Press Release

Be a Good Role Model

My name is Scott Ferguson and I am the Chief of Police for Cle Elum /Roslyn/South Cle Elum as well as a parent of two children. As a parent I feel it is an important to be informed about underage drinking issues and I found the following information to be helpful.

Remember when your kids were toddlers and they mimicked everything you said and did? Things are not so different today. You may not realize it, but your actions communicate a great deal to your teenager. Parents who set a good example through their relationships and social skills have kids who do better in the areas of school, employment, relationships, communication, coping and other life skills.

Setting a good example is especially important when it comes to substance use. Parents’ or caregivers’ abuse of alcohol, tobacco or illicit drugs significantly increases a teen’s chances of using, using early and developing a substance abuse problem of their own.

The first thing you can do is deliver a clear and consistent message that you don’t want your teen using these substances. Even if you do use these substances, telling your teens to stay away from them has a major impact on their actions and keeps their use down.

Also:

• Don’t smoke. If you smoke, quit for your own health as well as that of your family’s.
• Don’t allow your teen to drink or smoke in your home.
• Don’t provide alcohol to teenagers in your home. It’s not safe, it sends your teen the wrong message and you could be breaking the law.
• Don’t involve your teen in your use, such as asking him or her to get you a beer or a cigarette.
• Never drink and drive.
• Enlist other family members or friends to serve as positive role models for your teen.

Being a good role Model Quick self-check:

1. Do you have family gatherings and parties that don’t include alcohol? It’s important to show your teens that you can have fun whether or not alcohol is served.

2. Have you shared “funny” stories about your past substance use in front of your kids?
3. Do you use substances to cope with even minor problems or discomforts?
4. Get help if you think you have a problem with alcohol or illicit drugs.

When surveyed, teens stated that disappointing their parents was one of the major reasons they chose not to use alcohol and other substances. Parents ranked higher than peers or celebrities. Your teens are still watching your behavior as a model of their actions. State firmly and clearly with both your words and your actions, that substance use is not acceptable. Take the time to communicate your family values and model them to your children through your everyday actions. Parents are the number one influence on their teen’s decision to use and abuse substances.

Information in this article was found in Navigating the Teen Years, written by the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign. You can also find this entire publication at www.kccn-dfc.com.

The Kittitas County Community Network/Drug Free Communities Coalition and the Community Network agency, through a federal Drug Free Communities grant, are implementing the “Start Talking Before They Start Drinking” campaign as a community service for parents. For more information go to www.kccn-dfc.com.