Dear Parents/Community:
Youth today are faced with many challenges as they attempt to navigate through adolescence into
young adulthood. We all want our youth to live in a community that is safe, drug-free and healthy,
and as a community, we can all play a role in steering our youth out of harm's way. Together, we
can make a difference!
By their senior year, 45% of Dublin teens have reported drinking on a regular basis (PPAAUS 2006).
We must do whatever it takes to keep our kids safe, healthy and alive! We need your help!
As we make our New Year Resolutions, we invite you to add to your list of Resolutions to… Be
Smart… Parent SMART. Let’s work together to raise responsible, accountable and dependable
youth! Keep in mind the following acronym to help steer your child though adolescence. Be
Smart… Parent S.M.A.R.T.!
Set Limits. Remember, what you did to keep your teen safe as a young child, will still help keep
him or her safe today. Set limits with clear expectations and consequences for breaking them. Most
things in the world are changing; don’t let your expectations be one of them. Don’t count on anyone
else but YOU to “Just Say NO!” when you know you should.
Messages. Let your teen know the use of alcohol and other drugs is absolutely unacceptable in
your family. Don’t leave room for interpretation. Be clear. Be consistent. Discuss your expectations
and consequences prior to any incident. Don’t assume your child knows where you stand – not
talking is often interpreted as permission to drink.
Awareness. Be involved and stay connected. Know where your kids are, whom they are with, what
they are doing, and when they will be home. Be respectful and let your child know you love them
enough that you will monitor them. Remember to monitor online, cell phone and texting activity.
Resources. Parenting can be lonely – network with other parents. For ideas on implementing these
strategies or for additional information we suggest the following resources:
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Dublin
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City Schools Safe and Drug Free Schools Program
GeorgiAnn Diniaco at Coffman High School: 764-5950
Laura Leach at Scioto High School: 718-8345
Andy Zweizig at Jerome High School: 718-8274
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Dublin Counseling Center: 889-5722
Nationwide Children’s Hospital Behavior Health: 355-8080
Neil Kennedy Recover Clinic – Dublin: 210-0416
Dublin Parents Encouraging Responsible Choices: www.percdublin.org
Take time to talk! Avoid the “big talk”; take advantage of the small talks at the teachable moments.
Teens want to talk yet they also want you to listen. Find ways to talk and stay connected.
Listen even when no one is talking; you will learn a lot about your teen and his/her friends simply
through observing.
Thanks for your help and remember, Be Smart…Parent SMART! Together we can make a
difference!