Posted on September 18, 2018
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
Statistics indicate that nine out of ten Americans who meet the medical criteria for addiction began smoking, drinking or using other drugs before the age of 18.
Adolescence is a critical period for the initiation of drug use and the subsequent consequences. That is why the Starke County Youth Club wants to ensure that parents are forming meaningful connections with their children to encourage open dialogue throughout childhood, into the teen years and beyond.
According to a SCYC press release, preventing or delaying teens from using addictive substances for as long as possible is crucial to their health and safety. Every year that initiation of drug use is delayed, the risk of addiction reportedly goes down.
In order to celebrate the simple, everyday things that parents do to connect with their kids, the Youth Club is joining CASA (Center on Addiction) in recognizing Family Day. Family Day will be celebrated at SCYC on Monday, September 24th and Friday, September 28th.
Youth Club Executive Director Irene Szakonyi notes that a great way to connect with your kids is to simply ask them about their day and make time for fun family activities such as game nights or sitting down together for dinner. She added that when parents are actively involved in the lives of their children, it helps build strong bonds. That solid connection allows parents to make sure their kids stay healthy and achieve academic and personal success.
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