Bush Recordings Prompt Discussion on Drug Chat February 25, 2005
News Summary
Secretly recorded tapes capture President Bush saying that he would not disclose his past drug use for fear of negatively influencing children, but experts say this approach could backfire, Newsday reported Feb. 22.Prevention experts say the best approach is to talk to kids early and honestly about drug use and its pitfalls. "Don't cover it up, but be honest and straightforward with your children," said Elaine Lederer, director of the Long Island Consultation Center in Rego Park, N.Y.
Bush said in the 1998 discussions with a family friend that he would not answer questions about allegations of past drug use "because I don't want some little kid doing what I tried." Tom Hedrick of the Partnership for a Drug-Free America said parents could use Bush's tacit admission as an opportunity to discuss drugs with their kids.
Children don't need to know all of the details about their parents past use of drugs. But by being honest, parents can offer valuable insight into the allure and dangers of drugs -- and why they decided to stop using, assuming they have. "Do you know how many college students say they got their pot from their parents' stash?" said M. Joann Wright, staff psychologist for Student Counseling Services at Hofstra University. "A lot of times parents are trying to be the cool parents. It's not about you or your reputation. It's about your children's future."
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