A national
study of adolescents found that parents have a critical role to play in helping
children through a period of life that can be filled with dangers.
Not
surprisingly, the study found that teens who feel loved, understood, and paid
attention to were less likely to engage in dangerous behaviors.
There are
four things parents can do to help their teens, according to the study:
1.
Set high academic expectations. Let teens know
that school is important — and back up your words by setting homework times and
talking with teachers.
2.
Be accessible. The presence of parents in the
home at specific times of day made teens less likely to use drugs or alcohol.
Those times were in the morning, after school, at dinner, and at bedtime.
3.
Send clear messages about avoiding drugs,
alcohol and sex. Peers strongly influence teens, but parents also play a
critical role.
4.
Lock up alcohol. Most teens have their first
drinks at home. The presence of drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes in the home
significantly increases the likelihood that teens will use these substances.
These findings by the National
Study of Adolescent Health offer a common-sense approach for parents as they
attempt to help their teens through these difficult years.
