Start Talking Now! It's Never Too Soon to Discuss Drugs and
Making Good Decisions with Your Kids By Pat Brannin, Certified
Prevention Consultant Arkansas Department of Human Services
Office of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention It only takes a
moment to help children stay drug-free and healthy. Setting
clear expectations and repeating them consistently ensures that
youth know your standards. That understanding has proven to help
them make good decisions. Healthy habits, including decision-
making and self-esteem, develop during the preschool years. Now
is the time to celebrate your child's decision-making skills to
help him learn problem-solving skills that lower frustration
levels. Help your child understand the difference between make-
believe and real life by discussing TV programs. Let your child
know your likes and dislikes and how violence or bad decisions
hurt real people. There is never a bad time to give your child a
self-esteem boost by letting him know how proud you are when he
helps you. In the early