4 Parenting keys to prevent Addictions in children

"Should I let him go out with friends, or tell him to stay home?" As children approach adolescence, it is normal for parents to feel in a constant tug of war between how permissive or strict to be in the face of the typical demands of the not-so-kid anymore. These internal debates are due to the fact that parents strive to fulfill their role in the best possible way, with the aim of accompanying their son or daughter in this transition stage.

What happens is that they usually lose the guidelines, since the problems that adolescents face take a qualitative leap with respect to childhood situations. The latter used to be more controllable for parents, being able to keep their children safe from possible dangers. On the other hand, as we well know, adolescence entails more and more independence with respect to the family nucleus, the ties with friendships they acquire significant value, and the dangers of the adult world seem increasingly closer to that of the adult world. child.

One of those threats is addictions, in the broad sense of the term, ranging from substance abuse to the internet. AND

preventing addictions in children is a parenting challenge for parents the least threatening.

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Tips to prevent your children from developing addictions

No one is born knowing how to be a father or mother. Nor is there a manual to follow to the letter that guarantees an ideal upbringing for children. However, there is a series of parenting keys that can serve as guidelines to prevent addictions and thus fulfill the task of "making the way easier" (although not too much!) for teenagers. Let's see them below.

1. talk about it

All prevention has as a basic requirement that the problem be stated. Despite the fact that it has changed in recent years, some topics such as problematic consumption, suicide or sexuality remain taboo, and many parents still believe that talking about them will only give parents ideas. guys; Nothing could be further from the truth. It is necessary to open a space for dialogue with them when they consider it appropriate, although if it is the adolescents who propose the topic, even better. In fact, it is possible that this will happen, since it is a subject that will cross them: although the data varies from one to another, in general, the studies agree that the age at which most people had their first alcoholic drink is between 12 and 15 years old. It is important that they know about it.

In addition, the information that parents must provide their children must be as accurate as possible, so that adolescents understand the deep reasons why addictions are problematic. Regarding alcohol consumption, one possibility is to explain to them that beyond the consequences for physical health, the Consumption brings with it a deterioration of one's own mental health, but it also affects the social environment that surrounds those who consume.

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2. Give them support

Although it is extremely important to talk specifically about addictions in order to prevent them, another guideline for parents in this task is to promote a space for dialogue and general support. This implies getting involved in the daily problems of the adolescent, lending an ear if he needs it. Care must be taken not to be invalidating with the conflicts and emotions that surround the children, avoiding phrases like "it's not that bad" or "in two days you won't even remember".

It is better to allow the adolescent to express himself and express our support and affection. Accordingly, in a study carried out by a group of researchers from the University of Salamanca it was concluded that boys and girls who perceived greater affection from their parents engaged in fewer risky behaviors associated with drug use than those who perceived less keen. Other studies indicate that parent-child bonds characterized by closeness, warmth, support, and affection carry fewer risks to children's health. These data could help us to think about the importance of providing a supportive space for adolescents, favoring moments of dialogue and mutual trust.

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3. Supervision

In line with the previous study, as is the case with the perception of support from their parents, young people who perceive themselves to be supervised have fewer risk behaviors than those who do not. All parents could deduce the importance of supervising their children. The point is that "monitoring" is not about a tyrannical practice, but involves promoting that the adolescent learns to self-regulate, in order to favor the process of this stage in which will gradually become more autonomous.

The supervision of childhood, in which parents had to always have binoculars on before any catastrophe that could occur, has been left behind. It is not about establishing rigid rules, but it may be a good idea to open the possibility for the adolescent to discuss them. It is a negotiation. In addition, in this way it is possible to promote an assertive dialogue with the children and, likewise, that they feel heard.

4. agree limits

Maybe it's a bit confusing to read the word agree rather establish, but, like the previous item, this proposal also encourages the exchange between parents and children. Certain behaviors, such as going to bed at a set time at night, have been shown to be one of the most significant protective factors against drug use in adolescents. The other, coincidentally, is having a good bonding relationship with parents.

In this way, reaching agreements with adolescents about the limits to which they will abide (for example, establishing a sleep routine, or determining how many hours they will remain in the computer) is a flexible task, subject to discussion, so that the adolescent can understand the reasons why the parents consider it important that he or she comply with said boundaries; but simultaneously, that parents can reevaluate their decisions based on the dialogue with their children.