If it seems like keeping up with your child’s schedule has become a hefty task, there isn’t any wonder why. Kids have a lot going on these days—team practice, piano lessons, hanging out with friends. Kids today are learning to place a greater value on what is meaningful in their lives—which is precisely why less of them are turning to drugs.

Youth overwhelmingly placed family and parents as one of their top Anti-Drugs, just behind sports. The importance kids place on family reinforces that parents and siblings are a very important factor in a child’s decision to reject drugs. In fact, parents also can take responsibility for encouraging their child’s interest in sports and other Anti-Drugs, which in turn will help them grow up drug free.

     Despite Hollywood impressions that most kids are involved with drugs, the opposite is actually true. Seventy-two percent of kids ages 12-17 have never used illicit drugs, according to a recent Government study.

     Dr. Horn suggests that parents put that influence to good use. When parents understand their role and communicate their support for the many good things their child does, kids will feel more confident in their day-to-day decisions and continue to make good choices in the long-term. And that’s a positive response we all want to hear.