Talking to kids about drugs

Shannon LeClair
Times Reporter

 

Knowing how and when to talk to your kids about drugs can be tough. You don’t want to push them too hard, but at the same time you want them to understand the consequences that could come from drug abuse.
Starting Feb. 26 the Kids and Drugs information session will be in Carseland. They are free to attend, and open to any parent looking to learn more.
“It’s for parents, it is very important they know this is a program about positive parenting and drug prevention. It is not a program that is geared to counselling for the youth,” said Lynn Walker, a team facilitator with SWAT.
The sessions are held Thursday nights from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Four topics will be discussed throughout the four sessions. The first week is talking about the power of parenting and how much of an impact you can have on your kids. The second session is helping your child make good decisions; the third session is talking with your kids and learning how to have that dialogue with them.
“The fourth week is when the RCMP come out with their big drug display and go over everything with them and just give an idea of different things that they look for with each of the drugs,” said Walker.
Parents will be given a workbook to help so they have ideas as they go along, and it has some information in it.
Kids and Drugs it is sponsored by the Strathmore-Wheatland Addictions Team, the RCMP and Alberta Health Services and the community of Carseland. The four sessions will be held at the community hall each Thursday, with the exception of March 12, beginning on Feb. 26. The sessions are free to attend but pre-registration is requested. Either e-mail info@wfcss.org or call (403) 934-5335 to sign up.