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    • COMMUMITY & PARENT
      • Crisis Hotlines
      • Community Resources
      • Parent Resources
      • Drug Fact Sheet
      • Presentations / Events
    • Contact Us
      • Who We Are
      • Contact Us
      • Community Partners
    • Alcohol
    • Cannabis, Ecig & Tobacco
    • how to / newsletters
  • Home
  • COMMUMITY & PARENT
    • Crisis Hotlines
    • Community Resources
    • Parent Resources
    • Drug Fact Sheet
    • Presentations / Events
  • Contact Us
    • Who We Are
    • Contact Us
    • Community Partners
  • Alcohol
  • Cannabis, Ecig & Tobacco
  • how to / newsletters
Glenview Northbrook Coalition for Youth

Together we can

Together we canTogether we can

parent resources

parent tips

TALK EARLY. TALK OFTEN

  • Talking with your child at an early age in an age-appropriate way about drinking is the first step toward keeping them alcohol and drug-free.
  • As early as 9 years old, children start to become curious about alcohol and other drugs. What you say to a 9-year-old will be different than your conversation with a teenager.
  • As they enter junior high and high school, the pressure to try alcohol and other drugs increases. Be sure to keep the conversation going through the teen years.
  • Talking often builds an open, trusting relationship with your child. Getting into the habit of chatting every day with your child will make it easier to have more difficult and serious conversations. 
  • Building this trust makes your child more comfortable coming to you for advice.

RULES MATTER

  • Discuss and set family rules about NOT using alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. Teens need guidelines to help them make good decisions.
  • Set appropriate consequences for breaking the rules and then follow through if necessary.
  • Enforce consequences. Be consistent.
  • Know your local curfew laws. Use them to set and enforce a curfew with your teen. You may be willing to negotiate for special occasions.

MONITOR

  • Know where your teen is, who he/she is with and what they are doing.
  • Actively supervise all gatherings of youth in your home.
  • Do not allow the possession or use of alcohol and other drugs in your home by youth.
  • Underage drinking and other drug use is dangerous and illegal.
  • Wait up until your teen comes home. Talk with him/her and do a visible check to make sure he/she is ok.
  • Keep track of the alcohol in your home. Would you know if any was missing? 

NETWORK

  • Call other parents, especially when a party is planned. Introduce yourself, if necessary. 
  • Ask the other parent if she/he will be home. 
  • Make sure that alcohol and other drugs will not be accessible and the party will be supervised.

SUBSTANCE USE  IS HARMFUL TO YOUNG MINDS

  • A young person's brain is still maturing and developing into his/her early to mid-'20s. 
  • Alcohol and other drugs can damage the areas of the brain that are responsible for thinking, planning and decision-making.
  • Underage drinking and certain drug use is dangerous, illegal and not okay.

signs & symptoms

Listed below are some possible signs that your teen may be using alcohol or other drugs. As a parent or caregiver, you know your child best. Follow your gut instinct and don't wait if you suspect there may be a problem. Visit our community resource page to see local resources available. Your child's school also is a great resource as they have counselors on staff to help student


PHYSICAL/EMOTIONAL

  • Unexplained extreme mood swings.
  • Changes in dress or appearance.


FAMILY/HOME

  • Ignores curfews and other house rules.
  • Withdraws from family activities.

SCHOOL

  • Sometimes grades are affected, but not always, especially in the 

             early stages of use.

  • Fails to complete work on time.
  • Misses excessive time from school.
  • Sleeps in class.

SOCIAL

  • Loses interests in hobbies.
  • Sometimes changes in friendships occur.
  • Becomes secretive.

FINANCIAL

  • Steals money or objects from family and friends.
  • No tangible evidence of how money is being spent.

LEGAL

  • Runs away from home.
  • Increased involvement with the police.

addressing the problem

CHOOSE A GOOD TIME TO TALK

Have a calm relaxed conversation


LISTEN

Allow everyone to speak without interruption. 


VERBALIZE RESPECT

People will be more willing to talk when there is respect. 


AVOID DEBATE MODE

Try not to make the other person feel like they are being attacked.


COMMUNICATE DIRECTLY

Give the person speaking your full attention.


CONFLICT IS NATURAL

Conflict is an opportunity for growth.  


SEEK PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE

Don't hesitate to reach out for help if you think you need it. There are resources on this website. Your child's school may be a good source of assistance as well.





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