Hello,
My son is almost 12 years old. I'd like for him to start watching the movies where they show the impact if drugs, alcohol on kids and young adults' life. I think by seeing it and not just me talking about it will make him understand better how bad and addictive this is and will make him think twice before deciding to try it if someone offers. Can anyone recommend a movie that talks about these issues?
Thanks!
I.
If you really want to make an impact on him and scare the bejeezus out of him with the reality of drugs, have him watch "Trainspotting".
It's graphic (probably no more graphic than the final Star Wars movie or Lord of the Rings though) but it's a very real description of what drugs can do to your life.
Dear I.,
Talk, talk, talk and then talk some more. Stay alert. Check their mySpace often if they have it. Get them involved in the community. Nothing had a bigger impression on my two teenaged girls than working at our local shelter. Many lives can be ruined via drugs, alcohol, gambling (big problem in LV) and it let's them understand how these are good people who made bad choices. We've shown them two different rehab centers and talked about what they were for when we've passed them on family trips. One was in Utah at a rather rural location. A friend of ours had her son their for 12 weeks. They really couldn't understand how it was such a hardship for him until they could actually see how far removed he was from friends and family. And finally, talk, talk, talk...it really DOES sink in whether they admit it or not. When push comes to shove, whose tape do you want playing in their heads?
Here is a site I came across that might be helpful:
http://www.talkingwithkids.org/drugs.html
Also, I highly recommend the show Intervention on A&E (if you have On Demand, you can watch these anytime). The show is a half hour long, usually follows one or two people addicted to something, the effects it has on the family and the intervention.
I agree with Jenny's post, you should always talk with your child about drugs, don't just have one sit down or put him in front of videos. Keep the lines open when it comes to this. From my own personal experience. My parents NEVER talked to me about sex, smoking, drinking or drugs and I experimented with them all. I NEVER felt at the time that I was hurting my body and I never ever thought about consequences. Lucky for me, I didn't stay on them or get pregnant at a young age. For me, I just grew out of it but not everyone is that lucky. Talk to your kids, I know I will!
M.
I can tell you what had an effect on my two sons. We were driving down the street,and they witnessed this transit,standing on the corner...Yelling,at drivers ,and people on the street. He was mumbling to himself,and throwing his arms in the air!The boys asked me : What the heck happened to him? I told them... (Drugs) Thats what they do to your brain. They both decided then,they wanted nothing to do with them.: ) I'm sure theres some good documentories,and books on the subject as well.: ) The best to you I.
I am not sure about a movie but I would say bringing them to a shelter to help pass out food would be good. There are many people on the streets that are/were affected badly by drugs, I would point that out. Make sure he knows that if you don't do drugs you can keep your job, go to college and become something great. Drugs make you lazy and waste your money. I would give him examples and if you can visuals of what it can do. That is what ended up helping me, was seeing it after I heard it. Hearing it sounded like preaching but when I saw it I knew for sure it wasn't fake.
I.~
Both Michelle's give great advice! You still should always talk to your child about drugs. I am not sure what kept me away from them but I did. Thank goodness!
I believe that a major part of it was that I did'nt want to disappointment my parents. They always said how said that it would make them.
Best of luck to you and your son!
J.
