meals together each week. Studies show that kids that have frequent family dinners are at half the risk for substance abuse, and are more likely to do better in school.

  • Show them respect. Respect your child's ideas, thoughts and beliefs. Ask for their opinions and suggestions and show confidence in their judgement.

  • Stay involved. Support them in their pursuits and show up to their games, concerts, or other activities.

  • Encourage converstaion. The earlier you open the lines of communication on tough topics the better. Practice using open ended questions that begin with what, how, tell me about . . .

  • Show affection. Tell them and show them how much you love them.

  • Check in daily. Make a point of checking in with them at least once a day, key times can be at breakfast, lunch, or at bed time.
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For more advice and information refer to the following links

The Anti-Drug: Drug Prevention and Parent Education
A drug prevention information center and a supportive community for parents to interact and learn from each other.
www.theantidrug.com

Shoulder to Shoulder Minnesota
Parent resource information unique to raising teenagers
www.shouldertoshoulderminnesota.org

National Families in Action - Guide for Parents
Information and help for parents trying to raise drug-free children.
www.nationalfamilies.org/parents

Putting Family First
Community organization promoting balance in an overscheduled world.
www.puttingfamilyfirst.org

PBS Kids on Middle School
Fun site for kids to learn how middle school is different from elementary school.
www.pbskids.org/itsmylife/school/middleschool

Search Institute's 40 Developmental Assets
Concrete, common sense, positive experiences and qualities essential to reaising successful young people.
www.search-institute.org/assets

University of MN Extension Service Parent Education
Information for parents on how to properly nurture and discipline their children.
www.extension.umn.edu/ParentEducation

Edina Parent Tool Kit
Help parents become aware of teen substance use, learn how to prevent it, and where to get help.
www.edinatoolkit.com

Talking With Kids About Tough Issues
Practical, concrete tips and techniques for talking easily and openly with young children ages 8 to 12 about some very tough issues: sex, HIV/AIDS, violence, drugs and alcohol.
www.talkingwithkids.org

National Institute on Drug Abuse
Drug information and facts; resources on drug abuse.
www.nida.nih.gov
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Parent's Stories
  • Our son has great interest in robotics . . . read more
  • Taking time to get to know your teen’s friends is a great way to stay connected . . . read more
  • When our son was starting ninth grade, he didn’t have many friends at his new high school. . . . read more
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