Tips For Parents... 

By RICK GALE, Chairman                                                                               

Montana State Elks Association

Drug Awareness Program  

During the past several years as the Chairman of the Elks Drug Awareness Program in Montana, I’ve had conversations with concerned and passionate parents and grandparents about their child’s addiction, substance misuse, and how to know if their child is using.

It can be difficult to know if a child is using drugs because changes in moods, attitudes, unusual temper outbursts, and changes in hobbies or other interests are common in teens.

Parents and often grandparents are the first line of defense when it comes to a child’s underage drinking or drug use.  

Here are some tips for your consideration:

• Set Rules.  Let your child know alcohol and drug use is unacceptable in your family.  Enforce stated consequences when family rules are broken.
• Know where your teens are and what they will be doing during unsupervised time.
• Talk to your teen.  Casually ask how things are going at school and with friends.
• Keep your teens busy, especially between 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and into evening hours.  Teens who are involved in constructive, adult supervised activities are less likely to use drugs that other teens.
• Take time to learn the facts about vaping and underage drinking and talk to your teen about the harmful effects of drugs on young people.
• Get to know your teen’s friends and parents.  Make sure you know their rules and standards.
• Accept the role of a parent as your major responsibility.  Children do not need you to be their friend, let others be their friend.  You be the parent!

Parents.  You make the difference!  

To learn more about resources and tips for parents visit: mtelksdap.org