Click here to read an article by Cathy Taughinbaugh about
the common mistakes that parents make when they realize their child is using
drugs. This is not a list meant to “shame”
parents! They are called “common”
mistakes because they are the kind of things that parents instinctively do, often
with the best of intentions, but sometimes unknowingly. So let’s start by identifying those actions/thoughts. By perusing this list, parents (and other
loved ones) may realize that they need to start (or stop) doing certain things,
because those actions may be hurting themselves, as well as their relationship
with their child.
Here are a few examples from the list:
- Feeling that your child’s drug use is a teen rite of passage that they will grow out of.
- Continuing to worry constantly about things you can’t control and making yourself miserable.
- Feeling guilty for something you didn’t cause.
- Never praising or rewarding for what your child does right, because after all, he is using drugs.
- Not allowing your child to take responsibility for the consequences of their use.
- Waiting too long to get outside help, because you think you can handle it.
