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Drug Awareness: Parent Power

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Lesson Plan

Drug Awareness: Parent Power

Parents will be able to identify key risk factors and protective factors related to youth substance use, recognize the importance of open communication, and learn practical strategies for discussing drug awareness with their children.

Empowering parents with knowledge and communication skills is crucial in preventing substance abuse among youth. This lesson provides tools to build a strong foundation for healthy choices and supportive family dialogue.

Audience

Parents

Time

15-20 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion and practical strategies.

Materials

Prep

Review Materials

5 minutes

Review the Parent Power Lesson Plan, Parent Power Slide Deck, Discussion Prompts Handout, and Home Communication Activity to familiarize yourself with the content and flow.

Step 1

Introduction & Hook

3 minutes

Begin by welcoming parents and introducing the topic. Use the opening slides from the Parent Power Slide Deck to set the stage and engage them with a thought-provoking question about their hopes for their children's future regarding healthy choices.

Step 2

Understanding Risk & Protective Factors

5 minutes

Utilize slides from the Parent Power Slide Deck to briefly explain common risk and protective factors related to youth substance use. Emphasize that parents play a significant role in building protective factors. Facilitate a brief discussion using prompts from the Discussion Prompts Handout.

Step 3

Open Communication Strategies

5 minutes

Present practical strategies for fostering open communication about drugs with children, drawing from the Parent Power Slide Deck. This includes active listening, choosing the right time, and being a role model.

Step 4

Home Communication Activity

5 minutes

Introduce the Home Communication Activity. Have parents work individually or in small groups to brainstorm how they would approach a difficult conversation about drug awareness with their child, using the strategies discussed. Provide the Discussion Prompts Handout for reference.

Step 5

Wrap-up & Resources

2 minutes

Conclude by summarizing key takeaways and reiterating the importance of ongoing conversations. Offer additional resources for parents (e.g., school counselors, community organizations).

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Slide Deck

Drug Awareness: Parent Power

Empowering Families for Healthy Choices

Welcome Parents!

Welcome parents and thank them for attending. Start with a warm introduction and set a positive tone for the session. Encourage an open and safe environment for discussion.

What's Your Vision?

What are your greatest hopes for your children's future when it comes to making healthy choices and avoiding risky behaviors?

Ask parents to reflect on this question for a moment. This helps to hook them into the 'why' of the lesson. You can ask for a few volunteers to share their thoughts or have them do a quick 'turn and talk' with a neighbor.

Risk & Protective Factors

What influences a child's choices?

Risk Factors: Things that make it more likely for a child to engage in risky behaviors.

Protective Factors: Things that make it less likely for a child to engage in risky behaviors.

Explain that understanding these factors helps us know where to focus our efforts. Emphasize that both types of factors exist, and we can influence them.

Common Risk Factors

  • Peer Pressure: Influence from friends.
  • Lack of Supervision: Not enough adult guidance.
  • Early Substance Use: Starting at a young age.
  • Family History: Substance abuse in the family.
  • Poor Academic Performance: Struggling in school.

Go through some examples of risk factors. You can ask parents if they can think of others. Keep it brief and focused.

Building Protective Factors

Parents are a child's most important protective factor!

  • Strong Family Bonds: Feeling connected and loved.
  • Clear Expectations & Rules: Knowing what's expected.
  • Parental Monitoring: Knowing where your child is and who they are with.
  • Supportive Adults: Having trusted adults to talk to.
  • Success in School/Activities: Positive experiences and achievements.

This is where we empower parents. Highlight that they are powerful protective factors. Connect these to everyday actions.

The Power of Conversation

Talking about drugs isn't easy, but it's essential.

  • It builds trust.
  • It helps children feel heard.
  • It gives them confidence to make good choices.

Transition to the crucial role of communication. Emphasize that it's not a one-time talk, but an ongoing dialogue.

Strategies for Open Communication

  • Be Present & Listen: Really hear what they say.
  • Choose the Right Time: Natural, relaxed moments are best.
  • Be a Role Model: Your actions speak volumes.
  • Stay Calm: Keep your emotions in check.
  • Be Informed: Know the facts, so you can share them accurately.

Provide actionable advice. You can elaborate on each point slightly, giving examples.

Let's Practice!

How would you handle a conversation about drug awareness with your child?

(See Home Communication Activity for details)

Explain that they will now put these strategies into practice with the activity. Encourage them to be open and think practically.

Key Takeaways & Next Steps

You are your child's best advocate!

  • Keep the lines of communication open.
  • Be a strong protective factor.
  • Seek support if you need it (school counselors, community resources).

Thank you!

Summarize the main points and encourage parents to continue these conversations at home. Provide the next steps for seeking further help or information.

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