Signs That your Child is on Dope

It is not always easy for parents to tell if their child is using or experimenting with drugs. Some of the warning signs include:

• Drop in school performance
• Decrease in out of school activities (such as sports)
• Red eyes
• Always tired
• Suddenly having a new set of friends
• Irregular behavior and mood swings
• Withdrawal from family contact
• Changed eating pattern
• Money or valuable items going missing

Of course, many of these are features of normal adolescence, so tread warily if your suspicions are raised. Be honest with your child about your concerns and avoid being judgmental. It will only turn off your teener.

Are White Lies Okay?

This is kinda hard to explain, should we allow our child to, well do a white lie? Because we all know that a white lie is still a lie, no matter how you look at it. But sometimes it needs to be done. For example if Lola's coming to visit with a birthday gift for your child and when your child receives the gift and doesn't like the gift that would hurt their Lola's feeling right? So this is where the white lie comes in. But its important to explain to kids that once in a while, we stretch the truth so someone's feeling don't get hurt, so you remind him to thank her Lola even if it's something he didn't want. But don't encourage him to rave about the gift either. A simple "It was nice of you to get me a gift, Lola" would work best.

But I think white lies are never okay when you use them on your child. If he asks if a shot at the doctor's will hurt, tell him it's going to sting, but the shot is important and it'll be over quickly." You have to model honesty even when you know the truth will make your child unhappy, because you need to build trust.

Reasons to Become a Parent

I know some of you really want to be a parent, while some don't. But if you're not decided yet, or is planning to become one. The reasons for having children can be grouped into 4 categories.

Reasons People Want to Become Parents.

1. To build up one's ego

• To have a child who looks like me
• To have a child who will carry on the family name
• To have a child who will inherit the family business, money and property

2. To compensate for something that is missing in one's life

• To try to save one's marriage
• To make up for one's unhappy childhood
• To help one feel more secure as a male or female

3. To conform to what peers are doing or what others expect

• To please one's parent or guardian
• To do what one's peer's are doing
• To keep from being criticized for being childless

4. To love and to guide someone

• To have the satisfaction of loving a child
• To help a child grow and develop
• To teach a child how to be responsible

Now if you're a person who chooses one or more of the first three reasons, then your focus is on your own or his/her needs and not on the child's needs. Being ready for parenthood means being ready to focus on needs in addition to one's personal needs.

The fourth reason, the desire to love and guide a child, is the best reason to become a parent.