New Year's resolutions for parents of teens from Navajo County Coalition Against Substance Abuse

For your New Year's resolutions, the Navajo County Coalition Against Substance Abuse and the Partnership for a Drug Free America, Arizona Affiliate urge parents to look past weight loss, exercise and finances to include learning new ways to talk openly with kids about living healthy lives.

Time To Talk (www.partnerupaz.org) celebrates the positive influence parents have on the decisions their children make for themselves. With access to conversation starters, the site empowers parents to take an active role in prevention.

10 Resolutions That Show Your Kids You Care:

• Teach your children to trust you by seeing you as a role model.

• Be patient, not just tolerant. Apologize when you make a mistake or do something you regret.

• Ask teens what they need from you and do whatever you can to meet those needs.

• Listen to your teens-a lot. Avoid interrupting.

• Teach your children about ethics, values and principles they can apply in choices and decision-making.

• Help them discover the feeling of gratitude, not just to say thank you.

• Keep the promises you make. If you do not keep your word, acknowledge that. Help your teen understand the circumstances or choices that precipitated the change in your plans.

• Answer your teen's questions and be consistent. When you notice behavioral changes in them, make yourself available and encourage them to talk about what is going on in their life.

• Be understanding when they have a difficult time and let them know you will love them no matter what.

• Be diligent. Have ongoing conversations with your kids about the risks of drugs and alcohol.

"It's clear that a growing number of parents don't just want information; they want advice on what to do and best approaches to having open and honest conversations with their kids," said Shelly Mowrey, director of programs and marketing for the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, Arizona Affiliate. "The New Year marks the perfect time to set a resolution for your family and ... have access to the resources they need to successfully communicate with their teen."

About The Partnership for a Drug-Free America

The Partnership for a Drug-Free America, Arizona Chapter was established in 2003 to carry out The Partnership's mission to reduce illicit drug use in Arizona while meeting the unique needs of communities. Through its programs, the Arizona Chapter inspires and empowers Arizonans to join in a united effort to prevent illicit drug use among teens through community-based education.

In April 2007, The Partnership launched the Community Alliance Program, a statewide drug prevention program designed to meet the needs of Arizona's rural communities. By creating Alliances with each county, communities are provided with the latest research and educational materials. Founding program support for the Community Alliance Program provided by Thunderbirds Charities.

For more information, visit the Chapter website at www.drugfree.org/az.

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