Which is a recommended approach for families to reduce AOD risk for their children?

• A. Set clear rules, discuss AOD openly, model safe behavior, supervise activities, and know friends and routines.
• B. Remove all rules and never discuss AOD.
• C. Only discuss AOD once a year.
• D. Encourage experimentation to learn from mistakes.

Answer: (A)

Having clear expectations, open discussion, positive modeling, supervision, and knowledge of your child’s friends and routines creates a protective environment that reduces the chances your child will start using alcohol or other drugs. Clear rules give your child a defined boundary and understanding of consequences, which helps deter risky behavior. Open conversations about AOD reduce myths, build trust, and make it more likely your childwill come to you with questions or concerns rather than secrets. Modeling safe behavior matters because children imitate adults; if they see responsible drinking, avoiding high-risk situations, and making healthy choices, they’re more likely to do the same. Supervising activities and knowing routines limits opportunities for risky situations and allows you to intervene early if problems arise. Knowing who their friends are and where they spend time helps you spot influences that could increase risk and plan safer, supportive choices. Taken together, these practices support safer decisions and delay or reduce AOD use.

Other approaches that remove rules, avoid discussing AOD, or encourage experimentation don’t provide the guidance, trust, or monitoring that helps protect children from early or risky use.