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Parents have the most influence

To the editor:
Never mind MTV, the Internet, movies or sports stars. Sure, they influence your children to varying degrees, but none comes close to the amount of influence you have through your words and actions.
Raising children is a tough job. Your children are constantly watching and learning from you. Surveys of youth consistently show that adult role models (you) are the most influential factors in childrenís lives.
Knowing this, we invite you to join us in observing Minnesota Chemical Health Week, Nov. 18-24. Our students will participate in classroom activities that encourage healthy, chemical-free lifestyles. During this week and throughout the year, our goal is for our students, your children, to make healthy choices.
Because you make a difference, we encourage you to think about how to model positive behavior at home. Here are a few suggestions.
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER. Read all you can about the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. Consult your local library or public health organization. Spend a little time on the Internet learning about alcohol and drug use. Attend meetings sponsored by schools, youth groups, community or faith-based organizations that provide useful information about the use of addictive and harmful chemicals. Learn all you can to help your child make healthy decisions.
TALK, TALK, TALK. Donít assume that your children know your position on alcohol, tobacco and other drug use. Remind them, over and over, that itís not acceptable to use these substances. Let them know your rules and what will happen if they break them. Listening is as important as talking. Parents who listen, rather than just lecture, will gain their childrenís trust.
WALK THE TALK. Remember that you are your childís first and foremost role model. If you use alcohol, do it in moderation within legal and healthy guidelines. If you smoke or chew tobacco, attempt to quit for your own health and the health of others in your home. Follow all directions and health precautions in the use of prescription drugs, and never use illegal drugs.
KEEP IN TOUCH. Learn about your childrenís activities. Meet their friends. Get to know the friendsí parents. Parents who are united have a powerful influence.
OFFER ALTERNATIVES. No one needs alcohol, tobacco or drugs to have fun and feel good. Teach your children about drug-free alternative activities ñ sports, museum visits, volunteer activities, etc. ñ and participate with them. Youíll both feel better.
INVEST YOUR TIME. The time you spend with your children imparts your values to them. It lets your children know that you care about them and their lifestyle choices.
We welcome your interest in Minnesota Chemical Health Week and your help in reinforcing and celebrating healthy choices, healthy lifestyles and healthy futures for all children.
Ellen Hoiland
North Branch Safe and Drug-Free Schools Program

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