PRESSURES ON TODAY’S KIDS

Times have changed a lot since you were a kid. Sure, every kid is worried about being popular, but for today’s teens, that’s just the top of the iceberg. Take a closer look at some of the pressures your kids face today.

Pressure To Fit In.

Pressure To Be Perfect.

Pressure To Be Sexually Active.

Pressure To Pick On Others.

Pressure To Be Successful.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

The many pressures kids face today can play a big part in influencing choices around risky behavior, especially substance abuse. In fact, most kids use alcohol or illicit drugs to fit in, to cope with an underlying problem, to feel stimulated or to address some combination of these. So, your first step is to understand this and keep a close eye on your child. Watch for these warning signs.

§ Sudden dramatic change in behavior, such as sleeping or eating habits

§ Frequent sadness or over-reactions to everyday events and disappointments

§ Less interest in activities, absences from school or poor grades

§ Problems with relationships or more isolated than usual

§ High levels of irritability, hostility or anger

§ Bloodshot eyes or confusion

§ Unusual borrowing or spending of money, or secretive behavior about belongings and actions

§ Self-injury, such as cutting or scratching oneself with a sharp object

§ Extreme eating patterns or unhealthy obsession with appearance or weight

§ Needing constant support or reassurance

WHAT PARENTS CAN DO

§ Appreciate how different their world is from when you were a kid.

§ Be involved. Encourage other adults (coaches, older sibling, etc.) to be active in your child’s life.

§ Challenge your teen to be an individual or a leader, not a follower, and encourage independence and integrity.

§ Focus on the positive instead of criticizing, and praise your teen’s special talents and nurture his/her interests.

§ Entertainment and advertising have a bigger influence on kids when it come to substance abuse, sexual behavior, body image and gender roles than they might acknowledge. Set and enforce limits on your child’s media use.

§ Avoid commenting on your child’s appearance-instead focus on health.

§ Use everyday opportunities such as watching TV together, to start a dialogue about topics like drug use and sex. Communicate your values, and talk about the risks.

§ Model and teach positive stress management and coping skills.

§ Listen carefully and make sure your child is not overloaded.

§ Provide your chills with opportunities for debate and independent decision-making.

§ If you suspect your child may be taking part in bullying, find out the reason for the behavior. Make it clear that your child is not permitted to engage in bullying and if needed, contact school staff.

This information and more parent education materials can be found at theantidrug.com website.