Being a father is not easy; it takes sacrifice, which means being present for children and loving them unconditionally. The greatest joy for any father is seeing their children thrive.
Yet kids and teens experiment with risks, and fathers have a responsibility to speak to them about drugs and alcohol and help them understand risks and consequences.
Minnesota’s drug education and prevention campaigns are critical to helping young people make responsible choices.
Illegal drugs today are more readily available than ever before. According to the DEA, drug traffickers have turned smartphones into a one-stop shop to market, sell, buy and deliver deadly fake prescription pills and other drugs.
Amid this social media influence, kids, teens and young adults are easily lured by risky products and into participating in risky behaviors.
Posts are promptly posted and removed with code words and emojis used to market and sell illicit drugs.
Fathers are responsible for protecting and preparing our children for the world. Drug education is essential.
Take the time to speak to your kids about the dangers of illicit substances, how to avoid and manage peer pressure, and what to look for. Be prepared to share personal experiences and help them understand that some choices have consequences.
Along with bearing this responsibility, fathers must also care for their own well-being and mental health.
Raising children is challenging, and the pressure of being a good influence can get the best of us. We may second-guess our choices and decisions and stress over the small things.
All of this makes it vital not to ignore our mental health. Children, especially younger kids, mimic what they see. How we cope with frustration, anger, sadness, or isolation impacts our children in several ways.
Our actions have consequences, and while no father is perfect, we must be conscious of the fact that children look up to us, mimic our actions and see when we are doing well in life mentally.
The key for fathers caring for children is to take the time to care for themselves.
However, if you are struggling, dial 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Taking care of your mental health is the same as taking care of your physical health; it is an integral part of your well-being and contributes to you being the best father you can be.
Nickolaus Hayes is a health care professional in the field of substance use and addiction recovery and is part of the editorial team at Drug Rehab Services. His primary focus is spreading awareness by educating individuals on the topics surrounding substance use.