Beautiful Boy

I started reading "Beautiful Boy" at work during my breaks. All local Starbucks are carrying this book at the moment, and I just have to say what an amazing eye opener it is. The author writes his "memoir" or as I like to call it...his testimony about his sons addiction to crystal meth. I can not believe the temptations that kids go through these days, and at such a young age. The book is both depressing and a page turner. (If that is even possible) I believe knowledge is power, and that we can learn extraordinary things from others' lives who've taken different paths than possibly our own. The author questions what he did wrong as a parent and I'm sure we can or will relate to that as our kids grow and learn to make their own choices whether they are good...or bad. I remember my own school days like they were yesterday. And graduating eleven years ago...certainly does not feel like over a decade has gone on...but certainly the drug "epidemic" has grown leaps and bounds in that short time. When I was in school, I had never even heard of Crystal Meth. Perhaps I was too involved in sports and socializing to get "into" that kind of trouble. Frankly, I just didn't have time. If I wasn't at school, or a sporting event, I was home sleeping. I am grateful for that.
Another fabulous book "Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters" by Meg Meeker (A MUST read for all dads with daughters) says that 8.7 % of high school students have used cocain in various forms, 11.5 % of females attempted suicide last year, 28.3% of high school students had more than 5 drinks in a row on more than one day in the last month, 46.7% of students will be sexually active before high school ends, within the last year, 74.9% of students have had one or more drinks each day for several days in a row. Do these numbers seem astronomical to anyone else?
Two of my kids will be in preschool next year...which means two SHORT years after that, they are at the "school age" that many of these statistics BEGIN. Are they ready? Have I prepared them? What will the "new" drugs be? Have I even heard of them? I write this blog not depress or overwhelm anyone as parents, but to open your eyes to the lies and deception that is out their devouring our youth. Now, more than ever we must keep the lines of communication open with our kids. Dr. Meeker states this:
1. Make a Plan. Your aspirations for your daughter (children) will be clearest when she is young. When she's an infant, you know with crystal clarity what you will expect from her: everything from what whe will be allowed to say and do to whom she can date. Write it down now, and keep it clear in your thinking. So have your rules inscribed like the Ten Commandments - and stick to them.
2. Have Courage Under Fire - Yes, you will be fired upon - by friends, pop psychologists, television programs, your wife/husband, and your daughter (children). Keep your cool, but be firm. Remember that when she/he pushes hard agianst your rules, flailing, crying that you are mean or unfair, she is really asking your a question: Am I worth the fight, Dad? Are you strong enough to handle me? Make sure she knows the answer is yes!
I believe and I'm sure we all believe that is a resounding "YES, they are WORTH it!"