What Can Parents Do To Prevent Their Children From Becoming An Addict?
Every parent wants their children to be happy and successful. But what happens when they go down the wrong path? Becoming addicted to drugs or alcohol is one of the lanes in this path that is most feared. So what can parents do to prevent their children from becoming an addict? Below we’ll give you some tips.
Preventing the Problem
The way children are brought up today in comparison to when their parents were kids are completely different. Past or present, one of the main concerns for parents is how to stop their kids from becoming addicted to drugs and alcohol. The upbringing techniques of parents will differ from family to family, some might be more laid back and others will be hard task-masters. But which method is the right one?
Be a Good Example
It has been proven that if a parent exhibits addictive behaviours, there’s a high possibility that this will rub off onto their children and they will behave the same way later in life. This is a classic line that parents use: “Don’t do what I do, do what I tell you to do.” But what sense does this make if mom or dad is doing wrong? Children look up to their parents and by setting good standards in your life, there’s a good chance that your kids will do the same.
Act Reliably and Make Sure Your Children Know Their Limits
Parenting today has become much more relaxed than what it used to be. Then again, being overly strict is never a good thing. These two techniques will only force children to make their own rules without consulting their parents. Set rules and make sure that they are reasonable. This will help children to develop the ability to set boundaries for themselves. For example, prioritise their health and safety above everything else.
Do Not Mistreat Your Children
Children behave problematically for a reason.
If parents abuse alcohol or drugs, then there’s a good chance that they could be mistreating them while actually trying to discipline them. Controlling a rebellious child may be stressful but the fact that their mom or dad is abusing alcohol or drugs is much more traumatic for them. By making sure that you do not mistreat them is a good way to prevent your child becoming an addict in the future.
Stay Away From Corporal Punishment and Show Affection
There will always be arguments surrounding the issue of physical punishment. Some parents think it works, while others are totally against it. However, it has been proven that aggressive parenting can be directly related to child aggression. Instead, show your children the affection they need. For example, if you child back-chats you or breaks the boundaries you have set for them, don’t hit them. Rather take a moment and think if you have shown them affection and love recently. By avoiding the use of corporal punishments on your children could prevent addiction developing in the future.
Don’t Distance Yourself from Them
Children who become addicted to drugs and alcohol later in life are often ones that have been neglected. More often than not, neglect usually happens because a parent is addicted to drugs or alcohol, which makes getting help in an addiction rehabilitation centre even more important. Prevent your child from becoming an addict by paying attention to the things they love doing. Encourage and motivate them to do their best.
Get Professional Help but Be Wary Of the Advice Given
You can prevent your child from becoming an addict by getting the help of those experienced in the parenting field. However, the opinions of these people may differ according to the way they were brought up instead of using the training they received. Watch out for this and find a counsellor that is sensible, well qualified and experienced. For more advice on how get help if you are addicted to drugs and alcohol and you don’t want it to affect your children, call us now and our qualified addiction counsellors will gladly assist in finding the best treatment clinic available.
http://addictions.about.com/od/familyrelationships/tp/parent_discipline.htm