Parent Pledge

Encourage good choices by my children and their friends. It is my job as a parent to be an active voice, preparing them to make positive choices for fun during and after their middle and high school years.

Encourage open dialogue with my children regarding drugs, alcohol, relationships, private cyber lives, and other risky areas in our youth culture.

Expect positive relationships between my children and other youth. No bullying, cyberbullying, no illicit photography or videos, no spreading rumors, and no harmful or hateful words about others. I will talk about the mental health consequences that can result. I will endeavor to model positive behavior with my family.

Set expectations for my children. I will know where they are going, who they are with, what their plans are, and when they will return home. I will ask whether there will be drugs or alcohol where they are going and if parents will be at home.

Keep all forms of alcohol and dangerous prescription drugs in a secure storage place, and I will ensure my children know I am monitoring any alcohol I have stored in our refrigerator. I will dispose of unused medications appropriately. 

Actively supervise all gatherings or parties of youth in my home or on my property, and will endeavor to have at least one responsible adult for every 30 youth. I will not allow youth to possess or use alcohol, marijuana, tobacco or other illegal or non-prescribed drugs in my home or on my property. I recognize that youth should not leave gatherings unsupervised and then return.

Honestly and in good faith communicate with any Decatur Parents Network parent of a child I personally observe engaging in risky behavior. If another parent shares a situation with me about my child, I will thank them for the information. I do not want to be judged, and I will endeavor not to judge others.