No parent wants to learn that their child is addicted to drugs, but yet millions find themselves in this threatening situation. No parent wants their child to be a victim of discrimination, bullying, child abuse or sexual harassment.
I am a Pediatrician who has always championed the needs of children. I represent a non-profit corporation, Rewarding Life, Inc., whose mission is to prevent children from coming under harm’s way.
Every parent should ask, “What must I do to protect my children?”
If children were knowledgeable about potentially harmful situations, they might have the conviction to avoid them. For example, if tempted by a peer to take an addicting substance, they might have the courage to say, “NO DRUGS FOR ME!”
Parents must equip their children with the necessary information to be able to handle situations of potential danger.
From birth on, children and adults are constantly learning new and important skills. For example, the toddler will master the art of using eating utensils and dressing oneself, and with age will acquire additional needed skills.
Spending quality time with children has been shown to be most advantageous. Many parents are overloaded because of work, family and household commitments, but socialization time must be put aside for all the children in the family. The infant and toddler can be exposed to lullabies, fairy tales, and stories of family members. As verbalization develops encourage the child to give a simple analysis of what was presented. For example, after telling the fable of the “Three Little Pigs”, ask the child, “What was the story about? What materials would you use to build a house and why?” The parent must be patient and the atmosphere of their meeting should be non- threatening and enjoyable.
After six, life protecting skills are introduced, such as the dangers of addiction, how to manage relationships between friends, how to handle discrimination and prejudice, what to do when bullied, etc. The information should be repeated and reinforced as the child matures. Some parents as well as children may feel uncomfortable discussing some topics, such as sex; but if necessary, these discussions can be tabled to a future time.
The younger the child, the easier it is to convey the necessary feelings and attitudes about a particular subject. Upon reaching adolescence, the child may be less prone to having in-depth discussions with the parent, especially if the teen is rebellious. Parents may initiate discussions on their own, doing basic research beforehand so as to have correct information. For that parent who wishes to use a guiding manual,
“PREVENTING ADDICTION and OTHER CALAMITIES,” can be obtained free of charge by requesting an electronic copy, using the email address listed below. This can be downloaded on a computer, tablet or smart phone.
This manual acts a catalyst to discuss important solutions. Vicariously, the child will understand what dangers might be encountered in the future, and be given the tools and knowledge of how to handle the threatening situation. A sentence, paragraph or chapter may be recited, after which all participants are encouraged to dissect the material in question, give opinions and arrive at logical conclusions.
The manual need not be read as a novel. Topics can be discussed out of order as participants desire or as situations arise. If giving important life-saving information to our children saves anyone from addiction, physical and sexual abuse, discrimination and bullying and decreases the number of teenage pregnancies, then the art of parenting will have taken an important step forward and will place our children on the path to achieving a successful and rewarding life.
Please email RewardingLifeInc@gmail.com to obtain a FREE electronic copy of “Preventing Addiction and Other Calamities.”