Getting ready for the upcoming school year isn’t all about notebooks, brand-new clothes and lunchboxes. It’s also about laying the foundation for good communication with your child and preparing them for a new transition.

1. Prevent drug use at every age.
   From preschool to young adulthood, find out what to say.
2. Learn about the drugs in your teen’s world.
   • Our Drug Guide will give you the facts to keep your teen safe (PDF).
   • Download our free mobile app for Android phones and iPhones for easy access to information on drugs most commonly abused by teens ‒ including photos, slang terms and short- and long-term effects.
3. Listen to what these moms have to say.
   Partnership moms give their 10 best back-to-school tips.
4. Set limits.
   While your teen’s judgment skills are developing, she needs you to keep her safe by setting clear limits backed up with firm consequences.
5. Become a better listener.
   Learn how to listen. Take this quiz (PDF) about active listening, and learn how it can help improve parent/teen conversations.
6. Starting a new school?
   Help your child make good choices during this critical time.
7. Talk about marijuana.
   Find out how to have meaningful, productive conversations with your teen about marijuana.
8. Help end medicine abuse.
   More teens are abusing prescription medicine than ever. Here’s what you can do to help.
9. Encourage healthy competition.
   Help your student athlete embrace healthy, drug-free competition.
10. Write a contract.
    Establish rules (in writing) about drugs and alcohol that you both agree to (PDF).

Still have questions? The Partnership for Drug-Free Kids is where families find answers. Visit our website, drugfree.org, year-round for more tips, tools and resources.

 www.chathamdrugfree.org