My parents knew I was human. They knew the choice was mine. They let me know they would be there for me and love me no matter what.
But they EXPECTED me to choose wisely, and it was largely because of their expectations THAT I DID.
Moms and dads, “they’re going to do it anyway,” does not protect your kids. Preparing them to make bad choices by helping them to have less consequences (i.e. drinking at home) does nothing to help them grow and mature into responsible adults.
But setting high standards and expectations for them does. It EMPOWERS them to make good choices, rather than ENABLES them to make harmful ones.
Have open, honest, and all-inclusive ONGOING conversations with your kids about drinking, drugs, and sex. Jump out of your comfort zone so they will include you in THEIRS. Give them all the information you have, and then still expect them to make the right choices.
My kids CAN make good choices. So can yours. Let’s expect them to, and let’s TELL them so, not with haughty, terrifying authority, but with edifying and loving authority.
Because what if they’re NOT going to do it anyway, unless you tell them you believe they won’t?
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