Mothers Work At Home Blog

What is it today with teenagers? I read on the internet that the first time a child is subject to marijuana is at the age of 13. I myself didn’t even know what “Pot” was until I was almost 18 years old. I guess thats the difference in the new generations and how they have to deal with things in a whole different atmosphere than when I was a child.

Today we are dealing with so many troubled teen issues. Being defiant, disrespectful, doing drugs, drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, buying or stealing prescription drugs, peer pressure from friends and the list goes on. The average 16 yr old has already experimented with at least alcohol and/or marijuana. They say these are the “Gate-Way” drugs that will lead our children to discover a more intensive drug. Such as LSD, meth, and heroin.

I have been talking with a few teens in our community and my 16 yr. old son to get more information. My studies are just proof of what can go on in the school system. Most of the drugs available today are being sold in our school systems to and by children. You can actually purchase these drugs even cheaper than street prices. Making them affordable for our children who get an allowance and some children spend their lunch money to purchase these drugs.

Here are a few tips from me to watch for in your children.
PLEASE DO NOT think this is all that can happen to your child.
DO YOUR RESEARCH!! The internet is a world full of knowledge! So, use it!

Tip #1: For me getting my child in Church helped a lot. It gets them around other teens who are trying to live for the Lord and not the World.
Tip #2: If you THINK your child is doing drugs… they probably are. Keep your eyes OPEN!
Tip #3: If your child will not look you in the face while your talking to him/her, look into their eyes.
Most children smoking marijuana Will have red eyes. I would suggest going to your local drug store to buy a drug test for only about $15.00.
Tip #4: Watch who your kids are hanging around with. Make it your job to get to know your teens friends and parents!
Tip #5: I know you may feel as though you don’t want to invade your child’s privacy but, until legal age you have every right to see what is being brought into your home. If you feel your child may be doing drugs they will hide their drugs in their purses, socks, closets, bed springs, and friends houses as well. (another good reason to know your child’s friends)
Tip #6: Missing School – Most high schools will have an automated call letting you know if your child missed school or skipped a class. Some schools even have internet programs to view attendance and grades. If your child is missing or skipping classes CALL YOUR CHILD’S SCHOOL to get more information!
You may even want to visit the school to talk with their guidance counselor and/or principal.
Tip #7: Is your child coming home from school STARVING? This may or may not be a sign. (I know most teens will eat you out of house and home! lol ) I would also call the school to find out if your child is indeed eating school lunch with the money you gave them to eat. They could be spending their lunch money to buy cigarettes or drugs. (Most cigarettes go for $1.00 per cigarette and $5.00 per marijuana joint.)
Tip #8: Is your child withdrawing? If your child is spending a lot of time in his/her room they could be trying to avoid talking to you. Make it a point to talk with your child every day to find out what they are doing at school. The best time is dinner time. This is when the whole family can get together and open up for discussion.

I hope these tips will help lead you in the right direction if your having teen problems. I know from experience that getting help for troubled teens can be VERY EXPENSIVE and for the average family there is NO WAY we can afford the prices of $1500.00 – $5000.00 per month! I know I sure couldn’t afford these prices.

If you find yourself in a situation where you feel there is no other choice, but to get residential help for your child to get them out of the situation or atmosphere they may be in. You can contact TAPS a program that will help your child receive a scholarship to get the help they need.
Here is the number.. 1-866-411-8277.

If you are a parent who is dealing with a troubled teen.. my prayers go out to you.
It’s a long and hard road to go through.

God bless,
Kristy