There is no one prescription for protecting children against dangers such as alcohol and drug addiction. However, according to long-term scientific studies conducted in the USA, the child’s mental and social development plays a role in the development of addiction.
Mentally sound, happy children engage in less addictive behaviors in the future.
On the other hand, children give many warning signals before they become addicted. With these seven rules, we want to show you how to protect your children from such behavior.
1- Children need security from a spiritual perspective.
This rule is one of the most important elements for the child to have a healthy development. This means that the child is assured of the love of his parents and those close to him. It is not enough for a person to just love their child, the important thing is that he can show it and the child can feel it.
Children cope with their emotions differently from adults. They show their emotions more directly and more intensely. In the face of this situation, adults may not always show the necessary patience and understanding. There is no such thing as a great parent and there never will be.
But here is the important rule: when your child wants to hug you, never call back, especially after an argument. As a parent, always be inclined to make peace and know how to calm your child. The worst punishment for a child is when parents turn their backs on him. Children always want direct contact, they want to be caressed and they want to be hugged.
So spiritual trust means: I may be stressed and not be able to make time for you during this time, or we can argue, but you can always be sure that I love you. I love you for who you are and in every way. they also need it. Children who are self-confident and know that they can go to their parents when they need it are not prone to addiction at adult ages.
2- Children need praise
Children need praise. As adults, we should praise children not only for their achievements but also for their efforts. Generally, we put pressure on children to be successful at an early age and instill ideas of success.
We compare our child with other children and apply certain standards.
The experience children need here; parents trust them and their personalities are fully recognized by the parents. Success is not important here, the important thing is the development of a strong and calm personality.
3- Children need a certain degree of freedom.
Children should get their own experience. It may be difficult for families to change their protective identity a little at this point. Sometimes they don’t want to admit that kids have to go through bad experiences. So, of course, the child will fall and tear his knee or fight with his peers. That is to say, freedom means to have one’s own experiences, to research, to play, to run, to act. Within this framework, children learn to perceive their own reality and achieve their first success. As parents, you can neither teach this, nor can they learn it from television. The important thing here is to set limits for children. Children want it even though they know it might be conflicting in the end. These nerves give confidence to the child, do not narrow them. The continuity of the family is also important here. Experiencing some events together, sitting at the table together.
4- Children need realistic pioneers.
Children are guided by the feelings and thoughts of adults, they admire and want to be like adults. Children can easily distinguish what adults think and how they actually act. We tell children that alcohol and cigarettes are harmful, and we use cigarettes and liquor at every opportunity. How can we resolve these contradictions?
The only helper in this situation is honesty. It is necessary to explain to the child that alcohol and cigarettes are unhealthy. And at the same time, honestly reporting their own little weak spots to the child will increase the child’s trust in you.
Children need pioneers and they must be realistic. In this realism, it is necessary to explain to the child that adults also have weaknesses and that we cannot always act superhumanly.
5- Children need movement and balanced nutrition
Children want to jump, jump and get tired. They need the necessary space for this. That’s why many flats are too small for them. Streets are dangerous, and playgrounds do not meet these needs. Children need the experience of a healthy mind in a healthy body.
Another point as important as this is healthy nutrition. A great deal of candy and food is produced exclusively for children. Advertising promises health and success. Parents should act responsibly against sweets. It is wrong to give candy or chocolate to comfort children. At the same time, it is also wrong to provide emotional satisfaction with sweets.
Herein lies the parallel to alcohol and substance abuse: Addiction begins when substances or alcohol help people get out of a sad state. There must be a reliable person who will help here.
Today’s children are growing up in different conditions compared to 20-30 years ago. Small families take the place of large families, parents work, so the importance of pre-school education institutions increases much more.
6- Children need dreams and life goals
The most effective protection against addiction is mental balance, self-confidence and Self-strength.
Thus, children can become adults who can stand on their own feet, be realistic and accept criticism.
Here, upbringing is very important. Children need a family portal within the family that is open, honest, includes mutual criticism and praise, and uses firm yes or firm no.
