Parenting Teenagers (12-18) Support Group
This community is focused on the joys, challenges and concerns faced by parents of teenagers (12 to 18 year olds). The major areas of child development include: physical development, perception and sensory development, communication and language development, cognitive development, emotional development and social development.
Every single person I know who has either died from drugs or have ruined relationships in their lives because of drugs, started with...POT!
Short leash, less friends, more healthy hobbies, volunteering (things to keep him occupied), working, rehab (if necessary) lots and lots of LOVE and time spent together!
1. Love your child Being a parent means dealing with good and bad, highs and lows. Always tell your child you love him, and be available for support.
2. Restrict money Generally money goes to drugs. Money designated for clothes, school activities, food, goes to drugs, along with whatever the child can steal from you or his brothers or sisters. He may not like it, but will do it.
If he needs things, buy them; if you are suspicious money should not be given.
Maintain precautions with wallets, checks, pocketbooks, etc, and constantly check to prevent theft.
3. Qualified Professionals Get help early from people who know what they are doing. Acknowledging and confronting the problem may not be easy, but it will increase the chance of success.
4. Look for other kids and activities. Returning your child to the vibrant healthy life can be tough. If he has other things, art, sports, etc, try to help him, and promote other activities.
Try to facilitate activities with good kids and be a hinderance to his relationship with other drug users.
5. Moving consider moving and a new environment if possible.
6. Sports Drug use and/or bad grades may disqualify him from sports or other activities. While you're tempted to say see what happened when you use drugs, practically, you will help him gravitate towards drugs. Instead, be your kid's advocate and try to keep him in.
7. Siblings Ask brothers and sisters for advice.
8. Be around. That will minimize drug use.