by Mary P Ivy

Created on: December 24, 2011   Last Updated: December 26, 2011

The most effective way to teach children to avoid drugs and alcohol starts in early childhood and continues through to early adulthood. It means raising a resilient child who values self, family and friends. It means raising a child who has goals and interests and appreciates having a strong, healthy body. Kids who have a good self-image and beneficial interests, who are loved and encouraged, and who form worthwhile friendships find it much easier to resist drugs and alcohol.

1. Start early and create positive relationships and surroundings

Help children, even very young children, find their own interests and hobbies. If they enjoy competitive sports, great. Sign them up for as many teams as you and your child can handle. However, not every child enjoys the rough and tumble of competitive athletics. Help these children find quieter, non-competitive activities such as hiking, kayaking, swimming, biking just to name a few. The idea is to introduce them to activities they enjoy and that help them appreciate their own strong and healthy bodies.

2. Healthy self-esteem

The whole idea of a healthy self-esteem seems to have been misinterpreted over the years. Helping a child develop and maintain a positive self-image is vital in keeping them from negative influences. 

Developing a child’s healthy self-esteem doesn’t mean you never correct the child or you allow a child to do as they please. It does mean providing guidance and discipline in a loving and respectful way. It means recognizing a child’s uniqueness and value—even if it is different from yours. It means correcting behavior without mocking or belittling a child, and certainly not humiliating them in front of others.

It does mean raising a child who knows his or her self-worth. They value their hobbies, family and friends, and their own success. They simply do not have time to waste with harmful activities.

3. Hobbies

Help children discover hobbies. If possible, let them have pets. Animals provide a healthy outlet for children and teach responsibility. Pets can be tremendously attentive and tuned in to children and provide unconditional love and companionship.

But there are other meaningful hobbies. Music, dance, arts and crafts are all worthwhile. Having your child involved with organizations such as 4-H, scouts or community centers will help them find activities that they enjoy and can excel at.

4. Add as they grow 

As children get older, add other tactics. Encourage them

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>