Nine Ways to Keep Your Kids Drug-Free this Summer Keeping Your Kids Safe and Drug-Free When school is out, kids have a lot of free time. Those not enrolled in a full-time summer program might find themselves without supervision, especially older children who can stay home alone. With access to bicycles, cars, cell phones, and the internet, they can easily communicate and explore far and wide, sometimes encountering dangerous substances. Keeping kids safe during the summer can be challenging for parents. Here are some practical tips to help you keep your children safe and drug-free this summer. You can pick the ones you like best or try them all. 1. Start the Conversation Early Talk to your kids about drug and alcohol use at the start of every school break—summer, Easter, Christmas. Make your expectations clear that they must stay drug and alcohol-free, no matter the situation. Even if they don’t seem to be listening, your message will get through. 2. Know Their Whereabouts Always know where your children are going. Have phone numbers for the homes they visit or stay at. Be willing to check in on them to ensure they are where they said they would be. If they are going to a sleepover or a party, talk to the other parents ahead of time and make it clear that you expect no alcohol or marijuana to be available to underage guests. 3. Prepare for Peer Pressure Prepare your child to handle subtle peer pressure, which might simply be the desire to fit in or have fun like their friends. If they find themselves at a party where alcohol or drugs are present, the pressure to conform can be strong. Explain that you understand it's tough to resist when offered a beer or joint, but they must be mentally prepared to leave such situations. 4. Encourage Open Conversations Encourage your children to talk about friends they’ve seen drunk or using drugs, and discuss what they thought about it. Ask if they’ve seen photos or videos of such behavior on social media. Allow them to ask questions and express their opinions. This helps demystify the issue and removes any secrecy. 5. Discuss Future Goals Find out your children’s hopes and dreams for the future. Discuss how drug or alcohol use can derail these aspirations. Use real-life examples or news stories about people who struggled with addiction and the impact it had on their careers or families to reinforce this message. 6. Support Their Interests Encourage your child to pursue their interests over the summer. Help them get lessons or supplies for creative projects or learning new subjects. Check in with them each day to see their progress and show interest in their activities. 7. Enroll in Summer Programs If financially possible, enroll your kids in summer programs they are interested in. There are many options available, from science camps to sports programs. If cost is an issue, check with local parks and recreation departments for free or low-cost activities. Don’t forget to explore scholarship opportunities. 8. Set a Good Example Set a good example by practicing sobriety. Drink moderately or not at all, avoid illicit drugs, and use prescription medications only as recommended. Work with your doctor to minimize reliance on medications and communicate this to your children. Show them that not all life problems can be solved with drugs. 9. Spend Family Time Together Make an effort to get together as a family as often as possible. Ensure your kids are home for dinner most nights and plan family activities for the weekends. Don’t let the open schedule of summer scatter everyone to different places. Final Thoughts As you use these tips, you may come up with additional strategies that work for your family. Never underestimate the influence you have in your children’s lives. Even if they don’t express it, they know you care and are protecting them. Start these practices when they are young, be consistent, and stay present. Keeping your kids drug-free could be one of the most important parenting skills you develop.