Keep your kids from going down the wrong path.
These days, it's almost impossible to shield your kids from exposure to alcohol, drugs and other temptations. Instead, you can be prepared for those obstacles. Make an effort early to understand how addiction works. Because they will be exposed. They will be tempted. So be ready. It's never too late to start.
Simple Steps for Parenting Teenagers is one page with easy-to-use resources to help you focus on a few things to make a big difference in your kids' lives.
Biblical Parenting to Help Disciple Your Kids is one page with simple resources to help you utilize Biblical principles to raise your kids effectively and safely.
PACES for Parents is an addiction prevention online toolkit. The PACES for Parents program delivers proven, evidence-informed training to equip parents to help kids avoid substance abuse, addiction, anxiety, depression, and related issues. Parents don't need to be perfect, just do their best and be proactive. We can help.
High school kids
try addictive substances.
"We didn't think his problems were that serious."
Americans
experience addiction
"We didn't know what to do."
High school kids
try addictive substances.
"We should have done something sooner."
Here's a sample from
PACES for Parents
– 10 Mistakes Parents Make –
Are you actually promoting bad behavior without knowing it?
Parents want to raise their kids the right way. But many are hampered by some prevalent misconceptions of modern-day moms and dads. Which leads to mistakes parents make that actually promote, rather than discourage, negative behavior traits in their kids. This can increase the odds of teenagers later turning to drugs or alcohol to deal with their issues, because teenagers often use substances to help them address their wants and needs. By correcting these mistakes, parents help their kids develop positive behaviors which will protect them from substance abuse so they live a happier life.
"It's my job to make sure my kids are always happy."
If you give them whatever they want, you give them a sense of entitlement. This can lead to risk-taking and ignoring boundaries. Being a parent includes saying “NO” and teaching your kids to appreciate what they have.
"I want to control their lives so they don't make bad choices."
If you try to manage their lives for them, they won't learn how to do it themselves, which leads to worry. Give them opportunities to make mistakes to grow and mature naturally.
"If I ignore their issues, they will go away on their own."
If you don’t talk about what’s going on in their life, they'll have lack of self-awareness. Talk to your kids about challenges teenagers face and build a supporting environment where they can share their issues with you.
GET HELP NOW!
Being a parent is hard. At STEPS, we understand your worries, because we've been there, and we've worked with hundreds of parents who have been there, too. No matter what is going on in your family, you can protect your kids from addiction and help them lead a happier life.
Increased Awareness
Become more aware of where your teen is heading and the challenges they face.
Deepened Relationships
Strengthen your connection with your son or daughter and be there for them.
Equipped Teenagers
Educate your kids with skills to deal with life issues and situations they may face.
It's hard being a parent, but there are things you can do to help your teen.
At STEPS, our vision is to reach struggling families with addiction prevention information and support materials. These materials, called PACES for Parents, are online products with practical tools and techniques in videos, downloadable documents and worksheets. Use these tools and learn how to protect your teenagers from addictions and help them lead a happier life.
PACES Prevents problems before they occur:
- Preparation - Become proactive and prepared to protect your kids from substance abuse.
- Awareness - Be aware of what your kids are going through and challenges they face.
- Connection - Deepen and strengthen your relationship with your son or daughter.
- Education - Equip your kids to deal with life issues and situations they will face.
- Steps - Build a plan to help them become the man or woman they are meant to be.
We integrate emotional, spiritual, personal, and recovery principles into easy-to-understand steps. As you put these concepts into practice, your child will not only be safer, they will be happier as well!
Our material is based on proven, research-based principles. Parents are busy, so we’ve done the work for you. You can learn practical, how-to techniques at your own pace in the confidentiality of your own home. No matter what is going on in your family, you can protect your child from addiction and help them lead a happier life. So, join us, and become part of the Prevention Movement!
Meet Steve Ward
Creator of STEPS Proactive Parenting
Steve Ward specializes in helping people make positive changes in their life. He is the founder and Executive Director of STEPS Ministries, a nonprofit organization that helps people improve their lives, grow closer to God, and prevent addiction issues from robbing them of the peace, joy, and satisfaction in life. Their primary program is STEPS Proactive Parenting to help families.
Steve knows the effects of addiction too well. He was a functioning alcoholic for years. During recovery, he wrote a book called STEPS: A Daily Journey to a Better Life. He is also the father of a young man who struggled with addiction-related issues. His passion for protecting kids from substance abuse and related issues led to a decade of research on how to help other parents.
Steve is a writer, speaker, teacher, consultant, and coach in the areas of personal effectiveness, emotional well-being, spiritual growth, and the prevention of addiction and relapse. “If you or someone you care about is struggling, I know how you feel, and I want to help. The STEPS team and I are here to serve you and all who are hurting. We love helping parents help their kids.”
TEENAGE ASSESSMENT TOOL
This short questionnaire can help you figure out if your child is struggling. It’ll just take a minute. Isn’t your child worth it?