Being there for kids will help them make healthy choices about sex, alcohol, drugs and violence. Being there means spending time with them, listening to them, praising them, and encouraging them. It also means helping them to succeed by setting limits that keep them safe and setting a good example for them to learn from.

Parents and other adults have a great amount of influence over what children think and do. It is important that you build a relationship with your child early on so that you both become comfortable talking and listening to one another. Here are some things that you can do:

Learn about the sensitive issues like sex, sexuality, violence and alcohol and other drugs, so that you become comfortable talking to them about these issues and can talk with them about how you expect them to behave and why. These can be complicated issues for some kids and they need someone to talk to—that’s you!
Look for those teachable moments to start a conversation.
Know where your kids are, who they are friends with, and what they are involved in.

Life isn’t always easy—for youth or adults. Solutions to problems may not be easy, either. This website can help you start conversations with your children to prevent problems and to address problems when they arise. It will also link you to tips and resources to make conversations easier. Start today—click on the various pages to find out more about how to address specific issues.

“Be There for Kids” Month is sponsored by the Rhode Island Departments of Health and Education

More Resources:

Web sites

American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (Sponsored by the Campaign for America’s Kids)

Talk With Kids (A national campaign sponsored by Children Now and the Kaiser Foundation)

Kids Health For Kids (Sponsored by the Nemours Foundation)

Books

How to Talk to Your Kids About Really Important Things, 1994, by Charles E. Schaefer, Ph.D., and Theresa Foy DiGernonimo, M.Ed.

What Kids Need to Succeed: Proven, Practical Ways to Raise Good Kids, 1994 (revised 1998), by Peter L. Benson, PH.D., Judy Galbraith, M.A., and Pamela Espeland.

Ten Talks Parents Must Have with Their Children About Drugs & Choices, 2001, by Dominic Cappello and Xenia G. Becher, MSM, CSW.

Restoring the Teenage Soul: Nurturing Sound Hearts and Minds in a Confused Culture, 1999, by Margaret J. Meeker, M.D.