Drugs e-Learning - Drugs: Communication with your children

	You can start by setting a good example, and don't overdo the amount of caffeine, tobacco, alcohol or pills you may take. If you take tranquillizers, for example, or enjoy a Friday night drink, talk to your child about it. It is important that he or she understands that you enjoy a drink with your friends from work. It's pleasant way to unwind and look forward to the weekend ahead. Or perhaps, due to a particularly stressful situation, your doctor has prescribed tranquillizers for a while. Also, many adults are too casual about the drugs in their own medicine cabinets. Be sure you dispose of old pills.

	Talk about drugs with your children - and listen to what they have to say. Early awareness is vital - and so is your encouragement to be "open".

	Be a flexible parent, prone to change your opinion and to make compromises.

	Give your child the opportunity to talk and give arguments about their position.

	Help them when they take à decision.

	Don't aim at having your will.

	Be a realist about the possibility your children to get involved in taking drugs.

	Don't attack and criticize constantly. Be a positive parent. Set limits, for example, and know where your children are going and who they are going with. Of course, you can be flexible, depending on the circumstances, but remember, establishing fair limits on their freedom is part of your responsibility. Moreover, you're creating a good opportunity for them to acknowledge, respect and keep their agreements!

	Don't show that you know all the facts about a certain topic for which you don't have enough information.

	Create an atmosphere of conversation in which your child and you feel comfortable.

	Take an interest. Ask direct questions, so that you understand your child's point of view correctly.

	Draw conclusions only after you have heard all the things your child wants to say.

	Take notice of the content, not of the way your child speaks .

	Be careful about emotional phrases. Avoid words and phrases, which may cause anxiety and negative reactions.

	Find mutual topics and opinions.

	Find close points of view, so that you understand each other.

	Be an involved parent. Take an active interest in your children's schoolwork, activities and friends. Make the time to enjoy a close relationship.

The fears and mistakes...

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