OWN THE UPSIDE

Own the Upside is an initiative of the Drug Free Coalition partnership of Hardee, Highlands, and Polk counties in Central Florida that was founded on a single idea: Celebrate the Positives!

Unfortunately, most people have become accustomed to believing only the discouraging news, or the negatives we see and hear on television and in popular music lyrics. We tend to forget there are some incredibly encouraging positives to celebrate what we call the "Upside."

Data collected through the Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey (FYSAS) tells us that most of our kids don't engage in risky behaviors. Attitudes about abuse are shaped well before our children reach adulthood. We can impact their future now by supporting and investing in prevention programs and services that reduce access, identify risky behaviors, change community attitudes towards alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use, and empower youth to make positive healthy choices.

Let's make it a point to focus on rewarding positive behaviors that will continue to inspire our youth to make smart and healthy decisions.

YOUR ROLE:

Be the BEST role model possible.
Help your kids make smart decisions.
Teach them it's okay to be who they are.
Have dinner as a family regularly.
Involve kids in healthy activities.
Encourage them to hang with friends they trust.
Focus on the Upside.

BE THE BEST ROLE MODEL POSSIBLE

One of the best things you can do to help your child stay avoid risky behaviors is to strive to be the best role model possible. Think about the choices you make and the effect those choices may have on your child. Your wise decisions will provide an example that can empower your children to make healthy choices in their own lives.

HELP THEM MAKE SMART DECISIONS

Talking about potential risky situations before they occur can help your child make the right decisions. For example, talk with your child about underage drinking situations they may encounter at a party. Suggest scenarios and practice role play on how to deal with situations. Discuss what your child might do if they find themselves in such a situation.

TEACH THEM IT'S OKAY TO BE WHO THEY ARE

Children need our attention and support to help develop their self-esteem and confidence. When we help our kids develop self-esteem, we can help them become all they are meant to be. It may be difficult for teens to understand that it’s ok to be themselves. They often feel pressure to be part of a certain crowd.

Teaching your kids to be their own person will help build their confidence level. Teens who are confident in who they are are less likely to participate in risky behaviors such as abusing drugs and alcohol. In fact, some studies now show that acting “cool" does not necessarily lead to being popular.

Help them focus on goals they want to accomplish. Explain that decisions they make today can affect their future aspirations. Remind them that they should be proud to be who they are and continue to reinforce their positive qualities often.

"10 Things" is a fun exercise to help your child become more confident and comfortable with who they are. Sit down together and each of you create a list of 10 qualities you admire about your child. These should be qualities not based on physical traits. Share your list with one another and talk about why you chose the qualities that you did.

PRESENT THEM WITH HEALTHY DISTRACTIONS

Students who are engaged in extracurricular activities are more likely to stay away from drugs, alcohol, and other risky behaviors. Encourage your child to get involved in activities that they feel passionate about or in which they have an interest. Whether it be band, sports, clubs, or student government, help and support them in their search to find where they fit in so that they can become the best version of themselves!

ENCOURAGE THEM TO HANG OUT
WITH FRIENDS THEY TRUST