For the sixth consecutive year, Governor Jeb Bush and First Lady Columba
Bush will lead Florida's recognition of "Family Day - A Day to Eat Dinner
with Your Children" on Monday, September 25, 2006. This day is a part of a
national effort to increase parental involvement within the lives of our
children and it is also an effective way to reduce youth substance abuse.
The Family Day Capitol Event will be held in the Capitol courtyard from
10:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Griffin Middle School has been invited to take part
in the Governor's celebration of Family Day! Ms. Johnnie Mae Bush, Mrs.
Fryson, and 25 leaders of tomorrow from Griffin will depart for the Capitol
activities in celebration of this important day at 10:00 AM! Way to go,
Tigers!

Please continue reading for some activities that you can take part in on
Family Day and every day of the year with your child!

Start An Ongoing Conversation

No loving relationship can exist without communication. Teens believe they
have valuable things to say and, when a parent listens genuinely, it helps
self-esteem and confidence. The most important thing to remember when it
comes to talking about difficult subjects like drinking and drugs is that
it's not a five-minute "talk" — it's about building an ongoing dialogue. As
your children grow up, they will need more and more information, so start
early and build on the conversation as your teen matures.

Virtually all parents in America (98 percent) say they’ve talked with their
children about drugs; however, only 27 percent of teens (roughly one in
four) say they’re learning a lot at home about the risks of drugs,
according to a national study by the Partnership for a Drug-Free America
(PDFA).

There aren’t enough hours in the day. Sometimes it’s frustrating how few
chances there are to have conversations about drugs with our children. In
our busy culture, with families juggling the multiple demands of work,
school, after-school activities, and religious and social commitments, it
can be a challenge for parents and children to be in the same place at the
same time.

Yet the better you communicate, the more at ease your teen will feel about
discussing drugs and other sensitive issues with you.

Here are some tips:

Be absolutely clear with your kids that you don’t want them using drugs.
Ever. Anywhere. Don’t leave room for interpretation. And talk often about
the dangers and results of drug and alcohol abuse. Once or twice a year
won’t do it.

Be a better listener. Ask questions - and encourage them. Paraphrase what
your teen says to you. Ask for their input about family decisions. Showing
your willingness to listen will make your teen feel more comfortable about
opening up to you.

Give honest answers. Don’t make up what you don’t know; offer to find out.
If asked whether you’ve ever taken drugs, let them know what’s important:
That you don’t want them using drugs.

Use TV reports, anti-drug commercials, or school discussions about drugs to
help you introduce the subject in a natural, unforced way.

Don’t react in a way that will cut off further discussion. If your teen
makes statements that challenge or shock you, turn them into a calm
discussion of why your teen thinks people use drugs, or whether the effect
is worth the risk.

Role-play with your teen and practice ways to refuse drugs in different
situations. Acknowledge how tough these moments can be.

Source: The National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign's Behavior Change
Expert Panel


Conversation Starters

Describe what it means to be a best friend.
What would you do if someone you knew used drugs?
What is your favorite season of the year? Why?
Who would you like to see more often than you do now?
Name three animals that have toes. Name three animals that don’t.
Why shouldn’t you use drugs?
Why should you be cautious when chatting on the internet?
What special talent do you have?
What can you do that makes people laugh?
Name four items that can always be found in your refrigerator.
If you were in danger, who would protect you?



Celebrating Family Day is a way to reflect on the importance of your role
as a parent, whether it be eating dinner with your children, or engaging in
other family activities - like the Griffin Middle School GVB game - 6:00
PM@ Deerlake Middle School. Parents often forget or doubt their ability to
positively affect their children’s choices, especially their choices
concerning substance abuse. Below is a list of activities you can do with
your own children on this special day and every day:

During dinner, turn off the TV and phone
Menu planning and preparation for family meals
Take an active part in homework time
Do artwork, color, or share creative activities as a family
Play board games
Take a family walk or bike ride
Read a story together
Have family share time of the past, present, and future memories, stories,
and dreams

For more information visit www.floridafamilyday.com