Join us on FacebookTalking to your Children about Drugs and Alcohol
Issues surrounding drugs and alcohol can be complex for young children who are frequently exposed to appealing advertising and media that promote use of these substances. Despite the compelling effects of
these influences, conscientious parents are in the most pivotal positions to observe, offer prevention, and even intervene in drug and alcohol matters affecting their children.
The responsibility to educate, discipline, and train children in ways of right doing rests heavily on parents, and aligns with the biblical admonition in Proverbs 22:6: "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Open, honest, and candid talks regarding the dangers and ills associated with alcohol and irresponsible drug use should be an integral part of the Bible’s suggested training for children.
Research reports that children are vulnerable to drug exposure at early ages. National studies show that the average age when a child first tries alcohol is 11, and marijuana at 12. However, many become curious about these substances much sooner.1 Key risk periods occur primarily during major transitions in children’s lives, such as leaving the security of the family to enter school preschool and kindergarten included. The advancement from elementary to middle school often invites new experiences academically and socially where the peer group is widened. High school comes with a whole new set of social and emotional challenges, as well as the potential for increased exposure to drugs, alcohol, and drug users. Accordingly, young adults are subject to the same risks upon entering college or working away from home for the first time.2 Still, the evil influences of drugs and alcohol can be counteracted through persevering efforts of parents who present their children to Jesus and train them for Him. This approach could prove beneficial:
Tell them what God requires.
Talks with children should be complemented with a spiritual lesson that emphasizes the inestimable value of the human body that has been purchased with the blood of God’s Son, Jesus. Children should know that the youngest child that loves and fears God is greater in His sight than the most talented and intelligent person who neglects His salvation. A sound grasp of this principle sets the stage for use of wisdom in life choices, including abstinence from harmful substances. Paul’s admonition in 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20 fully embodies this idea, suggesting that care of the body is not only a spiritual obligation, but also a moral requirement:
"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s."
The body is presented here as the temple of the Holy Spirit, God’s dwelling place, making it worthy of the most intelligent and delicate care. At best, children and adults alike are only stewards over property that belongs to God. Every endowment—strength, time, and intellect—are loaned treasures from God and must be treated as such.
Be and exemplary role model
Parents must live by the godly principles they impart. Do not expect better behavior from children than what is modeled before them. Total abstinence from harmful substances is the best example.
Know the facts.
Obtain and maintain adequate knowledge about drug and alcohol use, including knowledge of the drugs that are on the market, what they look like, side effects, pseudo names, etc.
Inform without demanding.
Establish a two-way dialogue that is absent of authoritative demands. Forbidding the use of harmful substances will likely result in strong resistance or short-lived results. Determining what is already known about drug and alcohol use through a query could be helpful. Be sure to listen well when your child is speaking. Refrain from alarming reactions during the dialogue. The idea is to create communication that will foster a trust relationship that promotes lifelong abstinence.
Set clear boundaries.
Make sure they embrace biblical principles, household rules, and consequences for violations. A loving but firm approach in both practice and principle is strongly recommended.
Trust God for the results.
Parents who persevere in earnest prayer while giving their children proper education regarding drug and alcohol use are rendering to God one of the highest services possible, and will not be disappointed. Though they may sow in tears, discouragement, and despair, and the harvest be delayed, it will surely ripen. The prayers will be answered, and in the last great day these parents will be able to bring their children before the one who paid an infinite price for their salvation, saying, “Here am I, and the children whom Thou hast given me.”3
| ||||||
More articles by this author
Editorial - 2009 March/April - I Thought It Was Real| < Prev | Next > |
|---|