As the weather gets warmer and the sun stays out later, kids are ready for those lazy days of summer! For many students, sleeping late, spending countless hours with friends, traveling, and no homework increase the excitement of summer vacation. After working so hard throughout the school year on their academics as well as dance, sports, theater, and other extra-curricular activities, they deserve a break! But this summer, it is important to remember that parents never truly get a vacation…
At the Bay Area Alliance for Youth & Families, we dedicate ourselves to making our community safer for the students of CCISD, and we want to remind you of a few important safety tips this summer:
- Create safe environments for your children to have fun. It’s important to know who your kids are with, and it’s always ok to call and check in! Remember, parenting isn’t a popularity contest.
- Set out your expectations and any special rules at the beginning of the summer. This way there are no questions about the boundaries you have set. And, be consistent with enforcement.
- Always remind your child just how much they mean to you. You can never tell them “I love you” too much!
- Remember that your kids are always watching you. The old adage “Do as I say, not as I do” just doesn’t ring true for the wise kids of this generation. Modeling positive behavior is one of the best things you can do for your children.
- Find time to spend with your children this summer. In the hectic school year, it is often difficult to spend quality family time together. This summer, spend some time reflecting on the past year and setting goals, both family and individual, for the next year.
- Talk to your kids about drugs and alcohol. Summers offer more free time than usual and often teenagers stay home while their parents work. Remind them of the dangers of drinking and using any other kind of substance including prescription drugs not prescribed for them.
Remember, you, as parents, possess the opinion most valued by your child.
In Texas, it is against the law to make alcohol available to a person younger than 21 (other than your child) even in your own residence, even with their parent’s permission. If you break the law:
- You face a maximum penalty of one year in jail
- A $4,000 fine
- An automatic suspension of your driver’s license for 180 days upon conviction.
Wishing you a safe and healthy summer,
Amanda McLauchlin
Coalition Manager
Bay Area Alliance for Youth & Families
www.ccisd.net/alliance
www.crazymamas.org
http://www2.ccisd.net/AboutCCISD/AntiDrug.aspx
www.drugfree.org
http://www.tabc.state.tx.us/laws/underage_drinking_laws.asp