Top Five Worries of Moms and Dads

The following are some of the common worries moms and dads have:

1.Drugs: Let’s face it. In today’s world. Getting drugs and using drugs is much easier than it once was. Most children know at least one person that uses drugs, and often times they may know and associate with several people. In many social circles drug use, whether hard core or simply recreational, is a way of life. Thus, drugs are a worry many parents have. This is a huge worry because often times drugs lead to other problems, such as disease, lack of attention, impaired judgment, etc. If as a parent you are concerned your child is using drugs, whether it is marijuana or something harder like cocaine, it is important to talk to them, and support them in getting the help they need.

2.Alcohol: Many youth attend parties and get togethers where alcohol is served, whether they are the legal drinking age or not. Many high school parties are known for beer and drinking games, not to mention what your child will see when they get into college. One of the reasons alcohol is such a common worry for parents is because of its addictive nature. Another reason is because alcohol is like a liquid lubricant. When you drink, your inhibitions drop; you do things you may not do otherwise. Parents fear their child’s judgment and their actions when drinking. And of course, another worry for parents that comes with alcohol use is impaired driving and the sometimes fatal consequences it presents. If as a parent you are worried about your child and alcohol use, it is important to make sure you are not an enabler. Do not go out of town without leaving your child supervised, no matter how old they are. Do not keep alcohol where they can get to it and use it without your notice, and of course, talk to your child about the dangers of alcohol. Even if you drink, you can teach your children about drinking responsibility.

3.Sex: One huge worry many parents have has to do with morality. The libido of teens and even preteens seems to be in over drive, and kids are having sex at younger and younger and younger ages. Sex is not the only fear in this category. Your child may be doing other things besides sex which still defile their body, and smash their morality. One fear is sexually transmitted diseases, another is pregnancy and the robbing of childhood.

If you are afraid your child may be participating in intimate activities they are not yet mature enough for, it is important to talk to them. It is important to help your daughters understand what they do to boys when they show off their bodies in immodest clothing, and when they touch, hug, etc. boys. You need to talk to your sons about protecting the virtue of girls, respecting their bodies, and not giving into the temptation to satisfy their sex drive. It is important to help your child see the responsibility and maturing required to engage in such activities, and help them know it is natural, and not bad to feel some of the things they feel, but that there is a time and a place for sexual activity and intimacy.

4.No friends: A worry many parents have is that their child will not have friends, or that they will be socially awkward. It is hard for parents to see their daughter not get asked to a dance, or their son sit at home on weekends because he does not have friends to hang out with. Many parents worry about how to help their child if they get made fun of at school, or are not a part of the in group. If you worry about this, you can teach your children to have confidence in themselves, and help them see the good they have. Do not let them judge themselves based on what other people think. If you help instill confidence and self worth from a young age, they will never struggle with making friends, or with their own image if they do not have as many friends or dance invitations as the next person.

5.Bad grades: One fear many parents have is for their child’s future scholastically. Many parents worry their children will not do well in school, and then not get into a good college, or that they will never learn to apply themselves, and struggle with a career choice, and so on. To help your child and alleviate this worry, it is important to expect something from your children scholastically, and make sure they know that you know they can do it, even if they have learning disabilities. You can expect things out of them by helping them set educational goals.