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•Praise and Rewards

Praising and rewarding children's behavior helps them establish strengths and interests that leave little room for unacceptable behavior such as smoking, criminal activities, using drugs, etc. When we focus on what children do right instead of focusing on what's wrong they learn to feel good about themselves and they develop self confidence.

•Laying the Groundwork

Once your children begin to talk, it's not long before their questions follow. "Why is the grass green?" soon gives way to "What's wrong with that man sitting in the park?" If you show your child that you're ready to give honest answers at any time -- even when the subject makes you uncomfortable -- you'll forge a trusting relationship. Your children will come to you with their concerns because they know you take them seriously.

•Yes, You Can

When we parents talk about our children, we voice some of our greatest fears and concerns. With good reason. The education our children are getting in school is often not as influential or far-reaching as the "street education" they get from their peers and popular culture. They get news and entertainment not only from movies and TV, but from videos, CDs, billboards, magazines, Web sites and chat rooms

•Staying Actively Involved

The more involved you are in the daily lives of your children, the more likely they are to do well in school and get along with friends. You'll also feel more in touch with them, and better able to recognize trouble when it crops up. Getting more involved means finding activities to do regularly with your child that the two of you enjoy. It doesn't have to take money or a lot of time. In fact, brief, meaningful activities each day are probably best.

•Parental Monitoring

Monitoring what your children do is an important way to keep your children out of trouble. What is monitoring? It's knowing where your children are, what they are doing during and after school, and talking with them about it each day. Why does it work? It helps your children succeed in school and with friends, while allowing you to guide them away from trouble.

•Teachable Moments

Take advantage of concrete, everyday examples to make abstract values come alive.

•Talking With Your Teen

Developing open, trusting communication between you and your child is essential to helping your child avoid alcohol use. If your child feels comfortable talking openly with you, you'll have a greater chance of guiding him or her toward healthy decision-making.

•Help Your Child Say No

Your child can learn to resist alcohol or anything else he or she may feel pressured into. Let him or her know that the best way to say "no" is to be assertive - that is, say no and mean it.

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