How to Help Your Kids Stay Off Drugs

All Pro Dad has an excellent blog with 10 ways parents can help kids stay off drugs. At the end of this, I will share a link to that great advice. But I have a few other techniques to add to those. I got the biggest and least-heard one, from NotMyKid where they inspire positive life choices. So I’ll start with that tip for parents first:

RANDOM DRUG TESTS HELP KIDS STAY OFF DRUGS

I once attended a NotMyKid talk where they gave out an at-home drug test to each family. They said to make random drug testing a part of your household policy. Let your children know that they will be required to take drug tests, randomly; this policy is a powerful tool to help kids stay off drugs. It’s a strong protection against peer pressure. If someone’s trying to get your kid to try drugs, then your child can truthfully respond, “I can’t – my parents drug test me.” There’s just no arguing with that.

Honestly, as a parent starting this policy, I worried that there might be arguments about trust. But when we carried out random testing, it was no big deal. If they are not taking drugs, then there is no reason for kids to fight taking a drug test. Now, you can purchase at-home drug tests for around $20 and up from the drugstore. Put the unopened box where your kids can see it as a reminder about what is important to your family. And the support they have from their parents to stay clean.

POSITIVE IMAGES HELP KIDS STAY OFF DRUGS

Other things that kids see around the house can help them subconsciously visualize a life of excellence that precludes drug use. Did they win a trophy or award? Then be sure to proudly display it. Achievements they have made that resulted in a certificate or a other award should be displayed. Also show off their artwork. If you include a few awards that parents or even grandparents have earned, then you can create an underlying sense that your children come from a family that works toward achievements. Be sure to highlight as many of your children’s successes as practical. This will help them build their self-confidence, which helps kids stay off drugs. Keep your “pride” area updated with each new award they earn.

POSITIVE SUPPORT TO HELP KIDS STAY OFF DRUGS

Periodically review the positive support arenas that your child has. It’s important that they have at least one group of supportive people outside of the family that they meet with regularly. The family’s positive support is great too. But as they get older, teens relate more to friends and people outside the family. A dojo can be a positive support group with healthy role models that will help kids stay off drugs. A church youth group can be too – or a traditional dance group, or any group where conscientious adults are involved to encourage the youth in positive attitudes and actions. 

MORE READING TO HELP KIDS STAY OFF DRUGS

Be open to input from others on how to help kids stay off drugs. Just like anything in life, if we want a positive outcome, we must put in positive action. That’s much more effective than just wishing and hoping. Here is the link to All Pro Dad’s list of 10 ways to keep your kids off drugs. Above all, love them, take care of them, and support your kids to help them make healthy life choices.

Jenifer Tull-Gauger