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Section 8. Helping Parents Practice Prevention with Their Children and Teens

Communicating with parents about prevention:

___You empower parents rather than correct them

___You treat parents with respect

___You listen to parents without judgment

___You appreciate parents and the job they are doing

___You build on the expertise of parents

___You offer information and assistance to parents about prevention

___You offer opportunities for parents to get together

___You encourage parents to advocate for their children when necessary

___You get additional help for parents and families when necessary

Parents preventing their children's risky or dangerous behavior:

___Stay connected with your children and teens:

  • Listen
  • You appreciate your children
  • You play with your children
  • You set up "special time" with your children
  • You show affection and caring
  • You help children express their emotion
  • You persist when your child and you temporarily disconnect
  • You appreciate yourself, even when you cannot do all these things

___Talk to children about your values and expectations:

  • You communicate and model your values
  • You tell your children what you expect from them

___Give children information about drugs, alcohol, tobacco, weight loss, unsafe sex, violence, etc.:

  • You give them accurate information
  • You encourage them to ask questions

___Help children build skills in making decisions:

  • Encourage sound decision-making
  • Set sensible limits
  • Keep your child's environment safe
  • Teach refusal skills

___Get the help you need and support you need as a parent