Drug Prevention... A Family Affair

Ideas for family sharing during Red Ribbon Week (October 21-29)

Family Prayer

Provide prayer opportunities at mealtime and bedtime. Pray that your children (grandchildren) and their friends will be drug-free and safe. Encourage children to pray for those who are addicted that they have the courage to change.

Pizza Pledge

After pizza formulate a pledge and ask each member to sign it. Place the pledge on the refrigerator and invite any teenager to sign it in recognition of the standards that are expected in this household: This family does not do drugs!

Model and Affirm

Young people are as aware of what you do as much as what you say. Affirm "good actions" by leaving a message in lunches, pillows, or on bathroom mirrors. Set a good example for children.

All Red Dinner

Commemorate Red Ribbon Week by serving an all red dinner. Suggestions: Spaghetti with red sauce, red juice, red fruits, salad with red tomatoes and red dressing, red Jell-O, red applesauce and a red dessert (cherry pie). Talk about different illegal drugs, the harm associated with them, and how to support each other against peer pressure.

How to Say "NO"

Discuss how to consistently say "NO." Vacillating gives a mixed message. Talk about when and how people try to influence, cajole, or shame youth to do things that are dangerous.

Addiction Can Devastate Families

Talk to your children about drug addiction and how it devastates individuals and their families. When a family member uses and abuses alcohol and other drugs, it impacts the entire family. Let your children know that abusing drugs not only hurts them, it also hurts those who love them.

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