Positive parenting prevents drug abuse

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Encouragement promotes a strong sense of self because it sends three main messages to your child:

1. You can do it! Youth believe they can do things if parents:

• help them break a problem down into smaller parts
• remind them of their strengths and past successes
• encourage them by sharing how they have dealt with challenges

2. You have good ideas! Youth believe they have good ideas if parents:

• ask them to share their opinions and feelings
• listen to what they have to say
• ask them for input concerning family plans and events
• ask them for ideas to solve family problems

3. You are important! Youth know they are important if parents:

• remember what they have told them
• make time for them each day
• attend school functions and extracurricular activities
• let them know that they are thinking about them when they can’t be with them
• display things they have made and recognitions they receive from school or the community

Examples of Encouraging Words

• "I know that wasn’t easy."
• "You did such an awesome job."
• "Keep on trying."
• "You are very good at that."
• "You are learning a lot."
• "I like the way you did that."
• "I can tell you’ve been practicing."
• "It’s great to see you working so hard."
• "I’m so proud of you."

Practices That are Discouraging

• Being sarcastic or negative about a child’s ability to be successful
• Comparing a child to brothers and sisters
• Taking over when a child’s progress is slow
• Reminding a child of past failures 
• Source. NIDA.gov