PARENT TIPS-What You Can Do

Alcohol

• Do talk to your children about alcohol. Teens who know what their parents expect from them are much less likely to use substances, including alcohol.
• Don’t underestimate the influence you have on your child.
• Do consume alcohol in moderation or abstain from alcohol completely.
• Don’t make jokes about underage drinking or glamorize alcohol.
• Do be aware that teens and alcohol can be a deadly mix.
• Do be aware of the signs that your teen is drinking.
  (change in behavior, overuse of breath mints, finding liquor in their room or car)

For helpful tips, visit our webpage, “How to Talk to Your Teen” (click here) or listen to the TTT CD,
“Alcohol and Drugs”, Volume I and II .

Drugs

• Do talk to your children about teenage drug abuse. Recent studies show that parents discussing drugs with their children has declined.
• Don’t assume your child knows the dangers and side-effects of drugs, especially prescription drugs. Tell them about it.
• Do open up about your previous drug abuse relating the dangers and regrets you have without glamorizing it.
• Do consider random drug testing as a means of prevention and intervention.
• Don’t live in denial. Your child’s life could be at stake.
• Do know the warning signs that your child is using drugs. (change in sleeping patterns , using perfume or incense to cover the smell of pot, carrying Visine, finding drug paraphernalia in their room or car)

For helpful tips, visit our webpage, “How to Talk to Your Teen” (click here) or listen to the TTT CD,
“Alcohol and Drugs”, Volume I and II .

Depression and Suicide

• Do know the warning signs of teen depression and suicidal behavior.
• Do take any talk of suicide (passive or active) seriously.
• Don’t  hesitate to take your child to an Emergency Room or Psychiatric Hospital if you’re concerned for his/her immediate safety.
• Do seek professional help for your child and get support for yourself if your teen’s depression is an issue.

For helpful tips, visit our webpage, “How to Talk to Your Teen” (click here) or listen to the TTT CD,
 “Depression and Suicide” .

Internet Safety

• Do ask to see your children’s Facebook and/or MySpace profiles.
• Don’t hesitate to set up your own account on one of these sites for access to their profiles.
• Do research on internet safety tips and share with your children.
• Don’t allow your children to download music without paying for it. You’re subject to fines if it’s illegal.
• Do consider buying internet monitoring software for their computer to enhance internet safety.

For helpful tips visit our webpage, “How to Talk to Your Teen” (click here) or listen to the TTT CD,”Internet Safety Today” .

Sex and Sexuality

• Don’t treat teen sex and sexuality as a forbidden topic. They need a continuous flow of information beginning early.
• Do research for tips on how to talk to your child about sex, rehearse if you need to for increased comfort.
• Don’t be afraid to communicate your values. Although your child may not adopt these values as he or she matures,
  at least they’ll know where you stand.
• Do help your teen to identify and compare the possible consequences of all of the choices involved with sexual relationships.
• Don’t overreact if your child shares information about sexual feelings or activities. This is a priceless moment to open a dialogue.

For helpful tips, visit our webpage, “How to Talk to Your Teen” (click here) or listen to the TTT CD, ”Sex and Sexuality” .

Cutting and Self-harming

• Do listen and be willing to talk about cutting and self-mutilation without judging or getting angry.
• Don't think it's attention seeking, if teens are being public about it, it probably means they are asking for help.
• Do research on cutting and self-mutilation to understand the nature of the disorder.
• Don’t hesitate to take your child to the emergency room or a psychiatric hospital if you’re very worried.
• Do seek professional help for your child and support for yourself. This is a difficult and scary disorder for parent and child.

For helpful tips visit our webpage, “How to Talk to Your Teen” (click here) or listen to the TTT CD, “Cutting and Self-harming” .