Monday
Parents Have a Significant Influence in Their Children’s Decisions to Experiment With Alcohol and Other Drugs.
One of the most influential factors during a child’s adolescence is maintaining a strong, open relationship with a parent. When parents create supportive and nurturing environments, children make better decisions. Though it may not always seem like it, children really hear their parents’ concerns, which is why it’s important that parents discuss the risks of using alcohol and other drugs.
“Tip of the day” If offered drugs or alcohol, change the subject. Offer an alternative that you could do instead. If you’re with your friends, suggest doing an activity or grabbing a bite to eat. It might just be the push they need to put down the drugs or alcohol and do something a little safer. For example, say: "I’m good. Wanna go play basketball?" or "No thanks. Let’s go grab a snack."
Matt Bellace, psychologist and comedian, talks about the science behind a natural high and how finding a natural high can lead to healthy choices. He provides humor to help us understand this very serious topic. Want to share your natural high with Matt Bellace? Tweet him @mattbellace with #LiveNaturallyHigh. He might tweet back!
Tuesday
It’s Better to Talk Before Children Are Exposed to Alcohol and Other Drugs
If you talk to your kids directly and honestly, they are more likely to respect your rules and advice about alcohol and drug use. When parents talk with their children early and often about alcohol and other drugs, they can protect their children from many of the high-risk behaviors associated with using these drugs.
For additional tips of the day please visit our Facebook page!
Utah Jazz point guard Mike Conley Jr. turned his focus to basketball in order to rise above peer pressure. He knew that drugs would not help him get to the NBA. After completing the Mike Conley Jr. worksheet, encourage them to share their natural highs by having them hashtag #LiveNaturallyHigh on their social media accounts.
Wednesday
Some Children May Try Alcohol or Other Drugs at a Very Young Age
It is never too early to talk to your children about alcohol and other drugs. Children as young as nine years old already start viewing alcohol in a more positive way, and approximately 3,300 kids as young as 12 try marijuana each day. Additionally, about five in 10 kids as young as 12 obtain prescription pain relievers for nonmedical purposes. The earlier you start talking, the better.
For additional tips of the day please visit our Facebook page!
Having survived a shark attack that left her without an arm, Bethany Hamilton’s passion for life and surfing stayed strong, leading her to victories in her field. After completing the Bethany Hamilton worksheet, encourage students to share their natural highs by having them hashtag #LiveNaturallyHigh on their social media accounts.
Thursday
The Older Kids Get, the More Likely They’ll Try Alcohol or Other Drugs
About 10 percent of 12-year-olds say they have tried alcohol, but by age 15, that number jumps to 50 percent. Additionally, by the time they are seniors, almost 70 percent of high school students will have tried alcohol, half will have taken an illegal drug, and more than 20 percent will have used a prescription drug for a nonmedical purpose. The sooner you talk to your children about alcohol and other drugs, the greater chance you have of influencing their decisions about drinking and substance use.
For additional tips of the day please visit our Facebook page!
Tony Hawk paved the way for professional skateboarding and created a foundation dedicated to supporting underserved youth with skateboarding programs. He talks about the feeling of creating in his field and shares his reasons for choosing to live drug-free. Want to share your natural high with Tony Hawk? Tweet him @tonyhawk with #LiveNaturallyHigh. He might tweet back!
Friday
Not Talking About Alcohol and Other Drugs Still Sends Kids a Message
Kids don’t always have all the facts when it comes to alcohol and other drugs. If parents don’t talk about the risks of underage drinking and substance use, their kids might not see any harm in trying alcohol and other substances. Having a conversation allows parents to set clear rules about what they expect from their kids when it comes to alcohol and other drugs.
For additional tips of the day please visit our Facebook page!
Team USA hurdler and sprinter Queen Harrison credits her numerous accolades (including The Bowerman) to hard work, perseverance, and a clean lifestyle. After completing the Queen Harrison worksheet, encourage students to share their natural highs by having them hashtag #LiveNaturallyHigh on their social media accounts.