to get drugs these days. How can I, a parent, protect my child?'' Parents you do have power! Most parents have an incredible influence on their children, despite their worries about the negative effects of peer pressure and pop culture. Parents can use their influence to prevent children from getting involved with alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs.

In Fact, in a 1993 Newsweek survey, youth ages 11 to 17 reported that parents and grandparents have the greatest influence on young people -- more than TV, or movies.

Parents, preventions is more than just a single conversation. Parents need to stay involved with their kids throughout childhood and, especially, the adolescent years. Building a close relationship with young people and providing a positive environment are keys to good child development. That means a strong community, involving schools, churches, sports and businesses and others who contribute to a healthy and safe upbringing.

Yes, it really takes a village to raise a child.

Parents, you have a major role to play in the direction that your child takes.

Sometimes it seems impossible to protect children these days when drugs seem to be all around them, but you do have power and influence.

Parents are asked to remember that young people are asked to make decisions about using alcohol or other drugs at a much earlier age. Here are some tips that can help parents: Twelve tips for helping your child stay drug free according to Pamela Kempe: 1. Accept the role of parent as your responsibility -- let others be their friend.

2. Make parenting a priority -- be there.

3. Educate yourself about the problems facing today's children. They are different from the problems you faced.

4. Give clear messages about expectation. Be specific about how you expect them to behave.

5. Enforce stated consequences when family rules are broken. Children who don't follow family rules today may break society's laws tomorrow.

6. Clearly state consequences or failure to follow family rules. Consequences are not negotiable.

7. Be aware that many in the community put children's buying power above children's well-being. Don't expect the community to reinforce family values.

8. Don't assume that the parents of all your children's friends have the same rules you do -- some have different rules, some have none.

9. Believe that children want rules to guide them. Allow them to paint you as the "bad guy''.

10. Remember that teenagers need parental supervision as much as toddlers do -- it's just a different kind.

11. If necessary love your children enough to let them hate you -- for a while.

12. Know that children are never too big for a hug -- even when they are grown.

It is important for parents to constantly be in communication with their child. Many times adolescents may not wish to talk, but parents must continue to try and reach their child.

Darlene Davis provides five messages and five tips for parents to reach your their children: Research it; learn about drugs and their effects.

Early is better; prevention starts early and often.

Ask; keep communications open.

Consistency; keep you word at all costs.

Help is everywhere parents need other parents to talk to and listen.

Come to me for help first.

Having limits means I love you.

I am always there for you.

Life is better without drugs.

Drugs are wrong and harmful.

DRUGS DGS