Many may find it hard to believe, but in some towns having a full bar at your 4 year old birthday party is presented as "normal". More often than we would like to imagine in many upscale towns this is a common occurrence. The heightened level of acceptance of alcohol use in the presence of young children is a contributing factor in the increased level of underage substance use that we are currently facing. Combine that with the new marijuana laws and we have a recipe for disaster. For those of us who were exposed to the younger legal drinking age of 18 and the heavy marijuana use of the late 60's and early 70's it seems foolish to repeat these same actions. As parents and adults in the community we need to lead by our example. Teaching to drink or use substances recreationally is not necessary. Building self confident children who understand that substance use doesn't enhance your activities or improve your social life is paramount in their ability to choose to be substance free.
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