Parents of Addicts Community Group
A safe group for Mothers and Fathers of addicts, where we can share feelings, and ask for feedback.
My husband and I just presented a drug awareness and education program to parents recently called "NOT MY CHILD". Well, the title proved to us that many parents believe that here - in our "perfect" little suburb community, because the event wasn't well attended. 50 parents came. We were told that it was a great turn-out.
Anyway, even prior to that presentation, I read a newspaper article from other school districts, in another state, that they instituted a mandatory drug education parent meetings. It was well-received and successful. I suggested it to the school Superintendent that ideas with the article but he is being very evasive. Others around here are, as well. There can be some alternatives, as the super suggested, but he hasn't shared them with me, yet.
Someone actually said that they would resent mandatory meetings...... your thoughts?
Anyway, even prior to that presentation, I read a newspaper article from other school districts, in another state, that they instituted a mandatory drug education parent meetings. It was well-received and successful. I suggested it to the school Superintendent that ideas with the article but he is being very evasive. Others around here are, as well. There can be some alternatives, as the super suggested, but he hasn't shared them with me, yet.
Someone actually said that they would resent mandatory meetings...... your thoughts?
Shelly4 - I am so glad that you wrote because I need to start focusing on the Part 2 portion which will include both parent and child. This will be focusing more on prevention - ways in which parent and child could get some dialogue going. My thought for this program is to have tips on how to communicate about this topic, include some young adults who could give their lead (or recovery talk) and then (maybe have a diploma ceremony). Even though I am not a big fan of D.A.R.E. (nor the "wet behind the ears" officer) I thought (since it is the program the children are receiving) we could find out exactly what they're being taught so that the parent and child could talk about it. Apparently, the parents do get a synopsis of the program at some point but I'm not sure what is on it. The D.A.R.E. guy is uncomfortable working with me on this because it's not part of the program. Strange. Maybe they don't want parents to know so they can't complain about it. Whatever.
My last program I had a very clear vision of what I wanted and it turned out more than awesome. We heard many nice things about it , comments like - "masterful", "outstanding", "get stop thinking about it". I was confident that that was what we'd hear because I was "screaming" to get this message out from the day I first came up with this idea. Unfortunately, I don't feel as passionate about the next one. I have a general idea, but my thought was to turn this over to a friend of mine (he's a drug education specialist) to handle the preventative part, then have the leads etc.
The first part included a bit about drugs themselves, the levels of usage, what addiction is and the stages, the teen brain, the signs, why teens use, risk factors, who to call, how to parent, how the school and community can help, and the stigma. We had lots of bells and whistles to help them remember key points. Anyway - not sure what to include in the second portion besides ways to communicate.
Any ideas?