ENFORCING CONSEQUENCES Even the best laid plans go awry. As the parent, it’s your job to enforce the consequences of the agreement you and your child made. Because underage substance use poses such a serious threat to their safety, you must take it seriously. HIGH QUALITY AGREEMENTS A good agreement is clear and understood by all. But rules are broken when they only reflect the parent’s wishes. Agreements work best in strong relationships built on mutual trust, honesty, responsibility, and care. MADD urges you to make the following agreements with your child: • No drinking alcohol or using cannabis before age 21. • No socializing in places where kids are drinking alcohol or using cannabis. • No riding in a car with a driver who has had any amount of an impairing substance. VALUABLE FRIENDSHIPS The friends your child surrounds themselves with have a big impact on their choices too. Encourage them to have healthy friendships and avoid high risk situations by: • Monitoring social activities and supervising parties. • Including friends you disapprove of in family activities to get to know the friend and share your family values. Don’t ban a friend. • Encouraging your child to participate in activities where they can meet friends with positive values.
DO: Impose fair, clear consequences. Talk to them about the mistake and make a plan for next time. Be firm and consistent.
DON’T: Act out of anger or impose unfair punishments.
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