Making Good Choices

What choices we make about ourselves most certainly affect those around us, in particularly our families.  In our parenting class this week we are talking about how our choice to use tobacco, alcohol, or drugs will affect our children and even our unborn children.

Here are some statistics obtained from the Nurturing Parenting Program (Bavolek, 2007) for you to consider:

• Health risks of smoking include:  increased risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer, emphysema, and worsened lung function.
• Pregnant women who smoke run an increased risk of having stillborn or premature infants or infants with low birth weight.  (p. 11)

Second hand smoke can affect the unborn child in the following ways:

• Miscarriage
• Stillbirth
• Reduced lung function
• Complications during pregnancy
• Premature birth
• Intellectual and behavioral defects
• Low birth weight  (Bavolek, 2007, p. 11)

Second hand smoke can affect babies and children in the following ways:

• Increased illnesses
• Subjecting child to 40 toxic, cancer causing substances
• Lower respiratory tract infections
• Ear infections
• Reduced lung function
• Asthma
• Cancer/Leukemia in childhood  (2007, p. 12)

So what about alcohol?  What about drugs?  How can these harm your child?  Well, as it has been said in the past, we are role models for our children.  Children mimic what they see.  If we abuse alcohol, or drugs, our children have an increased chance of doing the same.  Many factors cause people to turn to drugs or alcohol, most of them being depression or psychological issues, stress, genetics, parental history, peer pressure, and enabling from others (2007).  Did you know that drugs and alcohol can increase your risk of abusing your child?  It can and does!  It is important that we be responsible when consuming alcohol and that we avoid drugs.  Our children's future is at stake.  Make a point to talk about these things to your children.  Keep an open dialogue about tobacco, drugs, and alcohol.  If you don't have the talk with them, someone else will; that person might be a drug pusher or peer that wants to lure your child into using these substances.  The most important step to take with your children regarding these substances is COMMUNICATION.  Also, take time for your kids.  Spending time together and having a good relationship will help your child/children feel secure and will deter them from turning to substances for support.

Reference:

Bavolek, S. J. (2007).  Nurturing Skills For Families.   Asheville, NC:  Family Development            Resources, Inc.