Parent's Homework... Check.

Last Friday, Claire and Helen brought home a homework assignment for us.  We (the parents) were suppose to put a few thoughts together about the dangers of harmful drugs and ways to encourage the kids to be their best without using them. We were assigned to write down these thoughts on cards they provided and send them back to school so they can be posted on a "Positive Statement Wall." Here are some of the ideas that Doug and I came up with:

• There is no drug in this world that can match the power of who you are and who you will become. Yet any drug can destroy you if you let it into your life. You then have the ultimate power: the ability to say no to the drug and yes to you.
• The path of drugs is the wrong path to take. At first it looks fun and exciting. But it always ends the same, leaving you hurt, alone and rejected. But the drug-free path is not so. At first it may seem hard, uncool and lonely. But as you walk the path you will find that you are growing smarter and stronger, and you will discover that you’re surrounded by true friends: people who respect you for who you are and are willing to lend a hand should you stumble.
• Drug dealers aren’t always scary guys hiding in dark alleys. Sometimes they’re people you know: even your friends. But remember that no true friend would try to hurt you or make you think you had to use drugs in order to be their friend. Don’t be afraid to say no, even to someone you know. They may get mad now, but they need your example so one day they can also have the strength to say no.
• Imagine a magic curse that could burn your flesh, shut down your brain, starve your body, make you betray your friends and family and all the while make you believe you were cool in doing these things. Now put that curse in a bite-size form: that’s a drug.
• You can become a strong, smart and happy person in this life. Or you can use drugs. But you can’t do both, so choose now to follow your dreams and say no to drugs.
• Drugs are dumb.

This last one was Doug's favorite suggestion.  It was an easy task for him since it took his witty brain about two and a half seconds to mouth it out.  Free advise, anyone?