every day 3 600 young people try cigarettes for the first time. over 10 million adolescents drink alcohol. so it’s important to: model good behavior. don't smoke drink to excess or use drugs. if you do now quit. start young. with children under age 7 or 8 take advantage of teachable moments to talk about the consequences of these behaviors. as your child gets older ask them what they think about drinking smoking or drugs. ask open-ended nonjudgmental questions. keep the lines of communication open. schedule time for you and your child to spend together and show that you're really listening. preteens want to feel grown up and substance use can seem like the way to do that. offer other opportunities for your child to feel like they're maturing. junior high and high school kids are likely to know people who are drinking smoking and using drugs. let your child know that they never have to accept a ride with someone who's not sober; this may mean you have to pick them up at 3 a. m. but their safety is worth it.
how can i keep my child from smoking drinking and using drugs?