As parents, we do not want to admit our teenagers are using drugs, but we need to keep our eyes open.  Elementary school years are the years of innocence.  Jr High School may be another story, all together.  Teenagers may go through drastic changes once they hit 7th and 8th grade and high school may be even worst. 

As parents, we need to watch our teenagers for warning signs of possible drug use:

1.  Sudden changes in mood / attitude

2.  Bursts of anger

3.  Isolation from family (spending a lot of time in their room)

4.  Drop in grades

5.  Lack of interest in normal activities

6.  Changes in appetite

7.  Changes in sleeping habits

8.  Lying

9.  Change of friends

10.  Skipping classes / truancy / tardiness

It is our job as parents to keep a close communication with our teenagers / children.  Stay involved in their lives and know where they are and what they are doing when they are not home. 

It is also important to let your kids know you “do” trust them and they can come to you to talk when they need to.  Don’t get your feelings hurt if they don’t talk to you about everything, but stay positive and let them know you are there for them when they do want to talk.

Written By:  Ask Ms Mandi