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Whether people really have more or less free time than they did 20 years ago, it is undeniable that many families feel harried. There are many benefits to organized activities for children and adolescents, but parents must be careful not to overload a child's schedule. Every family is different, and it is up to the parents to decide what is possible and acceptable for the child. This booklet outlines signs of stress that may be affecting a child or family adversely. Suggestions are given for setting aside family time, expanding the day, and recognizing what is stressing the family. Keeping a time diary can provide insight into what causes stress. Stress management tips are given. (Contains 17 references.) (SLD)

This booklet discusses the importance of family rituals as a way of staying connected to children as they move through adolescence. Family rituals give teens a sense of being part of a family that values its time together. Even something as simple as a family meal together can have great impact on maintaining a bond between parents and children. Another way to keep a family connected is to disconnect occasionally from electronic gadgets, including the television. Storytelling and celebrating cultural heritage are ways to foster a sense of family oneness. Five tips are given for creating family togetherness: (1) setting aside a family night; (2) scheduling regular get-togethers with the extended family; (3) creating unique family memories; (4) playing "remember when..."; and (5) taking time to listen. (Contains 18 references.) (SLD)

The earlier a parent can detect and respond to a child's involvement with alcohol and other drugs (AOD), the better. Just as early detection heightens the cure rate for cancer, so too does early intervention increase the chances of ending AOD use. This booklet outlines warning signs of AOD use and lists the hazards of adolescent drug use. Suggestions are given on how to respond to evidence that the child is using AOD. Even though the parent should be supportive, it is important to allow the child to face the natural or logical consequences of misuse or abuse of substances. It is important in the early intervention process to stay close to the child through monitoring. The booklet also includes ideas about where to turn for help and resources to help both parent and child. A comprehensive assessment, such as those provided by the University of Wisconsin's Adolescent Alcohol/Drug Abuse Intervention, can help parents understand the extent of the child's AOD involvement. Parents and their children should understand that the road to recovery is not a smooth one, but that they do not have to travel it alone. (Contains 23 references.) (SLD)

This first publication in the "Who's Raising the Family" series covers the critical issue of family communications and how parents and adolescents can talk and listen to each other about alcohol and other drugs (AOD). Communication between parents and children is crucial in preventing alcohol and other drug use. While peer relationships take on increasing importance as children enter their teen years, it remains true that what parents think matters, even to teenagers. This booklet suggests some ways to encourage conversation with adolescent children and emphasizes the importance of the example that parents set in the home. Communication styles vary with different cultures and types of family structure, but no matter what communication style the family uses, setting rules for the child and sharing expectations is critical. Research makes it clear that adolescents value guidance from parents on alcohol and other drugs, but the way that guidance is offered affects how effectively the message is heard. In addition to effective communication within the family, parents must extend communication to their children's friends and the parents of those friends. Active listening to teenagers takes practice, but an open and supportive relationship will help protect the adolescent from AOD. Thirteen resource organizations are listed for further information. (Contains 23 references.) (SLD)

This guide contains suggestions for building a solid foundation of discipline and responsibility to contribute to positive relationships between parents and children. Three important steps are to: (1) model appropriate behavior; (2) provide age-appropriate choices to help children build decision-making skills and self-esteem; and (3) set reasonable limits. Descriptions of the practices of several families show ways to approach issues of money, monitoring activities with friends, and after-school arrangements. Discussions of consequences of actions versus punishment and anger management offer suggestions to help parents react in ways likely to lead to positive results. (Contains 19 references.) (SLD)

This resource guide was written for teachers; school counselors and nurses; principals and school administrators; other professionals in health care, family planning, alcohol and other drug abuse (AODA) prevention and treatment; and community agencies who work with pregnant teenagers and their partners. It is designed to help these practitioners educate adolescents about the effects of alcohol and other drug use during pregnancy and parenting. Basic information is included about alcohol, other drugs and pregnancy and about special risks for AODA that affect pregnant teenagers. Strategies are suggested to help pregnant teenagers develop self-esteem, decision-making and other skills, and the support they need to avoid alcohol and other drugs. Tips are offered for intervention and counseling with pregnant adolescents. The emphasis is on psychoactive drugs, also known as mind-altering or mood-altering drugs, including alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs like marijuana and cocaine, and some prescription and over-the-counter medication. Several activities are included throughout the book that can be used with teenagers who are pregnant. Copies of these exercises as worksheets are provided at the end of the guide. (NB)

This book was written for parents interested in preventing alcohol and other drug abuse by their daughters. It addresses special risks that girls face and notes that recent research challenges long-held beliefs that alcohol and other drug abuse problems among females are the same as those among males. The word "drug" is used to include alcohol, nicotine, street drugs, and prescription and over-the-counter medications that cause mood and mind changes. Each of six chapters addresses one major strategy for drug abuse prevention. Chapters are organized by how those strategies affect a girl from her toddler through her teenage years. Individual chapters focus on: (1) effective communications; (2) parents, the media and other role models; (3) building self-esteem; (4) developing decision-making skills; (5) sidestepping peer pressure; and (6) prescription and over-the-counter drug use. The appendices review research on the specific drug problems and risks females face and list literature on alcohol and other drug issues and programs designed to prevent drug problems in individuals, families, and communities. (NB)