What are your house rules?

Every family has house rules that help to build responsibility, trust, and safety for those we love. It helps children grow up to be responsible citizens that respect laws, other people’s property, and treat others with kindness and respect.  It is important to make sure your children know what those rules are and what consequences will take place if those rules are broken.  Here are a few suggestions regarding keeping your kids and home drug-free.

With your child

• Promote the concept that being drug free is the norm in your home.
• Be sure to provide clear and consistent expectations for behavior.
• Most importantly, provide consequences for breaking the rules and do not forget to acknowledge or provide a reward for following the rules!
• Recognize the good as much as possible so their positive behavior is acknowledged and rewarded.

With other parents

• Make it known to other parents that your home is safe, healthy, and drug-free.
• Ensure that all gatherings for youth in your home are actively supervised by responsible adults and do not send your kids over to someone else’s house if they do not have the same house rules.
• Be available and welcome a call or communication from other parents.

With other youth

• When your children have friends over, be sure that visitors understand that you have house rules you expect them to follow.
• Let them know there will be no possession, serving, or use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs in your home or on your property.
• Be sure to let young visitors know that you will be in regular contact with their parents.
• If you have any question or concern about your child visiting a particular home, make your home the “home-base” for fun.  Be the house that the kids want to hang out in, where love and safety abound.  If you are warm and welcoming to your children’s friends and parents, then your home will be the spot where kids will want to hang.  Be THAT parent and not only will you help keep your own child safe, but also you will be a positive influence in the lives of children that may be at-risk.