Parents are the first and most influential aspect of a child's life. Ideals, moral values, opinions; they all stem from one central source. Fortunately or unfortunately, these learned behaviors also include the parents' outlook and level of tolerance for illicit substances, ranging from “natural” or herbal drugs to chemical concoctions. A child's decision to use or not to use drugs is also greatly affected by parental attitudes. According to the article Parent Power by Joseph A. Califano Jr., “Parent power is the greatest weapon we have to curb substance abuse.” (Califano, 209). This essay will explore why I agree to a point with parental intervention when it comes to substance abuse, and how much I think could be too much.
The article, Parent Power by Joseph A. Califano, touches on the importance of parents not only educating their children about drugs, but also the importance of parents playing an active role throughout their child's developing years. Califano states, “The price young people pay for parental pessimism and nonchalance is high.” (Califano, 208). While the author is speaking of drug awareness by parents, he is also discussing the issue of parents being involved with the development of their children, particularly by being actively attentive to the environments that the child is exposed to.
This idea is very widely expressed and agreed upon, and as a parent stated in an article by the Manitoba Government called Talking with Your Kids about Crystal Meth and Other Drugs, “Where would I rather my daughter get her information about crystal meth? From someone trying to sell it to her or from me?” (Manitoba Government). In the same article, the Government says,“Studies consistently show that kids whose parents talk to them about the dangers of drugs are significantly less likely to use illicit drugs than kids whose parents do not.” (Manitoba Government). Both quotes express the importance of parents being actively involved with their children and to educate them on one of the most important decisions a child will make: To use or not to use drugs.
While I agree that parental involvement in a child's life is most definitely essential, I do not agree that it is the “greatest weapon” against substance abuse. The reason for this point of view is that I think that Califano paints the image of a Utopian family setting where the ideals are perfectly balanced to influence the child favorably against substance abuse. Califano has written about consistent family meals, lack of extra tension in the house hold, and open communication between members of the family, et cetera. Many homes are not so positive that the parents could maintain such a steady equilibrium. Evidence of this can be shown in under-privileged homes where monetary stress is high and family quality time is low and not possible. It can also be exemplified in homes where the parents are workaholics or just negligent. These are the cases where parent power is not as great as it should be, but rather, quite the opposite.
Cases also exist where parental involvement is too much. The article, My Mother the Narc, by Sarah Childress addresses parents who are now drug testing their children at home. The article warns that, “… it (drug testing) erodes the trust between parents and children and may create a mind-set of secrecy that discourages parents from seeking professional help.” (Childress 22) This is a perfect example of the need for balance in a child's life between parental guidance, personal experience, and environmental influences. Home drug tests are becoming more and more popular, as stated by Childress with “Online sales of the kits, which range from $15 to $25, have exploded in the last decade, with some 200 Web sites aimed at parents.”(Childress, 22). An example of such a website is Drug Test Your Teen. I am not saying that I do not agree with parents drug testing their kids, as I believe that this is a very effective and positive way to maintain awareness over a child. In some cases, however, parents go to the extreme.
It is now possible for parents to simply collect hair from their children (as little as “30 to 40 strands of hair” (Drug Test Lets Parents Check up on Kids by Cheryl Chan) and submit the strands for information on the types of drugs being used and how often they are used without the kids knowing. Why isn't this effective? Such an act could cause serious mistrust between the parent(s) and child(ren), destroying respect and giving an opening gap to serious rebellion from the child(ren). "It's the parent's job to monitor, but it needs to be open and discussed … Trust has to be built. It's better than having to spy on your kids." (Chan)
The debate on the amount of parental involvement with the behavior of children is vast. A great number of parents find themselves unprepared or unwilling to educate their children on the controversial and difficult subject of drug use, often because the parent believes the child will be educated at school or through other authority. “Parents, if you want to raise drug-free kids, you cannot outsource your responsibility to their schools or law enforcement.” (Califano Jr. 208). Other parents decide that absolute control must be taken over their children, even if it means sneaking drug tests instead of openly communicating.
Do I think that parental involvement is an extremely important factor in a child's life, especially when it comes to educating about substance abuse? Absolutely. Do I think that parents should be so involved that they practically have cameras (or microscopes) and spies on their children at all times? Absolutely not. Children need a chance to grow and explore on their own with parents simply guiding, educating, and positively influencing along the way. Parents who are unsure of how to guide a child have many resources, from online forums discussing drug education for children to books and articles published specifically on the subject. There is no excuse for ignorance; it's not only our own children who will suffer.
