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Substance Use

For Parents of Grades K-6

Did you know...
Habits that we begin at an early age are more likely to become lifelong habits. Did you know that about 70% of youth who try an illegal drug before age 13 develop a substance abuse disorder? Learning to make healthy choices at a young age can develop lifelong habits that enhance wellness. 

Our substance misuse education plan includes teaching our students about the dangers of various drugs such as tobacco, e-cigarettes, alcohol, marijuana, prescription drugs and more. Younger children do not need detailed information about specific drugs, but it is never too early to plant the seeds of wellness, which begins with understanding medicine and healthy habits.

They will begin to feel peer pressure and social influence as they develop. So our partnership in educating them about standing firm in decisions to never misuse substances will lead to a unified message. We want your child to make decisions and implement actions now that promote lifelong success and wellness.

All caretakers today face a difficult challenge: raising a child in a society in which vaping and marijuana are marketed as “healthy” alternatives. Additionally, old and new drugs continue to plague our youth. Prescription drugs are misused; alcohol is still the number one drug used in America; and fentanyl and other drugs kill in one use.

Despite all of this societal pressure, parents are still the number one influence on young people’s decision to abstain even through the teen years. Our partnership with you can make a positive difference in supporting your child.

The first step to prevention is understanding the motivating factors for early experimentation. 

Some of the primary reasons young people give for trying and misusing substances are to satisfy curiosity, to feel grown (like parents), to cope with stressors/feel better, and to fit in with peers or feel less awkward in group of friends. Knowing their reasons allows us to counteract those, and begin to send positive messages and model behaviors that let young people know the dangers of misuse and the benefits of meeting those desires with healthy coping strategies.

Our students have access to a resource page that shares some facts and tips for understanding the difference between medicine and substance misuse, resisting peer pressure, and making confident choices that lead to health and happiness.

Parent Tips

Say "No" 
Teach your children different ways to say “No.” Brainstorm different responses they can make when in a peer pressure situation.

Willing to Talk
Assure your child that you are willing to talk and listen openly about the subject.

Good Choices
Help your child make good choices and surround himself with good friends. Teach them to recognize signs of problem or manipulative relationships.

Come From Place of Love
Come from a place of love even when you are having tough conversations, particularly one in which forgiveness may be needed.

Be a Role Model
Be a role model for healthy choices! They are observant and learn more by imitating their adult role models.