Remember that both as you talk with your children and as you consider what behaviors you model about the use of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs. Ask children what they think about a TV program or story-line. Discuss how violence and bad decisions can hurt people. Realize that when you use tobacco, alcohol and other drugs, you are sending a message endorsing your children's use of these substances. Give children honest praise for their attempts to take responsibility for their own good health.
School opens up a new world to children beyond the closeness of family.
As children grow older, friends take on heady proportions, and children seemingly live or die based on their friends' opinions. Acceptance can be everything. The advent of reading and writing skills will also make your child a global learner. Because peers and reading skills expand your child's world, messages about tobacco, alcohol and other drugs may be conflicting with the one's you give your child. They do, however, understand the reason for rules and appreciate having limits in place.