Establish and enforce rules against underage drinking. Keep alcohol, tobacco products, and prescription drugs out of the reach of children too young to adhere to such rules. Do not use or store illegal drugs in your home. Avoid exposing others to tobacco smoke and acknowledge that regular smoking is unhealthy. Do not use alcohol if you are pregnant, plan to drive or engage in a physical activity, take medications, cannot keep your drinking moderate, or are a child or adolescent.

Be clear and consistent in stating your expectation that underage youth in your charge will not use alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (ATOD). Let other parents know your views if your children are going to be guests in their homes.

Be aware of the connection between alcohol and other drugs and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS. Make children aware that using alcohol and other drugs can lead to unplanned and unprotected sex. Many drugs, including alcohol and tobacco products, interfere with the body's immune system.

If a family member exhibits signs of an ATOD problem, be prepared to connect them with appropriate help in your area. Know what alcoholism/addiction and ATOD dependence are, and what resources are available to you.

Help children understand that they are not responsible for problems adults experience, that adult behavior while under the influence of ATOD does not necessarily reflect true attitudes; learn what else you can do to help buffer stress for children in this situation and reduce their risk of developing serious problems in their own lives.

Help children and adolescents learn the health, safety, and legal consequences of using ATOD; be sure they understand that alcohol and tobacco are drugs and are as dangerous as illegal drugs.

Model low-risk alcohol use and ask others in your community to do so as well. Be a responsible host.

Model and encourage good health practices: serve balanced and nutritious meals at regular times; plan ATOD-free family activities. Encourage individual expression and creativity and respect for nature and the human spirit.

Be sure children have easy access to a wide range of appealing, ATOD-free, alternative activities and safe, monitored areas where they can gather.

Discuss alcohol and tobacco advertising and marketing with youth. Ask what they think about these messages, whether they understand their purpose, and whether they recognize that these messages do not teach the possible harmful effects of using these products.

Support proposed public policy changes likely to make your community, your State, and the country a safer, healthier, and positively challenging environment. For instance, some communities are placing restrictions on unsupervised cigarette machines. Elsewhere, alcohol sponsorship of athletic, rock music, and community festivals is under scrutiny.

Be a positive role model. Do not engage in any illegal, unhealthy, or dangerous ATOD-use practices; provide an example consistent with your messages to youth.

Provide lots of love, support, and encouragement and help a child learn to do something well.

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