Be Involved in Your Child's Life

There is good news for parents who are trying to raise drug-free teens.

Results from the annual Monitoring the Future Survey of 8th, 10th and 12th grade students in U.S. schools indicate the use of marijuana, some club drugs, cigarettes and alcohol decreased from 2001 to 2002.

Parents are the single greatest influence on their children when it comes to decision-making about using drugs. You CAN make a difference. And this survey shows that you have been working hard and connecting with your kids about the dangers of drugs.

Teens who are close to their parents are less likely to engage in risky behaviors. The more involved you are in your kid's lives, the more valued they'll feel, and the more likely they'll be to respond to you. Some suggestions:

Establish "together time." Establish a regular weekly routine for doing something special with your teen - even if it's just going out for pizza. Just a few minutes of conversation while you're cleaning up after dinner can help establish the open communication that is essential to raising drug-free children.

Don't be afraid to ask where your kids are going, whom they'll be with and what they'll be doing. Get to know your kid's friends - and their parents - so you're familiar with their activities.

Try to be there after school. The "danger zone" for drug use is between 3 and 6 PM; arrange flex time at work if you can. If your child will be with friends, make sure there's adult supervision - not just an older sibling.

Eat meals together as often as you can. Meals are a great opportunity to talk about the day's events, to unwind, reinforce and bond. Studies show that kids whose families eat together at least five times a week are less likely to be involved with drugs or alcohol.