February 22, 2012

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Talking About Drugs and Alcohol

Talking to your teen about drugs and alcohol is a very tough thing for many parents. If this is your first child, it can be that much more difficult, because you may not know what to say to them. Unfortunately for all parents out there, this is a topic that must be discussed for the well being of your child and your family. There are some things to keep in mind when you are talking to your teen about drugs and alcohol.

Think About Your Beliefs

Though this may include religious beliefs, it also includes your personal thoughts on drugs and alcohol. If you feel that they are, in no uncertain terms, wrong, then this is something that you should convey to your child. On the other hand, if you feel that, for example, alcohol when used in moderation is perfectly fine for adults, this is something that should be said.

Don’t be Confrontational

Accusing your child of something, or even just having a tone of voice that makes them think you are accusing them, can be extremely detrimental to the conversation. Even if you are concerned that you child is drinking alcohol or doing drugs, it is something that should be approached cautiously. Don’t start the conversation with an accusation – it will just go downhill from there.

Talking to a child about drugs and alcohol can rival the sex talk, in the eyes of many parents. It is not always a comfortable situation, but it is something that should be discussed. Talk about rules and consequences, so that your child fully understands what may happen.

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Talking to Your Child About Drugs and Alcohol

Parents know that throughout the time they spend raising kids, there are a few conversations that can be a little difficult to start up. When it comes to the birds and the bees it can be awkward, embarrassing and sometimes end up in disaster. If talking to your child about drugs and alcohol is giving you the same sense of anxiety, take a deep breath and come up with a plan that you feel confident about.

Decide how you want to bring it up. Sometimes there is a looming feeling of something bad when an adults says, “Hey, your mother and I want to talk to you about something.” Teenagers automatically begin wondering what you know, what you saw, and how you found out. Being more casual and laid back might be an easier road to take. Just because you aren’t making a big deal about it doesn’t mean that you aren’t taking it seriously. You might want to bring it up in a discussion about something related. You might want to bring it up at a time when you are just out having a good time together.

Don’t come across like you know everything. Parents have already made it through their youth. They do know what it is like to feel the pressure that comes with your peers are partaking of drugs and alcohol. You know what it is like to see someone’s life lead to a catastrophe because of these choices. However, things are different. Today’s world is different than it used to be. So as you approach it, feel free to let them know how it was for you. Be honest with them about how you feel. And then . .just listen. Give them a chance to talk to you about it. Let them know that they can come to you about these things.

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Things to Get in Order When Your Teen Goes to College

It seems like yesterday you were changing your child’s diaper, and now your teen is getting ready to head off to college. The transition to independence is a huge step, and you want to make it as smooth as possible for your teen. Here are some things you might want to do to prepare.

* Placement Testing. Sign up your teen for placement testing according to their college’s policy.

* Attend Orientation. Even if you’ve already taken 20 tours around the campus, it’s important to attend an orientation session. This is where your teen will meet other incoming students, and they can begin developing friendships. This is also most likely when your teen will determine what classes they plan to take.

* Financial Aid. Get your taxes done, and apply for financial aid as soon as possible. The earlier you get your applications in, the more help you will most likely receive. Don’t forget to have your teen apply for as many scholarships as possible.

* Figure Out Housing. Some student will live on campus, and some prefer to live off campus in places such as Virginia Beach apartments. Find the best housing for your teen’s situation, and place a deposit as soon as possible to hold the spot.

* Pack. Consider the space in your teen’s housing arrangement before packing up the teen’s belongings. Moving into a dorm room is different from moving into an apartment. Make a list of all the school items, living items and cleaning items your teen will need and pack accordingly.

* Medications. Discuss medications with your teen, and visit your doctor if necessary. If your child has a condition such as severe asthma or diabetes, keep copies of prescriptions, remind your teen to keep medication in original bottles, and keep school medical contact information easily accessible.

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