Problems Parents Face: Communication and Substance Abuse

Parents face many challenges, but some experts say a lack of communication and substance abuse may top the list.

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By Natalie Travis

Story Created: Feb 3, 2011 at 11:29 AM AKDT

Story Updated: Feb 3, 2011 at 9:30 PM AKDT

Parents face many challenges, but some experts say a lack of communication and substance abuse may top the list.

February marks the beginning of National Parent Leadership Month and as such it's a reminder to celebrate those dedicated to protecting children and to raise awareness of parenting shortfalls.

Alaska's child advocates emphasize the need for parents to effectively communicate with their children.

"I believe that it really starts with positive communication, and the way I believe that we need to help our children navigate the world is by sitting down around the dinner table," said Diane Ogilvie, Deputy Director for Akeela Inc.

Good communication is easier said than done, especially when you're the parent of a teenager.

"One of the ways we suggest to do that here at STAR is to use a shared journal so that a parent can write their teens' questions and the teens can write their questions and they don't have to have that awkward eye-to-eye conversation," said Jamie Bridges, Education Development Coordinator for Standing Together Against Rape.

Dating abuse is another problem parents face with teens.

"We do see the more education we're giving to kids, the more that they are in safer relationships, but it has been a problem here [Alaska] and it continues to be a problem here [Alaska]," Bridges said.

Officials from STAR say parents should watch for controlling and aggressive behaviors as well as threats of self harm which may indicate your child is in an abusive relationship.

"[The] vast majority of our kids are victims of abuse whether it be emotional, physical or sexual. We do see sexual abuse happening to our girls and our boys," said Lauren Rice, Public Affairs for Covenant House of Alaska.

According to officials, 75 percent of the kids who seek refuge at The Covenant House are from homes with parents who are incapable of giving their children appropriate protection and homes with substance abuse.

"They come in [to Covenant House] and they are often escaping very dangerous situations. We really don't have kids coming in that are rebels without a cause, they are coming in because they have no safe place to stay," Rice said.

If you are a parent who needs help or you know of a child in need, call 211 and United Way officials will help connect you with the appropriate services.

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