Raising Your Kids to Say No to Drugs and Smoking

Peer pressure can be a huge influence on teens, and may be the one thing that finally leads them to smoking or drug use as a young adult.

Sometimes saying no to one of your peers can be the hardest thing a teenager can face. It just might seem easier to take the cigarette than refuse it. Of course as a parent, you are going to be a huge influence on your child.

Begin teaching your child the dangers of smoking and drugs early in life. Get them involved in sports, and be sure they are not idle for long periods of time.

Church can also provide them with a strong background in what is right and wrong. There are often many activities available through churches including sports and it may surprise you how much your teen enjoys them.

Get involved with the community through volunteering and have them participate. Teach them to take their minds off themselves and onto others.

Then, give your child some ammunition for when the time finally comes, when one of their friends offers them a cigarette, or worse, drugs. Offer your child several quick answers: Ways to Say No to Cigarettes and Drugs:

"No Thanks!" It can be as easy as that. If this is a true friend, hearing, "No" should be all they need.
"No man, I have a game this weekend," changes their excuse from "chicken" to "cool."
Have your child tell the person that you give them a random drug test every month, and if it tests positive, they lose the car or other privileges. If it is smoking, have your child tell the person that you have the nose of a bloodhound and would smell it a mile away. That puts the blame on you and takes the pressure off of them. Most parents don't mind being the bad guy, when it comes to protecting their child.
Raise your children to stand up for what they believe. Tell them to say, "No, I don't smoke because it is expensive and bad for your health!" Then have them walk away. Period. They may hear about it for a while, but the person offering will most likely feel respect for your son or daughter, and may possibly think about quitting themselves.

Parents will sometimes wonder, if their child is even listening. They are, believe me, they are. They hear everything that you say. And when the time comes, hopefully they will pull from it and do what is right. Encourage your child to talk to you and try to keep the communication open.

It doesn't mean you need to be their friend and not a parent. It just means you need to listen. A good parent will listen and encourage their children to do what is right. Often times, I use the oreo approach when correcting my children. Tell them something that they are doing right before correcting them and then follow up with another bit of praise.