Family Relationships
What Helps
Model appropriate behavior - Realize that you the parent/community adult
are a role model of behavior in the way you use tobacco, liquor, or medications,
both over-the-counter and prescription.
Encourage age appropriate activities free of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs
- Promote family fun times and activities, family appreciation and interest in
education, school and school events, parent awareness of child's friends and
sharing concerns with other parents/caregivers.
Express appreciation for uniqueness of self and others - Encourage respect
for authority, close family ties, supportive relationships with caring adults,
clear and reasonable family expectations, participation in activities that
utilize one's talents.
Clear statement of the expectations regarding tobacco, alcohol and other drug
use. Establishment of consequences for broken rules - Know where and with
whom your teen will be at all times. If plans change during an evening, parents
should be notified. Forbid parties and notify police and neighbors if you are
going to be away. The best policy is to never leave teenagers home alone
overnight.
What Hurts
Acceptance and availability of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs - Including
early first use, friends who use, parental acceptance of underage use,
parental/sibling misuse and positive attitudes toward use, enabling community
laws and norms.
Early anti-social behavior - Alienation from peers, rebelliousness toward
authority, poor school performance, little commitment to school.
Family management or other family problems - Family history of alcoholism or
addiction, low expectations of children's success.
Economic and social deprivation - Lack of employment opportunities or youth
activities, minimal sense of community, lack of social bonding.
From the Municipal Alliance
Committee of the Chathams - MACC
