Chances are I will have kids one day. I have always had an interest in children, preferably babies through the toddler years. I am a middle child, I have an older sister and a younger brother. Growing up my parents both had full time jobs so my older sister would take care of my brother and I. There is quite the gap between us so its almost like my brother has 3 moms. We are 8 years apart from each other. No matter what question my brother had he would always ask us with out hesitation. As he got older he got a little more shy than usual. Hormones started appearing and an attitude escalated. He is 15 going on 20. He is almost too mature for his age. So, with in the past year my parents and I (cause I still live at home, oops sorry mom) noticed some changes in him and the friends he was hanging out with. Then we started getting calls from the local Police department to give us the "Hi Mrs. Phillips we have your son here..." call. Long story short, he was smoking marijuana. My jaw dropped when I found out, I thought, "No way!" I mean, he's ONLY 15 years old. I didnt even know what marijuana was when I was 15. All in all, we had to sit him down and talk to him that this is not the life style in which he should be leading towards. He plays on a travel hockey team and we (I say we because I try to be involved as much as I can) had to tell him that if this doesnt stop, then there is no more hockey. Thats when the tears started rolling. All he wants to do is play hockey, it is his passion. He practices even when there is no practice. Our garage floor has turned into a puck handling workshop. So moral of the blog is to keep your children busy, at all times. We're a very athletic family and we always have been. Sure we've all "experimented" here and there, but I think that if your child has something to look forward too, something to have to work towards that they enjoy then I believe that putting them in athletics will keep teens off drugs. It teaches children responsibility, self esteem, team work, etc. Also, keep them educated. Talk to them, don't be their "friend". Theres nothing more I cant stand when you see those parents who provide the alcohol at that 16th birthday party. I think it's extremely important that you educate them early in life and keep close attention. Even being an older sibling (like my self) you can take notes of these tips also. http://www.ismykidsmokingpot.com/
I agree having a passion and something your involved in keep kids off drugs. it did for me, i didnt want to damage my lungs with smoking. I knew if i did it a little effects would be minor, but i was worried about the long run. i want to play basketball for the rest of my life; even in a wheelchair...i think every parent should discover what their child can be passionate about.
ReplyDeleteKeeping your kids away from drugs is a big responsibility, especially when you are a parent. I, too, would want to keep my kids safe one day so they could have healthier lives. I'll remember what you posted so I could have that help my kids.
ReplyDeleteI loved your 1st hand experience. I agree that kids need a passion. When kids have something they love, look forward to, and work hard for, I think that kids will be less likely to get into drugs. Like you said, most people do get in trouble when they are younger. It is inevitable! But including your child in activities or sports will help in the long run.
ReplyDeletedefinitely we should ededucate them early in life and keep close attention. I belive if kids think home as a safe place they will be less likely to try to scape , so we should make our home a positive place for children.
ReplyDeleteHi Ms Haley I am a parent of 2 boys and thank you for the insight with your brother's experience with drugs. I have always tried to communicate to my boys and let them know about the negative effects of drugs and what they can do to your life. I have family members that have battled addictions to some pretty harsh drugs so my sons have seen the bad effects drugs can have on a person life first hand. My children are not in any sports because they just are not interested and that is not for lack of trying on me and my husbands part. The boys tend to stay pretty busy own their own with school and they like to read books so they are almost always at the library. So this is a good thing.
ReplyDeleteI think kids in today's age get bored too easily and get curious and so they try different drugs. I do not condone drugs but there is a difference between being a hardcore 11am alcoholic or a 24/7 stoner and enjoying a drink with dinner or a spliff at night in the privacy and security of your own house.
ReplyDeleteChildren at an early age (idk 13? 15?) should be educated on what certain drugs are so the veil of curiosity is lifted and they are aware of the effects/consequences of drugs