It is through role modeling that children learn appropriate ways to express themselves and appropriate behavior. Children particularly look up to grandparents. This special bond can be used to help prevent children from getting involved with tobacco, alcohol, and illegal drugs. It s never too early to start. Although it may seem unlikely, many children at age 9 have already experimented with smoking and alcohol.
Adults are the most trustworthy sources of information that a child has.
It is imperative that young people receive information and have dialogue about such issues if they are to make healthy decisions. It isn t always easy to broach such subjects. Often it requires education on the part of the adult so that they have accurate knowledge to pass along. What s most important is to encourage a relationship with the child that allows them to feel safe about discussing anything they have a question about. Beginning simply is better than not saying anything at all.