TimeToTalk.org gives 10 New Year's resolutions that show kids you care

January 4th, 2010

A New Year’s Resolution for Every Parent: Talk With Your Kids about Drugs and Alcohol

Resolving to talk more often with your child about healthy decisions & choices is a great idea for the New Year.

TimeToTalk.org, a resource that provides easy-to-use-guides and tips to help you have ongoing conversations with your kids to keep them healthy and drug free, celebrates the positive influence of parents and can help you start the New Year with "10 Resolutions That Show Your Kids You Care."

1. Teach your children to trust you by seeing you as a role model.
2. Be patient, not just tolerant. Apologize when you make a mistake or do something you regret. 
3. Ask teens what they need from you – and do whatever you can to meet those needs.
4. Listen to your teens, a lot. Avoid interrupting.
5. Teach your children about ethics, values and principles they can apply in choices and decision making.
6. Help them discover the feeling of gratitude, not just to say thank you.
7. Keep the promises you make. If you do not keep your word, acknowledge that. Help your teen understand the circumstances or choices that precipitated the change in your plans.
8. Answer your teen’s questions and be consistent. When you notice behavioral changes in them, make yourself available and encourage them to talk about what is going on in their life.
9. Be understanding when they have a difficult time and let them know you will love them no matter what.
10. Be diligent. Have ongoing conversations with your kids about the risks of drugs and alcohol.
    

Please visit http://www.TimeToTalk.org for more details, and for more conversation guides to help you engage with your youth.