Parenting isn’t for cowards

By By Michelle Blaylock, Mom’s Corner
Dr. James Dobson wrote a book titled, “Parenting Isn’t For Cowards” and he is very right. It is hard work being a parent. I think one of the most challenging aspects of parenting is keeping up with the latest “trends.”
I am not talking about what style of jeans are in, or what the latest fad is for hair. I am talking about the various ways kids seem to come up with to get “highs.”
There are the really obvious ones like illegal drug use and alcohol abuse. However, we also need to be aware of huffing, which is inhaling just about anything for a high.
It could be glue, fumes from paint, cleaning fluid, nail polish remover, permanent markers, and just about anything from an aerosol can.
Some kids even think it is OK to do things like “Dust Off,” because it’s just compressed air. Well, no, it is not just compressed air it still has other ingredients like Freon and aerosols. These gases keep air out of the lungs because they are heavier.
Brain and heart function is interrupted causing death.
Another one parents need to be aware of is the choking or fainting game.
Yep, it is just like it sounds.
The general idea is to apply pressure to the neck briefly restricting the blood flow to the brain and then release the pressure causing a surge of blood which produces an euphoria. This can be done alone using ropes, belts, scarves, etc.
However, it can also be played in groups with one person physically choking another and then releasing the victim when they begin to faint, hence the name. Many adolescents think because this “game” does not involve any drugs, that it is a “safe” high.
OK, just for the record anything that “restricts blood flow to the brain” is a very bad thing. It can cause strokes, epileptic fits, comas, brain damage and death.
I have already mentioned illegal drugs. Unfortunately, legal drugs, such as prescription medication and over-the-counter medications can also be a problem.
Adolescents believe that if a doctor prescribes a drug or if the drug can be bought at just about any store that it cannot be dangerous.
Kids that would not consider trying cocaine, can be easily lured into downing a bottle of cough syrup.
Kids also tend to believe that prescription medication is not addictive. Obviously, any drug is dangerous when abused.
As a parent, we cannot possibly protect our children from everything. I believe it is very important for me to try to maintain a relationship with my kids that encourages talking about these types of dangers as I become aware of them.
Oftentimes as we watch the news and things like these come up, I ask my kids what they think and then try to open a discussion.
Parents also need to be aware of the signs of these and other dangers that present themselves to our kids.
There are many websites that can help such as www.theantidrug.com.
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