Now that both of our boys are teenagers, my husband and I often worry about them veering onto the wrong path. While we watch them closely and communicate with them, we can’t always be there. They’re at the ages where they need some space, freedom and the opportunity to hang out with their friends. It’s new and scary territory for us, but instead of keeping them locked up until they’re grown, we allow them to have these experiences and hang out with their friends. Now that doesn’t go to say that we allow them to do whatever they want – no way! We always know where they are, who they’re with and we often have little chats with Big Bro especially, since he’s the one that hangs out with his friends most often. We ask him what his friends are into, what they do and more importantly, if they smoke or drink. Of course the answer is always “no” and for now I’ll trust him on that. But there may come a day where that answer turns to a “yes” and we’ve got a more serious situation on our hands.
With National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence’s Alcohol Awareness Month starting tomorrow, there is no better time than now to talk to your kids about the affects that drug and alcohol abuse can have on families. Serious addictions in this capacity can literally ruin lives and it’s important to be proactive rather that reactive.
At 9am tomorrow, April 1st, an “In My Shoes” exhibit will open at Central Library in Milwaukee. Located at 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., the “In My Shoes” exhibit will be on display in the Schoenleber Reading Room until April 26th and is brought to us by Rosecrance, a non-profit organization who happens to be the leading national provider of treatment for substance abuse of addicts. Rosecrance launched this exhibit as a way for kids to communicate with their parents about the pressures that they’re confronted with at school and with their friends.
?This artwork display will inspire parents to do all they can to support and help prevent any level of substance use among their teens,? said Dr. Thomas Wright, Rosecrance’s Chief Medical Officer. ?Teens want their parents to actively parent and give them guidance, especially in today’s changing social environment.?
Teens are stepping up and want their parents to play an active and encouraging role in their lives. This “In My Shoes” exhibit is a great starting point in the discussion between kids and their parents and will hopefully help parents to understand what it’s like to “walk in their shoes”, in a sense. I mean, I remember what it was like when I was a teen, but times sure have changed, so really, I think this is a great way for parents to get on the same level as their kids and get those important conversations started. As parents, it is our duty to raise our children to be the best people they can be and that starts with communication. No one wants to feel invisible.
My family and I will be personally attending the “In My Shoes” exhibit this weekend and I have no doubt that each of us will take something important away from it. I’m not only excited to see the beautifully painted shoes, but to read the stories behind them as well. Each shoe is unique and tells a visual story of a real teen’s struggles and I know that I will find it inspiring.
In addition to their stop in Milwaukee, the “In My Shoes” exhibit will travel to various cities across the Midwest. Not only will families have the chance to check out the exhibit and read these heart warming stories, but there will be information that parents can take home with them as well. Stay tuned and be sure to stop back next week as I share my personal experience at the “In My Shoes” exhibit.
Have you or someone you love experienced addiction or substance abuse? What was it like for you?