[kune]

Suggestion from someone who has 2 adult children who came through their teens and young adulthood intact.

When my children were just starting school I attended a "Drug Information" seminar. The professionals urged parents to ensure that their children were into sports. Into open communication, spirited, and mix well with adults and children. He outlined the profile of a habitual drug taker.
[INOT A TEAM PLAYER - NOT ENERGETIC - QUIET AND WITHDRAWN - UNABLE TO COMMUNICATE - CHIP ON HIS/HER SHOULDER - DOESN'T HAVE ANY SELF-AWARENESS - LIKES TO BE ALONE - UNDERACHIEVER

He then outlined how drugs were introduced.
Usually in a dark room while a group of rowdy youths were partying in the next room - kicking up a storm.
Usually by the non-academic achievers who were 'flat' (didn't have any excitement in their life)

So...the message I took from all the above was allow your children to be gregarious and outgoing. Don't step on their spirit - celebrate who they are and not what you want them to be. Be open and honest and there to guide them. Encourage play - sport - exercise - healthy pursuits - good diet. - good grooming.

I think there are few youths who don't experiment but if you encourage good friendships, and open dialogue at home, they will know right from wrong.

How did your parents feel when you all started experimenting? Talk about it - ask them. Did coming down really hard on you change your behaviour? Did reasoning - and the constant message that drugs kill your soul? We only can parent with the information we know - so use everything you can to watch for mood changes, and differing behaviour patterns. If you have suspicions - act on them. and hope and pray that all the good values that you pass on will give them a backbone - strong enough to say No. It's a wild world we live in.

There's no guarantees in parenting- but ton's of hope and love.

Ann