A Letter from the Principal
January 26, 2009
1-9-09
Later this month our 5th grade students will be participating in DARE (Drug Awareness Resistance Education) with an officer from the Aurora Police Department. While 5th grade may seem an appropriate time to open up dialogue with students about drugs, national studies show that the average age when a child first tries alcohol is 11; for marijuana, it’s 12. I am concerned that children need an adult in their life to begin discussing these issues before they reach 5th grade. The studies show many children start becoming curious about these substances even sooner. We need to help our kids to distinguish fact from fiction when it comes to alcohol and drugs and it’s not too soon to begin. The following are some tips from the National School Public Relations Association:
Listen carefully: Student surveys reveal that when parents listen to their children’s feelings and concerns, their kids feel comfortable talking with them and are more likely to stay drug-free. But don’t wait until they are 10 or 11 to begin building that relationship – it must start early.
Role play how to say “no”: Role play ways in which your child can refuse to go along with his friends without becoming a social outcast. Try something like this, “Let’s play a game. Suppose you and your friend are at Andy’s house after school and they find some beer in the refrigerator and ask you to join them in drinking it. The rule in our family is that children are not allowed to drink alcohol. So what could you say?”
Encourage choice: Allow your child plenty of opportunity to become a confident decision-maker. As your child becomes more skilled at making all kinds of good choices, both you and she will feel more secure in her ability to make the right decision concerning alcohol and drugs if and when the time arrives.
Provide age-appropriate information: Make sure the information that you offer fits the child’s age and stage. When your 6 or 7 year old is brushing his teeth, you can say, “There are lots of things we do to keep our bodies healthy, like brushing our teeth. But there are also things we shouldn’t do because they hurt our bodies, like smoking or taking medicines when we are not sick.”
If you are watching TV with your 8 year old and marijuana is mentioned on a program, you can say, “Do you know what marijuana is? It’s a bad drug that can hurt your body.” If your child has more questions, answer them. If not, let it go. Short, simple comments said and repeated often enough will get the message across.
You can offer your older child the same message, but add more drug-specific information. For example, you might explain to your 12 year old what marijuana and crack look like, their street names and how they can affect your body. If you don’t know that information, go to a reliable source so you are well informed.
Establish a clear family position on drugs: It’s OK to say, “We don’t allow any drug use and children in this family are not allowed to drink alcohol. The only time that you can take any drugs is when the doctor or Mom or Dad gives you medicine when you’re sick. We made this rule because we love you very much and we know that drugs can hurt your body and make you very sick; some may even kill you. Do you have any questions?”
Be a good example: Children will do what you do much more readily than what you say. So try not to reach for a beer the minute you come home after a tough day; it sends the message that drinking is the best way to unwind. Offer dinner guests non-alcoholic drinks in addition to wine and spirits. And take care not to pop pills, even over-the-counter remedies, indiscriminately. Your behavior needs to reflect your beliefs.
Discuss what makes a good friend: Since peer pressure is so important when it comes to kids’ involvement with drugs and alcohol, it makes good sense to talk with your children about what makes a good friend. Once you’ve gotten this concept across, your children will understand that “friends” who pressure them to drink or smoke pot aren’t friends at all.
Build self-esteem: Kids who feel good about themselves are much less likely than other kids to turn to illegal substances to get high. Offer lots of praise for any job well done and make sure to say, “I love you” often.
Repeat the message: Information and lessons about drugs are important enough to repeat frequently. So be sure to answer your children’s questions as often as they ask them to initiate conversation whenever the opportunity arises.
Have a wonderful week! And remember to take some time to read to or with your child every day and to have fun with math activities!
Mrs. Patti Decker
Principal, Homestead Elementary
pdecker@oswego308.org
630.636.3110