High school is the time to experiment, to try out different personalities, appearances, friends, passions, and making drugs and alcohol so enticing. The school systems have been doing a great job of educating the students in health class about the dangers of drugs and alcohol so we have seen a decrease in the use of these substances.
In addition to teaching our kids the ’80s slogan of “Just Say No,” I think it’s important for us as parents to recognize why, even with education on the dangers, the use of substances is still an option. I have broken down what I have seen behind their motivation; it is complex and multifaceted. Therefore, we have to educate, offer support, display grace, and love intentionally to help our kids make good decisions.
