Here is the most clicked link from Monday’s post:
http://www.drugfree.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/partnership_components_tool_revised_031612.pdf
To be clear, I’m not promoting that I think there are failsafe ways to prevent problems with kids, but this research based study is certainly intriguing.
It’s worth your read if you have any exposure to children and teens at all.
Here are a few of my comments:
1. This is not rocket science.
I am sure we could have given an average group of parents 20 minutes to come up with the top ten ways parents can help prevent drug and alcohol problems, and these six would have been on their list. There is nothing here that is earth shattering.
This should make us happy. However complicated we tend to make parenting, the basics are still the basics.
2. This is NOT a spiritual study. PRAYER should be at the top of the list.
Save me the email complaining about why prayer isn’t on the list. It’s number one for me. Parents modeling real gospel faith and living have a pretty good shot at navigating their children’s upbringing. Couple that with fervent prayer, and you’re not going to go wrong.
3. Boundaries.
I think this article hits the mark with reasonable boundaries (and tips to avoid unreasonable ones). Boundaries are a way to build trust and help the parent evaluate how to grant more (or less) freedom. I also wonder at times why parents don’t enact these reasonable boundaries. So what if your child is upset with you – they’re not supposed to be your best friend.
Have a great weekend everyone!