“My son is an honor student.”
“My daughter hangs with the right crowd.”
“My son is on the football team.”
“My daughter is in the Advanced Biology class.”
“He would never do drugs, he is too smart for that.”
“She is not the type to drink alcohol”.
A recent poll conducted by the University of Michigan found that only a small amount of parents believed their teens were using alcohol and drugs (however did question their kid’s friend use of both).
When asking the kids the same questions, researchers found the number of kids using both of these substances to be five times as high as parents suspected.
Basically the message is – Wake up! It very well could be your kid. Be aware.
I like to think I would catch the signs and I like to think that “my kids wouldn’t do that”, but really – I do all I can to teach them and hope for the best – but you never know. My kid is not exempt and neither is yours.
What do you think? Denial? Are you aware as you should be?
{ 11 comments }
Its hard to judge them. they are looking for satisfaction, and nothing gives them pleasure. If we are able as parents to give them alternative things that will give them pleasure, so lets do it. But the thing is, that these days you can only do it by education , and environmental influence, it is not possiable to it by yourself.
barak´s last [type] ..Dogs’ Cancer Symptoms
I think that it’s important to educate children that they can come to their parents with any problem and that the parents will be there for them, so that when they do encounter drugs and alcohol u can have an intelligent conversation with them as to why not do it.
ella´s last [type] ..Team Building Activities for the Workplace
Sometimes, it seems easier to turn a blind eye, than admit the truth. Addiction runs in our family, we talk about it a lot. I sure hope it sinks in. TV doesn’t help (Jersey Shore), they make drinking seem fun. She will be 18 next year, I am definitely praying and educating.
Angelia Sims´s last [type] ..Standing upon the shores of Point Loma
I think it’s hard to imagine the possibility when they’re young. But we all better be ready when they’re older. And in today’s world, I consider older 12. Sad.
Missy | Literal Mom´s last [type] ..You Can Learn A lot From . . .
Great post!!! Many parents are in denial. I was lucky that my teenagers often got caught. So I knew exactly what they were doing. tried not to have my head in the sand but I’m sure I missed a few things along the way. Just assume they are doing something and then take it from there. Most of us did, right?
My sixteen year old daughter tells me what she sees on Facebook. Kids are very obvious wit their behaviors, but many parents are not “friends” with their kids, because their kids will not let them! (who is the parent?)
Parents are in denial. I keep a close eye on my daughter and keep the dialogue open all of the time.
mommymommymommy´s last [type] ..Saving Money at CVS with End of Summer Sales Makes Sense
I tell you, I’m dreading the teen years! As a pediatrician, I see this a lot. Teens reveal these things when their parents leave the room and the parents honestly believe “they would know”. And these are only the teens brave enough to reveal this information to me! My advice would be to counsel your teens no matter what! Do not assume they are immune. Be vigilant and in touch with your teens. Start talking about these issues at an early age and don’t stop talking about it.
Melissa´s last [type] ..A very personal and important message
I see denial all the time. I hate to say it but the truth is that there is no foolproof plan. We should do everything we can to educate them and make our values clear but then all we can do is pay close attention because there is no quarantee they won’t do it. It doesn’t matter how good a kid they seem to be. I learned this from personal experience. Never assume anything!
Motpg´s last [type] ..Life Is But A Dream
As parent we really wanted that our kids will be away from bad influence, we should be aware and educate our children about the consequences and the reality in their sorroundings.
Leila´s last [type] ..Unable To Get Pregnant
I agree with many of the comments here about how important it is to keep talking to your kids and don’t assume that they are or are not experimenting or regularly using drugs and alcohol.
It really only takes one evening (or afternoon!) for that to start. And teens are pretty good at keeping secrets when they are motivated to do so.
One thing I have to watch out for is assuming that my kids (the oldest of whom is 13) will behave like my group of friends and I did as a teen. (Which would mean that I’m in the clear until senior year!
I forget that really they could throw just about anything my way, and I want to have my eyes open.
I trust my teens but I could not help myself to wonder if they are into alcohol and drugs. I know they are still young but with the people they are around with I think it could be possible. All I want is for them to enjoy but to stay away from trouble and vices.