Footprints Lesson #4

Today when Ms. Hardy came to visit our room for Footprints, she taught us about drugs and alcohol.  This lesson tends to spark a lot of conversation for the students.  They may come home and want to share the things they learned.  Ms. Hardy talked about what kinds of things are drugs and if/when/how they should be used. 
For example she discussed that when taking prescription drugs from a doctor, they must be YOUR prescription and taken exactly as the doctor told you. She also mentioned caffeine is a drug found in soft drinks, chocolate, and coffee.  It is a drug, but allowed in moderation.  She also covered alcohol in the same way, that it is a drug, but allowed in moderation once you turn 21.  She asked them a trick question, "At what age can you drink and drive?" This one stumped the kiddos.  She told them that it is not ok to drink and then drive, because of what alcohol does to the brain.  Ms. Hardy made sure to mention that it is ok if your parent drinks as long as they do so in moderation.
The last drug covered today was nicotine, found in cigarettes.  She included many of the chemicals that are found in cigarettes and the students were rather grossed out!  Warning: if you or someone in your family smokes, your student may be inclined to inform them of the dangers.  The teacher's recommendation was to use an "I message" when discussing any of these issues with an adult so they may be received well.  She really does a great job of informing them of the dangers, but allowing them to understand that even though drugs and alcohol are not healthy options, they are appropriate to some adults in moderation.  I hope this was helpful in facilitating conversations with your family on this topic.
We recently had Our Place (the company responsible for programs such as Footprints) visit our building to discuss the trends and statistics of drug/alcohol abuse in our area within school age children.  I was alarmed!  Many of the numbers and facts came as a complete shock to me and the teachers I work with.  I guess I keep my head in '2nd grade land,' where this isn't an issue yet.  At this age, the idea is to make them aware of the dangers and the more aggressive preventative programs will come in to play later on in school.  I am hoping we are able to arm you and your families with the best way to communicate with your little ones about the dangers that lie ahead in life and how to best support them to make healthy decisions.  Thank you always for your help and wonderful parenting!  I know it can't be easy, especially at this day and age.