Be sure to emphasize the things your youngster is doing right instead of always focusing on things that are wrong. When parents are quicker to praise than to criticize, children learn to feel good about themselves, and they develop the self-confidence to trust their own judgment. Give clear messages. When talking about the use of alcohol and other drugs, be sure you give your child a clear no-use message, so that the child will know exactly what is expected. Model good behavior.
Children learn by example as well as teaching.
Make sure that your own actions reflect the standards of honesty, integrity, and fair play that you expect of your child. Here are some steps that you can practice with your child to make it easier for the child to refuse an offer of alcohol and other drugs. Say no and show that you mean it. Suggest other things to do If a friend is offering alcohol or other drugs, saying no is tougher. Suggesting something else to do going to a movie, playng a game, or working together on a project shows that drugs are being rejected, not the friend.